June 22, 2007

Gone With the Wind

Written by Shana in Writers and Writing

I was in Atlanta over the weekend and finally got to do something I’ve been wanting to do for years: visit the Margaret Mitchell house.

House
Margaret Mitchell House

I wanted to go last year when the RWA conference was in Atlanta, but I was never able to get out of the hotel—too busy! So when we had to travel to Atlanta again this year, I told Ultimate Sportsfan that we couldn’t miss our opportunity this time.

Of course, USF didn’t feel as though he’d missed his opportunity last time, but then, he’s not a big Gone With the Wind fan. In fact, not only has he not read the book, he’s never seen the movie.

GWTW
Never even seen the movie!

Obviously I am a bad wife because I have yet to remedy that oversight, and I own the movie.

The Margaret Mitchell House was interesting but not overly impressive. When Mitchell lived in the house, it was divided into several small apartments. She lived on the basement level. The quarters were cramped, and I can’t imagine how she got much writing done in that space—much less a masterpiece like GWTW. So I guess that just goes to show us that we don’t need fancy chairs or big desks or computers to write a good book. We just need passion and persistence.

I’m in the mood to give something away, so comment on this blog–something about your favorite movie or book or museum or whatever. I’ll pick a winner first thing tomorrow morning and send that person a signed copy of GOOD GROOM HUNTING.

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29 Responses to “Gone With the Wind”

On June 22nd, 2007 at 6:17 am
Karen H in NC Says:

Well, my favorite book/movie of all time is GWTW (followed closely by Dirty Dancing). I read the book in 1962 but, believe it or not, I had a hard time getting past the first chapter and set it aside. That same year, the film came back into the theaters for the first time since its original showing. After seeing the movie, I went back and read the book in 2 days and enjoyed every word.

Check out my space for my own tribute to GWTW…

http://www.myspace.com/karenhinnc
On June 22nd, 2007 at 7:08 am
Buffie Says:

Oh, I wish I had know you were in Atlanta — that’s where I live. Isn’t it amazing how we conjure up imagines in our minds of how people live and work and then reality is nothing like our imagination.

I hope you enjoyed your visit to Atlanta. Just ignore the drivers!
On June 22nd, 2007 at 7:14 am
Theresa N. Says:

I wish I could say my favorite movie was GWTW or something else just as romantic or literary. But no it’s.. FUNNY FARM, a comedy. It makes me laugh every time and I love the cozy scenery.
On June 22nd, 2007 at 7:36 am
Shana Says:

Oh, the Atlanta drivers weren’t bad at all, Buffie. The traffic wasn’t much different than Houston’s. It was a lot less humid, though. It actually felt nice outside in the morning and early part of the day.
On June 22nd, 2007 at 7:45 am
Kimberly Says:

I loved Gone With the Wind. I also loved King Arthur and Troy. It’s also hot and humid here. Hope it rains today. That’s the bad part about summer here we don’t get alot of rain.
On June 22nd, 2007 at 8:09 am
Stacy S Says:

My all time favorite is Wizard of OZ. My mom’s favorite is Gone With The Wind. We had to watch that movie countless times as kids.
On June 22nd, 2007 at 8:10 am
RobynDeHart Says:

I might get kicked out of the romance world for admitting this, but I don’t like GWTW. Despite her pluck and resiliance, I don’t think Scarlett is a likeable character. So I’ve just never been a fan. But Jane Austen I adore. Favorite book is a tie between A Rose in Winter and The Windflower - I mean as far as romance goes. Glad you finally got to see it though, Shane.
On June 22nd, 2007 at 9:02 am
Shana Says:

We won’t kick you out of the romance world, Robyn. I don’t really consider GWTW a romance. Not a traditional one, in any case.
On June 22nd, 2007 at 9:07 am
Crystal B. Says:

My favorite movie is Dirty Dancing. I can watch it over and over.
On June 22nd, 2007 at 9:31 am
Laura Says:

You don’t have to count my comment because I’ve already read Good Groom Hunting (and loved it, by the way) but I wanted to say, I went to Margaret Mitchell’s house last year during National. I loved that she wanted to live in such a small place so that she had no place to put any company. . . they’d have to stay at a hotel. :o)

Oh, and my favorite movie is When Harry Met Sally.
On June 22nd, 2007 at 10:09 am
Haven Rich Says:

That is a beautiful house, but I’m greedy and would want the entire thing to myself (well my family).

My husband watched GWTW with me, for the first time, and he actually liked it. He even went on to watch Scarlet…all in one sitting. Ok, like we had breaks but you get the idea lol.
On June 22nd, 2007 at 10:18 am
Shana Says:

Haven, your husband is definitely a keeper–as I’m sure you know!

Laura, I liked the story about how she always wanted to live in apartments, too. She didn’t like houseguests and that gave her an excuse to send them to the hotel I’ll still count your comment because if you win the book, I’ll sign that copy to you and you can give your copy to a friend!
On June 22nd, 2007 at 10:21 am
brownone Says:

My favorite is the “Pirates of the Carribean” series. Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom…nuff said..Oh, and ditto on Troy! I don’t know, I just can’t seem to pin down an exact favorite, I loved “Match Point”, “Love, Actually”, “Pan’s Labyrinth”, “Borat”…who can pick just one?
Oh…my husband hasn’t seen GWTW yet either. He said he has no desire to. Unless someones brains are being blown open by and uzi or stabbed to death, he’s not interested!
On June 22nd, 2007 at 11:02 am
Cherie J Says:

I would have to say my favorite movie is Pride and Prejudice which also happens to be a favorite book. It is a classic romance that I can read or watch over and over and not get tired of.
On June 22nd, 2007 at 11:18 am
ladydawgfan Says:

I also loved GWTW when I saw it. Of course, I also love other romantic movies - Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Ever After, Ladyhawke, etc. However, last night, I chanced upon “Firelight” with Sophie Marceau on Comcast’s free movies on demand channel. What a great movie!!! And a HEA to boot!! Yet another that I’m gonna have to add to my DVD collection.

