Welcome to my blog!

March 7, 2008

Hi everyone and welcome to my blog, “Start Talking with Kristen.” We decided to start this blog to hopefully get people to start talking about the issue of teen sex. I've learned so much from Starr's actions (mistakes and all) and I am going to share my thoughts on what she's going through each week. If you're a parent and you're worried about your teenager, talk to them. If you're a teen with questions, don't be afraid to ask. Hopefully Starr's story will get you talking.

A little bit about me: I've played the character of Starr Manning for ten years and like the character, I'm sixteen years old. I've been very lucky to be able to learn some pretty important things from her. Starr's gone through so many things before I have, like her first kiss and now this week, she had sex for the first time. I've definitely taken things slower than Starr and some teens that I've met in my life. I’d like to think that I take a mature approach and think about things before doing them. Most importantly, I've always been fortunate that I could talk to my mom about anything.

About the story: I was shocked when I first heard about what the show wanted to do (Starr and Cole having sex for the first time). I always said that the show wouldn't make Starr have sex because the audience watched me grow up on the show. I thought they'd wait longer. I never thought it would happen so quickly. Then I heard how and where the story was going. Of course, my mom is like my right arm and she was the first person I talked to about it. I was like, omigod, I'm going to do a sex scene. But after talking to Frank (our Executive Producer), he said it wouldn't be promiscuous in any way. It'd be about our emotions.

Taping the scenes, I got down to my bra but it was like a bathing suit. I got to try it on ahead of time and help make the decision. Actually, wardrobe and I agreed on the bra. It was very casual because Starr didn't go over there with the plan to have sex. It was an average day in Starr’s life. They wanted me to be comfortable and I got to be really involved. They closed the set. It was really private. They really took care of me.

Talking about Starr got me thinking about me and I started asking questions. When will I be ready? Who is the right guy? I've always been fortunate to talk to my mom about anything. With teen sex being talked about so much right now with Juno and Jamie Lynn Spears – this is our version, another story on what a teenager goes through about having sex. I think it’s important, especially if it gets parents and teens talking.

Until next week!

XO
Kristen

Start talking with your child or parent with this information provided by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy:

• 60% of sexually experienced teens say they wish they had waited longer to have sex. How did you know when you were ready to have sex for the first time? How does anyone know?
• Teens say that parents influence their decisions about sex more so than their friends, the media, religious leaders, siblings or teachers do. How do you talk about sex in your family?

Comments

[Zach]

The scenes were done beautifully and very tastefully!

[Pam]

I am so proud of you Kristen! Thank you for starting the blog and for sharing such intimate feelings. I'm happy your Mom is right there. To me, it's not right unless it's with the person who is my husband...to share something that can never be taken back. I want to share it with someone who I want to spend my life with. =)Just my hopes and beliefs.

[Ariel]

Well, I think OLTL is smart to do this storyline, especially now. As Kristen said, with Juno and Jamie-Lynn Spears in the news, this is a story that should be done at this point. Soaps are the best shows to do this on, in my opinion. They just go far more in-depth with these stories than primetime shows would. I am looking forward to see where they are going with this (although I think it's pretty self-evident), and if what I think is happening, is going to happen then I am really excited. I'm looking forward to finding out how OLTL will deal with this storyline. It just works out in OLTL's favor that they had a teen couple (Cole and Starr) that has been established for the past year and a half. But thanks for doing this blog, Kristen! It's great to hear exactly how you feel about the topic, considering the storyline is about your character. Can't wait to hear more of your thoughts as the storyline progresses! You are doing a great job, by the way! (and this storyline is my favorite right now)

[OLD FASHIONED IN TN]

I have watched Starr grow up and I was not ready for this turn in her life. I feel that teen sex is shown so much that most teens think that it must be OK if everyone else is doing it.

