How freaking cool are Writers?

You know, until I began writing for real-zies, I never truly understood what writers actually do…That we are pretty much everything.

Movies. TV. Music. Commercials for dandruff and hemorrhoid cream. You name it. And somewhere behind all the makeup and hair spray…Is a writer.

Kinda blew my mind for a bit.

Now, we writers…we don’t get all the glam and glory. And yes… most folks take their Oscar night potty-breaks during the screenplay awards. But for me- I am constantly astonished by how the world just would not work without us.

Case in point.

Last night  I watched one of my favorite–and very clever–new TV shows.  NEW GIRL stars Zooey Deschanel, and a vibrant (and hilarious) ensemble cast. I love the show. It’s loopy and fresh. But mainly, I love it because in nearly every episode, there is one or two amazing, quirky lines that make you laugh out loud. (a rare thing in this TV age).  They are often so subtle, if you blink you’ll miss them. And that would be such a shame.

There’s a whole slew of people with writing credits on this show, but I’m willing to bet that it’s one of them in particular who weaves in these gems that are just delightful. I bet that group has coffee spurt out of their noses on a regular basis.

Here is a couple of stellar examples:

The nebbish Nick Miller is down in the dumps over his financial situation. (He has a credit score of 250 and was just turned down for a pay-as-you-go phone) He’s a free-spirit who don’t wanna be one.. He tries to blame all his woes on corporate greed and rich folks. But when roommate Jess (Daschenel) meets a rich single father, Russell, (who–btw, is played by the uber-yummy Dermot Mulroney),  he’s suddenly overcome with lust for the finer things.

There are lots of terrific, witty lines in this show, but last night’s was cake. Moist, dense and luscious.

At a party, Nick stumbles into Russell’s office, grumbling of the inanity of the weathy.  Instantly he’s overcome with adoration even though he hates himself for it.  Nick lounges in the butter-leather chair, strokes the mahogany desk, and is even wrapped up in Russell’s sweater, when the man himself walks in.

Nick, flustered, tries to explain.

Nick:   I don’t know why I put it [the sweater] on. I just came in here and it smelled like Shakespeare — if Shakespeare were a damn cowboy — and a hawk’s nest and boat fuel and cigars and bourbon. Man stuff!

Then: My favorite:  The BEST line I’ve heard on  TV in just…forever. I’m eaten up with jealousy over this jewel.  In two sentences, it describes how Nick views Russell is the most unique and vivid way.

Nick–an affirmed straight guy–pleads with Jess to go out with Russell.

Nick: And this might complicate things, but I think I’m in love with him. He smells like strong coffee and going to see a man about a horse.

It gave me a whole new outlook on description.