Cheers! Author’s First Novel Getting Rave Reviews
They say writers write about what they know, and Lindsay Moss, BFA ’96, who recently launched her first novel You Made This Drink, You Drink It is living proof – no pun intended – of that truism. Moss, who works as a professional dancer for Disney MGM Studios in Orlando, commented about the premise of her book, “The story is not about a victim, but a survivor, a victor. I like to say I put the funny in dysfunction.”
With wit and humor, and an extra dose of spunk Moss chronicles the trials of headstrong “tell-it-like-it-is” heroine Lexxie Parker, also a professional dancer, as she struggles to plan her wedding with help from a lunatic mother who’s “ready for rehab.” The book has received critical acclaim, and has turned Moss into a local celebrity – she’s been interviewed on television and radio, and invited to numerous book signings and speaking engagements. At an agent’s request, Moss is currently adapting the book into a screenplay, and she was recently asked to pen her own column about sex and marriage for Orlando Style Magazine. Moss has been dancing since the age of six, and keeping journals since age nine. In high school she spent more time dancing than studying which took a toll on her grades. However, after earning a dance scholarship to Jacksonville University, things changed for the better. “I had my own schedule… studied my butt off and was on the dean’s list the whole time. I really focused,” she said. “The Harvard of the south” is how Moss and friends referred to JU. “We had the beach. And the dance studios overlooking the valley were beautiful.
It felt like a finishing school,” she said. How apropos that Moss, who “lived at the studio,” also remembers that one of her favorite classes was a course about sex and marriage. As a dance major and creative writing minor, Moss is relishing the success she has achieved in both worlds. Her career has taken her around the globe, including Japan where she did a seven month stint at Tokyo Disneyland. She’s still in awe that she gets paid for doing what she loves – dancing. And knowing that she “can’t dance forever” Moss said she can easily transition from entertainer to writer – doing something else she loves. It’s tempting to say that talent – and chutzpah – landed Moss where she is today. There’s no denying she has a ton of both, but on her website at www.youmadethisdrink.com, Moss said, “I loved college and it forced me to go after my dreams and work hard for what I wanted out of life.” Moss’s hard work is definitely paying off. She is happy to be where she is today, and wouldn’t change a thing in her past. Now, she wants to reach out to others who can relate to her story and laugh with her. Story by Olga Bayer
New Judge Takes Memories of JU to the Bench Many Jacksonville University graduates go on to successful careers outside of Duval County, but newly elected Circuit Judge John Merrett ’81 is making an impact here at home. When asked about the path to his success, Merrett credits his experience at JU. “Going to JU gave me a big advantage to get where I am today,” Merrett said. With a double major in history and English, Merrett fondly attributes Dr. Walker Blanton, a history professor, and Dr. Wayne Hamm, an English professor, as early influences in his academic career. “The vast amount of information a person can acquire because of the JU faculty helped me in my life goals,” Merrett recalled. Following JU, Merrett graduated with honors from Florida State University Law school in 1986. Returning to Jacksonville,
he began his legal career by serving under then-Duval County State Attorney Ed Austin and later with current Duval County State Attorney Harry Shorstein. With stints in private practice in between, Merrett acquired the qualifications that helped him get elected to the circuit judge position by a 57 percent margin in November. Though the job has been more exhausting than he initially expected, Merrett is content on the bench and pleased with the experience JU offered him more than 20 years ago. “There are few things I can’t recall historically thanks to Dr. Blanton,” he said. “JU is the most underrated school in the nation with regard to my experience with bigger schools,” Merrett proudly stated. The Wave | Spring 2007 29