[Terry]

I think you did a terrific job with the scenes, Kristen. If it gets people to start talking about it, kids and parents alike, then that's terrific. OLTL has always been very responsible presenting controversial subjects, and this is another example of that. Thanks for your blog and for being so open, too, Kristen!! You're a fantastic actress and I've enjoyed watching you grow up on the show. XO

[Shay]

I'm a big fan of your show. I'm just going to laying it out like this, people may agree or disagree. As a teenager, if you are not ready to go out into the world and pay for your food, clothes and board, make important life decisions, without the help of an adult, then I personally feel that you are not ready to engage in an important, serious act as sex. It's more to it than just kissing, touching, rubbing and engaging. A lot of things can result from the act of sex and if you are not ready mentally, emotionally, physically or financially, it's not something you should engage in just yet. It's an important adult situation and if you still have to be guided by your parents/guardian, then you are not ready for such an important, serious act.

[Alicia 27 from PA]

I'm very proud of the idea that they bought teen sex up with Coal and Starr.It's about time they touched on a serious subject again with teens.When I was going thru my preteen years it was GH's Robin and Stone's story that got my attention about how bad Aides was getting It and how it would affect me and my life.Now teen pregancy it getting a lot of attention and since there is so many girls and boys having unprotected sex and babies having babies isn't such a cool thing. They don't realize how mature you have to be to want to have sex. I sometimes don't think we as adults make the right decisions about sex.But they need to get the message out and Think that they are doing a wonderful job at doing it. Keep up the good work OLTL!!!! See the soaps aren't just gossip it's lessons to be learned!!

[Karen]

I am a little disappointed that in this day and age the writers and the show failed to try and promote abstinance. Knowing how impressional teens are, there is nothing wrong with talking to them about waiting. Given the fact that Star's parents on the show have always failed to have an intimate relationship with others for the right reasons, it would have been nice if Blair would have really promoted that option with her daughter.
I guess I am old fashioned !!

[Diha]

I think it's great that you decided to start this blog. I think teenage girls, especially those around your age need more forums like these where they can talk to people their own age and dicuss sex. I also think its VERY important for parents to discuss sex with their children.
I hope you go on to be a role model for those younger than you - I find it so sad that all these girls (Lindsay Lohan, Britney Spears, Jamie Lynn Spear, etc) were at some point someone who others looked up to. I think this is the age of the media, and people in the limelight influence a lot of the teeagers decisions these days -- it is REALLY important to have responsible women for teenage girls to be able to look up to.

[Jeri]

Hi Kristen!! First off, let me say I've enjoyed watching you (and Starr) grow up. I can't imagine any other girl playing Todd Manning's daughter with such attitude and conviction as you do! The scene was soo wonderfully done; you didn't look nervous, as I'm sure you had to be. Its a good storyline; so many girls fall into the trap of having sex way too soon, but the way this played out was believeable and touching. Great job sweetie!!!

[Marcia Gibson 55 yr old mom]

I have been watching this story line closely. I have a 16 yr old son and a almost 14 yr old daughter. My daughter and I have watched it come about together. I have always told them how hormones and emotions can over rule the things we have tried to instill in them. Todds reaction has been intense to say the least and I also think this was a good lesson. Parents aren't always perfect either. Can't wait to see where this is going. Keep up the good work.

[Jana Baur]

Kristen,
I commend you on your acting ability, I have loved watching you grow up and blossom as a beautiful young woman.
As far as the story line, most kids alot younger than you are experimenting even alot earlier than your present age of 16, and I wish the parents out there do take this time to sit their kids down and talk to them about sex, I started my talks with my oldest daughter when she came to me the first time and asked where does babies come from, so unlike alot of her friends, she is still not a mother herself... and I think that knowledge given to her from the get go is the reason for this, she is now 20.
Keep up the good job and thank you for posting here and maybe getting some people talking that otherwise wouldnt have.
Knowledge is Power, and that can keep you safe in today's times with the STD's that kids nowdays have to be concerned about, something my generation didnt have to worry about.
Hugs,
Jana

[stormeevampira]

