Falling Forward – Bronwyn Storm
John Vorhaus was a writer for the television show The Wonder Years. If you ever watched the program, saw the character interactions and cheered at the genius dialog, then you’ll know why he’s a favorite writer of mine. He also wrote a book called The Comic Toolbox: How to be Funny, Even if You’re Not, and from the book is (one of) my favorite quotes: “Falling flat on your face is still moving forward.”
John Vorhaus was a writer for the television show The Wonder Years. If you ever watched the program, saw the character interactions and cheered at the genius dialog, then you’ll know why he’s a favorite writer of mine. He also wrote a book called The Comic Toolbox: How to be Funny, Even if You’re Not, and from the book is (one of) my favorite quotes: “Falling flat on your face is still moving forward.”
I’m woman enough to admit I swooned at that quote—and not because I’m hypoglycemic and had waited too long to eat (and it wasn’t ’cause I read the quote, leapt to my feet in delight, and the rapid change in blood pressure left me light-headed.).
Nope, I swooned ’cause it’s a damn good quote.
Okay…so it took me a minute to realize he wasn’t admitting to being a klutz, and we wouldn’t meet one day over coffee at the Clumsy Clinic (off fourth and main, if you’re wondering), where we would exchange stories and compare scars.
Still, the quote held me in its prose-y little grip.
First of off, because it is LITERALLY correct (and I’m ever so literal). Falling on you face is moving forward.
Second, because when you fall, then go to stand/get up, you inevitably take a step (however tiny) forward. So, the quote is doubly correct (cue swoon).
Third, it’s been my experience (expert as it is), that when you fall in the presence of others, someone always comes to help you up. It’s a very cheering thought and comforting fact to know when you fall, you may fall alone, but you’ll rise in numbers.
I love, love, love the idea of falling forward. I like the implied momentum, the idea that if you’re falling on your face, it’s because you’re doing something. You’re taking a risk, trying to reach a goal.
How very heady.
Plus, falling forward implies failing forward, and if you’re failing in the forward-sense, then nothing’s truly a failure. It’s a rush, truly, to know the key to success is effort, not outcome, and the three Ps will always get you that happy ending: perseverance, persistence, and patience…well, that and Polysporin.
Heck, if you’re going to be falling on your face, you’ll need to come prepared…
The Comic Toolbox: How to be Funny Even if You’re Not – John Vorhaus
ISBN-10: 0743201256
ISBN-13: 978-0743201254
About Ethan’s Chase
Still wounded from a disastrous love affair, advertising executive Ethan Phillips has spent the past five years outwitting Cupid with a series of dekes and fakes. Who knew the tricky cherub would get wise?
Rather than piercing Ethan’s heart with an arrow, he douses it with amaretto-flavored milk. A quick visit to the drycleaner and a stern lecture on the dangers of gorgeous, charming women, and he figures he’s made another clean getaway. But when the sexy woman turns out to be Chase Logan, his new systems programmer, Ethan’s got nowhere to run. Suddenly, the man who spent his time running from Cupid, is now looking to borrow a few arrows. Ethan’s ready to give chase and pursue love.
Will he catch the heart of his programmer or just be left catching his breath?
You can buy the book at amazon
Visit the tour page at Pump Up Your Book
Read the Excerpt!
“Ethan?” She whispered his name.
“Yes, I’m here. It’s all right.”
Her sigh content, she snuggled against his chest. He bent his head toward her, fighting emotions quickly transforming themselves from protective to provocative. Chase’s fingers stole along his chest adding fuel to the fire burning within him. She sighed his name; her warm breath fanned against his neck and made his nerve endings sizzle. Her body molded to him, soft, giving, and erotically pliable. Ethan’s hand moved from the small of her back and circled her hips. They pulsed into his touch. In the whisper of his name, Ethan heard her desire and surrender.
I remember watching 'The Wonder Years' and it was rather groundbreaking, wasn't it? The quote is absolutely genius. I'm jotting it down as one to remember.
ReplyDeleteIt really was, wasn't it--sweet and irreverant, timely and endearing, all at the same time. I always remember the episode where Winnie's brother dies in Veitnam, the show with the moon landing--oh, and the one where Kevin's sister announces she's moving in with guy. :-)
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