From Stacy McKee, writer of "Raindrops..."

Originally posted on 9/25/05

I have never been as ridiculously nervous as the moment I handed in my first official draft of "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head."

We're talking sweaty palms, heart palpitations - I was downright petrified. Partly because that's a little of what every writer goes through when they offer up their work for public consumption (and - let's face it - possible ridicule) - but mostly because I was the youngest, least experienced writer on staff at Grey's Anatomy - and this was my very first professional script EVER.

Yeah. I'd group it right up there with that time in third grade when - convinced the math test I was about to take might very well ruin my life - I managed to vomit all over my teacher, my test, AND the cute boy with dimples sitting at the desk right in front of me… (Andrew Montgomery, if you're reading this, I sincerely apologize.)

But (luckily) "Raindrops" didn't face same reception I endured in third grade (meaning - despite my insecurities, there was little reason for me to retreat into my office and hide under my desk) and - in the end, it was pretty incredible watching my episode come to life… both in front of the camera - AND behind the scenes.

I was struck by how even the tiniest detail on the page can have a tremendous ripple effect for the production team… For instance: Peanut shells.

I had written into my description of Joe's Bar in "Raindrops" that peanut shells "littered the floor." Now, except for a brief moment when Joe collapses, we never actually see the bar's floor. The description was, for me as a writer, there to evoke an ambiance - to give an idea of the TYPE of bar Joe would run… But I quickly learned that if it was on the page, it would be on the set.

I'll never forget sitting in our production meeting and discussing how - since the bar's floor was actually carpeted and not exactly visible - maybe I could lose the peanut shells on the floor? No problem, I said - not a big deal. So now, if you read the first line of the script, it describes: "Lighting is dim, bowls of peanuts clutter the counter, dart boards & beer signs line the walls…"

But if you look carefully, the peanut shells did make it onto the counter top.

There I was. Suddenly sitting on set - listening to Patrick Dempsey say lines I had written… in the middle of the night, cameras everywhere, with rain pouring down - not from the sky, but from the rain machine rigged up just for this scene - this scene that I had written. Me - the new kid with butterflies in her tummy and (still) a violent aversion to math tests…

Comments

[P. Feliciano]

The character of Dr. Bailey is so annoying. Some of us who watch this show would rather see her gone or at least make her character without the attitude.

[Genevieve C.]

Personally, Dr. Bailey is one of my favorite characters on the show. She brings an unexpected edge to the cast and makes it not so "white bread" plain. Honestly, if Dr. Bailey is changed or taken off the show I would immediately stop watching and advise everyone I know to do the same.

[Jen]

Oh, congratulations on your first script!!! That is great!

It's a great show. You should be very proud. Kudos!

[renee m]

Why are you putting Dr. Shepherd back with his cheating bitchy wife??? Auggghhh!!! He and Meredith are amazing....why are you doing this???
I love Dr. Burk and Christina, although they don't seem to really be a match. Did last night's episode imply Izzie and Dr. Burk will get together? Thanks.

[Dana]

I love Grey's Anatomy and I never realized how much it takes to write and produce a show like that. I am a writer and I have dreamed of creating a show like Grey's Anatomy. And I wanted to let all of ya'll know that you inspire me.

[beth]

While I enjoy the show, some of the medicine is wrong and scary. 3/5 kids with congenital anomalies/probable chromosomal abnormalities given high association with omphalocoele and hypoplastic left heart and not being discovered prenatally in a women with high risk pregnancy--is kind of crazy. Who checks your medical facts?

[DAVIC]

Every show needs that person that comeS in the middle of the story to make everything more difficult and maybe makes us hate that person. Then comes alone Dr Sheperd (wife) to make everythiNG more complicated for Meredith? But how can you hate this woman, she helps babies and loves the husband. But she helpS BABIES! genious.. i hate meredith now.. she sleeps around. I HOPE YOU GUYS MAKE GOOD STORY LINES FOR THIS WOMAN. EDGY BUT ALWAYS SAVING BABIES!

[DIEGO BEJAR]

To touch people, to grab them and make them say they love the show. It is what writer dreams of and you have done it. I am an inspiring writer for television and i am hoping one day something i write becomes like your show, a total addiction... and if you ever need people with other ideas i would love to be part of it! Southfltrainer@aol.com

[Amanda]

Really cool. I remember when I used to write before I got a day job. Congratulations on your first script. :-)

[Rick McKee]

Stacy McKee, you are a genius!!! (Yes folks, she's my cousin!) I can't wait to see what else you come up with! You make me the whole family SO proud.

xoxoxo
-Rick

[Liz]

I hate Meredith Grey. She's so self-centered. She's too skinny. Why is she the main character. She's so "poor me."