Hi Kristen,
I have watched OLTL for many years and have watched Starr grow into a smart, resourceful and beautiful young woman. Actually, I was surprised that Cole & Starr had waited as long as they did to have sex. I really applaud the scenes and I like that they talked beforehand. There are sexually active adults that have sex with someone and they are not ready and do not show the level of maturity that Starr & Cole did. I believe Starr put thought into her decision, but I do not believe that she met with Cole that night specifically to have sex. I feel if she had planned to loose her virginity, she would have been prepared and brought a condom. I like the portrayal of Cole as patiently waiting, and questioned if Starr was ready to take this step. Many guys are not as patient and understanding as Cole and would have pressured Starr long ago for sex before she was ready. I look forward to watching the story unfold. Kristen, your acting is outstanding and if you do not win a nomination and an Emmy for Outstanding Younger Actress for your work this year I will be shocked!

[Lisa]

I am the mothe rof a 4 year old. I am hoping I have at least a decade before I have to deal with this. Things are different now than when I was a teen. I applaud OLTL writers, Kristen and Brandon for bringing a very important subject matter to the forefront in a very tasteful way. I look forward to the rest of the story.

Kristen, keep up the great work. I only hope my daughter will grow up as level-headed and responsible as you!

[kg1]

I think we need to give teens more credit. I did not enjoy the scenes betwen Star and Cole, and switched it off when Todd freaked out. We have a daughter who is on track academically, is not a partier, and she is a good kid, managing to not have sex at this age. There are plenty of kids like her,it just doesn't make for good ratings.

[Sara]

How awesome to see a blog for you! I have to admit that I was dissapointed that they had you do a sex scene at such a young age and I wondered what your mother was thinking as she watched it. I have watched OLTL all my life and have kids of my own now and have watched you grow up on the show. I am glad they were as tastefull as possible and that you did do this blog encouraging teens to talk to their parents about sex but I can only hope that all will see this blog and see that you care about early sex prevention. It is very easy to make the mistake of having premarital sex and have more than one partner before you are married and I just hope this does not encourage others your age to go ahead with it and lose their virginity. Thanks for creating this blog and good luck with all you do.
Sara

[Brittney]

Hey Kristen! I'm 16 as well and I just wanted to say how I really admire you. You are so much more mature than most of the people our age (that I know of) and I'd like to put myself in that category as well. I think the love scenes were done professionally and weren't over the top at all. Even kids younger than 16 are having sex already, so the idea that Starr and Cole would make the decision to have sex isn't far fetched, in my opinion.

I can't wait to see what is ahead for my favorite daytime couple. :)

[Linda Podell]

Thank you so much Kristin. I indeed watched you grow up on the show. This blog is truly wonderful. I have a 17 year old daughter and she is waiting. We talk all the time. She's pretty saavy. I've told her about my mistakes and she is actually listening! I hope many people click on this blog. It's the greatest!

Your fan,

Linda Podell
West Hollywood, CA

[Linda P]

Thanks so much, Kristin for this blog. I've indeed watched you grow up into a fine young woman and great actress on the show. I have a 17 year old daughter and she is waiting. We talk all the time and I've told her of my mistakes. She is actually listening! Let's hope this catches on! Communication is the bottom line! A parent has to listen! I'm so proud of you and my daughter, Kara for thinking twice!

Thanks again!

Your Fan!

Linda Podell

[Stephanie]

The scene was done very well. Kristen, you rock, you did an amazing job with the scene. I love watching soaps because they do deal with real life issues and they bring attention to topics that need to be spoken about. Teens need to feel comfortable talking with their parents about sex. It is so important that parents have an open line of communication with their children from when they are very young. Hopefully this storyline will help contribute to the teen sex/pregnancy issue. I look forward to watching where the storyline goes.