BTW, I was also in Atlanta this week. Unfortunately I was at the airport, and then only long enough to rush through to my connecting flight.
On June 22nd, 2007 at 11:26 am
Dorothy Says:

I’m with Robyn. I don’t particularly care for GWTW. Sorry I don’t have an actual ‘favorite’ movie or book. There are just too many to choose from. When I’m pinned down to having to choose, my favorite movie is CASABLANCA. One of my fondest memory is of reading THE BOXCAR CHILDREN when I was younger. I read it over and over again.

Shana, I’m glad you got to finally see Margaret Mitchell’s house. And you thought it was less humid in Atlanta?!? WOW, now that’s saying something because I thought Atlanta was really humid the times I have visited. Must be the asthma, huh?
On June 22nd, 2007 at 11:43 am
Clarisse Says:

I will go with Dorothy on Casablanca as favorite movie but congratulations on seeing Margaret Mitchell’s home. I do love Scarlett and GWTW and I so believe that the next day she is off to convince Rhett that she loves him and that no matter how stubborn he is, she eventually will wear down his resistance. Cause he may say he doesn’t give a damn, but he still does. And she just finally realized that she really did love him all these years.
On June 22nd, 2007 at 1:37 pm
Lois Says:

Ah, is it okay to mention I never read GWTW, nor saw it either. . . and when I caught part of it on tv, it just wasn’t catching my interest? LOL I was going through the channels and I said to myself, I know that guy. . . it’s was a color version of Leslie Howard from the Scarlet Pimpernel. Very different.

Anyway, oh gee, favorite movie - Star Wars III and V, I’ll go with. But purely romance, P&P 1995, thank you very much!

And I was in Atlanta once — as a changeover from Newark to Columbia SC.

Lois
On June 22nd, 2007 at 1:46 pm
Maureen Says:

Gone With the Wind is a favorite movie of mine. I enjoy watching Scarlett change during the movie, becoming a real heroine by the end.
On June 22nd, 2007 at 2:15 pm
Mary Says:

I love Gone With The Wind and Scarlett’s undaunted confidence that she can prevail over everything. One of my favorite scenes is when she’s being mocked by the man who says he’ll buy Tara when she can’t pay the taxes and she throws dirt in his face and says, “That’s all of Tara you’ll ever get.”

It’s wonderful that you got to see Margaret Mitchell’s home!

Mary
On June 22nd, 2007 at 2:55 pm
Paula Says:

My favorite movie of all time is Auntie Mame. I know it’s not a romance, but it is still a great movie. I laugh and cry every time I watch it.
On June 22nd, 2007 at 3:23 pm
catslady Says:

I loved the book and enjoyed the movie (Rhett Butler yum). I have like a top 15 when it comes to movies but if I had to pick just one I am going to say “Forever Young” with Mel Gibson - it makes me laugh and cry which is what I consider the ultimate for a book or movie. And I love the soundtrack which is usually a must for my favorite movies.
On June 22nd, 2007 at 4:12 pm
Janelle Says:

Hm, my favorite book is The Ground Beneath Her Feet, by Salman Rushdie. I went to New York and (even though the book takes place in an alternate universe) soaked up the atmosphere. It was wonderful.
On June 22nd, 2007 at 6:01 pm
Joyce Says:

I took a tour of the actual farm house used in the movie Witness. It was quite interesting.
On June 22nd, 2007 at 6:26 pm
Kimmy Says:

I thought of a few more good movies
While You Were Sleeping,Robin Hood,Last of the Mohicans,When a Man Loves a Woman. There are just so many good movies. I actually love watching the older movies. I hope it’s okay to come back and post. My favorite books are mostly historical romance and there are just too many of those to even try to list. Hope everyone has a great weekend.
On June 22nd, 2007 at 8:08 pm
Christy H. Says:

My favorite movie is Groundhog Day ~ “I was in the Virgin Islands once. I met a girl. We ate lobster and drank pina coladas. At sunset we made love like sea otters. *That* was a pretty good day. Why couldn’t I get that day over and over and over…”
On June 23rd, 2007 at 1:19 am
Teresa W. Says:

I have to admit that I have never seen GWTW. My favorite movie of all time would have to be A Star is Born with Barbara Streisand and Kris Kristopherson. Love it I don’t know how many times I’ve seen it!
On June 23rd, 2007 at 5:48 am
Pat L. Says:

Beautiful House.

Gone with the Wind, A Walk to Remember, Giant. Too many to list.

Happy w/e.
On October 13th, 2007 at 9:08 pm
Love Actually Soundtrack Says:

Hi…Thanks for the nice read, keep up the interesting posts..what a nice Saturday

June 22, 2007

Gone With the Wind

29 Responses to “Gone With the Wind”

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