[chairwoman meow]

this is by far my favorite tv show!! i wish it stays on the current time slot, but i think it's being moved to thursday night
:-(. i don't like meredith any more either. she should just let go and let the Shepherds mend their marriage.

[chairwoman meow]

this is by far my favorite tv show!! i wish it stays on the current time slot, but i think it's being moved to thursday night
:-(. i don't like meredith any more either. she should just let go and let the Shepherds mend their marriage.

[sundance kid]

I love the show (and love Meredith). She and Derek are the real reasons for watching (though I love all the other characters, including Bailer, who make the show so rich). Meredith is truly loyal...just screwed up when it comes to men. I wish she wouldn't sleep around so much.

[dklamotta@yahoo.com]

I Must say, this is the most amazing show I have ever seen. I am a stay at home mother who can't wait until thursdays and sundays to watch the show that takes me from reality and whisks me away. The love affair between Meredith and Derrick is unbelievable. My mother and I discuss it for hours on Monday morning. Thank you for taking away reality and bringing incredible romance back to TV.

[Liz]

I just love this show and can never wait for Sunday nights (now Thursdays). Thanks for your great writing and I can't wait for Season 3!

[Tonda]

just remember where you came from. You got a fan base from the first few episodes that were based on the relationship of Mer and Der. WHAT DA'YA DO'N? You've scated off center of what caught us - the steamy relationship of Mer and Der. Plz don't screw it up by letting it go. even if you have to write in moments of passion that are stolen away like the final episode. NOW THAT WAS GREAT! can't she redeem all those who have loved and was not able to have? Can't they be our payback for all the cheating spouses? Can't they get the true love ' fairy tale' that we all dream about? COME ON!

[-letty]

-i love this show.i wish
meredith and dr mcdreamy
had not made love on the
last show. i can't wait
til 3rd season comes out.
best show ever.

[Halla Henderson]

i luv mer!

[Jennifer B.]

I LOVE your show! Amazing writing! I simply cannot wait until Season 3. Meredith & Dr. McDreamy should continue to create more passion between the two of them~why keep two people apart who let the sparks fly! Hurry up Sept. 21st :)

[Jennifer B.]

I LOVE your show! Amazing writing! I simply cannot wait until Season 3. Meredith & Dr. McDreamy should continue to create more passion between the two of them~why keep two people apart who let the sparks fly! Hurry up Sept. 21st :)

[alexa]

I love the show!McDreamy and meredith make a perfect match. he should forget about his wife and go with Meredith.i cant wait 2 buy season 2 and watch season3!!!!!!

[lexi]

I LOVE the show SOOOOOOOOOOO much!Meredith & Dr.mcdreamy r PERFECT 4 each other!!!!!He should just leave his wife and go with Mer!!! HURRY UP SEPT. 21ST!!!!

[Meredith&Derek4EVER]

I really, really, really want Derek and Meredith to get beck together. She is madly in love with him, and he needs to realize that. What happened to those divorce papers? If Addison has any ounce of intelligence, (which she must, she's a doctor,) she'll decide to let Derek go. Maybe you could have Addison elope with Mark or something if you don't want to portray her as a nice person. As for George, I guess I'm okay with his new romance, but he really needs to get a new haircut. And he needs to forgive Meredith once and for all. I'm hoping that the fact that Alex was there for Izzie means that he has learned some compassion. Maybe he could let up on the whole sex thing and try taking Izzie out on a date or something romantic like that. Also, maybe, in light of Burke's injury, Cristina could maybe be a little more, "live for the moment". I love the show, but I'd love it even more if Dr. "McDreamy" Shepard and Meredith could get together. Maybe actually go on a real date or something. Maybe even get *gasp* married. Okay, maybe not that. Still. I would love for them to get together. And for Danny to come back, but that's not gonna happen, I know. I can't wait for September the twentyfirst!!!

P.S.: Do you think it might be at all possible to show a rerun of the season finale. I was out of town when it aired, and didn't see it. I heard about it and all, but didn't see it. Thx

[BabyJ]

I absolutely HATE Meredith. Why can't she just leave the McDreamy and Addy alone?! Guess it's like mother like daughter. Ellis Grey is despicable too. ARGH! Actually, I despise McDreamy as well. Addy's awesome! Bailey's awesome! Burke and Cristina are soooooooo perfect for each other. Burke is the perfect husband.