[Samantha]

What a fabulous idea for a blog. This will really help viewers understand why the show runners are choosing to do what they are doing.
Yes, it was hard watching Starr (and you, Kristen) in a love scene for the first time (for the exact reasons you mentioned), but I agree - it will get people talking.
One thing I did not understand (and I have not watched Thursday's or Friday's episodes yet, so this may have already been discussed) was if Starr actually had sex. I mean, it was clear it was a love scene, but didn't Starr tell Blair that they didn't do it?
I also find it odd that the show runners took this route because it looked like they were originally gearing up for a Starr/Cole/Langston triangle. If they still went this route, there would be no triangle - the clear outcome would be Starr and Cole.
I know prior to the scene airing rumors were flying that Starr would end up pregnant. I think that had Todd not caught them, this could have been a really controversial and well done story. I think that with Todd’s intrusion, the story is too soapy and scandalous to really hold the message.
I truly hope that the show runners do not take this away from you, Kristen. This past week (even just Monday thru Wednesday) has been some of your meatiest material ever.
Good Luck with the blog. I look forward to reading your weekly entries.
<3
- Samantha

[jeri thomas]

dear starr iam 61yrs old iam sorry i didnt wait before i had sex at 13 yrs old i wish they had a show back in the day to help me out because my mother did not know how to talk to me because her mother did not talk to her back in the day mothers kept there daughters out of there business

[luvvabargain]

I am a 55 year old married mother of three children who are now in their late 20's. I have watched OLTL since I was in high school---the late 1960's. I have rarely missed a show to date... I love the scenes with Starr and Cole and thought them to be logical, emotionally charged, well acted, and so very believable. I like that Starr is sticking up for herself more and that all points of view are represented. I am also relieved that Blair is acting somewhat rational, lending even more dimension to the scenes. I hope that the show enters clips of the aftermath to the Daytime Awards, so that Kristen can get positive recognition for her work and receive a proper award for her fantastic acting ability.

[Kristyl]

First off, to say that the scenes were fantastic and Kristin, your acting has never been better. I could feel the pain welling up inside of you. The rage seemed so very real when Starr came unglued at Todd! You definitely deserve an Emmy in Best Younger Actress...:D...to address the teen sex issue...this isn't your typical storyline prior to the normal teen having sex...as Todd is somewhat of a maniac father to say the least. However, the part about being an overprotective parent is relevent...and that all just backfires and forces the young person into the arms of another. Also, the lack of communication between Todd and Starr (on his part) definitely doesn't help the sitution. Had Todd told his daughter his reasons for needing to move the family to Hawaii and help her with the adjustment by letting her see Cole and asking him to visit in Hawaii...things would have been different. But he was a bonehead LOL...hey, that's Todd, and after all, it is a soap. :D ....AS to the issue of whether or not it's alright to have sex as a teen, in this case, at the age of 16? I can only say that it depends on the teenager's maturity level. I believe that many girls at that age may be mature enough, but not the same with the guys. That causes a problem with state laws regarding consent and/or statutory rape etc. Personally, I feel that if the young person is well informed and communicates well with their parents, uses proper precautions against pregnancy and disease etc...that it their own decision. I became a mother at age 19 and I don't regret it. I got married at age 17...that marriage didn't last, but I don't regret having my daughter, nor do I regret the three beautiful grandchildren that I now have. However, my life was cut short as far as education and possibilities that I could have had by my choices that I made at an early age. I had to return to school later in life...and it was as if I missed the boat. I think it's a good idea to get yourself and your life established before entering into a full time relationship with another person...and I think it's also a really sound idea to be financially stable before bringing a baby into this world if possible. That's my take from life experience and remember, you only go around once. If I knew then what I know now about love, marriage, babies, money...I would have done a whole lot of things differently. I didn't have any guidance from parents, so I am really happy for the young people who have good guidance. For those who don't...seek out help from a school counciler or the like. And Kristin, keep up the great work on the show and in life. Hugs to you and your brother Eddie too! :D From along time fan of OLTL and you! :D Kristyl

[Lisa]

I have been watching OLTL for many years...I have watched you grow up on the show and am grateful for the way you handle things... you are a wonderful influence on teens and parents alike. Thanks for your contribution to the real world we live in today. Bless you all.... ( I love your parents on the show also!) There is definite strength in your family dynamics on the show!