Monday, December 15, 2008

GCC Author Interview and Book Giveaway: Melissa Clark

I'm so thrilled to be bringing you my very first Girlfriends Cyber Circuit interview, and it's a good one! Today, we've got the wonderful Melissa Clark with us. Melissa is the creator and executive producer of the award-winning television series, 'Braceface', and has written for shows on the Disney Channel, Cartoon Network and Fox. She received a master's degree from the writing program at U.C. Davis, and currently lives in Los Angeles.


Melissa has generously offered to giveaway one copy of her debut novel, SWIMMING UPSTREAM, SLOWLY. To enter, just post a comment in the comment section below!

Winners will be announced next week. But now, let's get to the questions!

1. Tell us about your most recent novel in 25 words or less.

Sasha Salter is pregnant, only she hasn't had sex in over 2 years. Doctors have diagnosed her as harboring a 'lazy sperm' and she must now trace her love life to figure out who the father is. (Uh oh, I'm bad at math)

2. When did you first begin writing?

My dad is a writer, so I was always playing on his typewriter and writing on legal steno pads. I wrote short stories from the time that I could write. In my late 20's to mid-30's I worked as a writer in television. I created a kid's show called "Braceface" which ran for 5 seasons. I loved that experience, but really wanted to write a novel, so I quit my own show and set out to write "Swimming Upstream, Slowly." It was the best risk I've ever taken!

3. Where do you find inspiration for your work?

"Swimming Upstream, Slowly" was born because I was having lunch with a friend and overate. I lifted my shirt to expose my bloated belly and the friend said, half joking, "Are you sure you're not pregnant?" and I said, "Yeah, right, from a lazy sperm." I went home that night and started outlining it for a movie. I decided, eventually, to write it as a novel instead.



4. What are you working on right now?

I JUST finished my second novel last week. It is another medical anomaly type of story, but more of a coming-of-age. It is at the agent's now and I am on pins and needles waiting for her call!

5. What are you reading right now?

I just started "Bright, Shiny Morning" by James Frey (author of the infamous 'A Million Little Pieces') because a friend said he read it in a 24 hour period and I was just so curious as to what grabbed his attention. So far it's pretty good, but I don't think I'll finish it in 24 hours!

Wanna win a free copy of Melissa's book? Just post a comment here and you're entered to win!

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Hey, girlfriend!

Well, I am just so, SO thrilled to announce that I'm going to be joining the Girlfriend Cyber Circuit. What's that, you ask? Well, I'm glad you did! The Girlfriend Cyber Circuit, or GCC for short, is the brain child of the wonderful Karin Gillespie and it's basically an online tour for fabulous female authors.

It's so amazing to be part of something so supportive and positive. You often encounter writers who are competitive or unwilling to share advice and it's so nice to be part of a community that's all about pushing women forward by supporting each other.

Each month, I'll be posting author interviews and book news from the GCC. Who knows, I may even throw in a book giveaway or two, since you know that I love free books!

The fabulous ladies that I'll be joining are:


So, please, go check out their blogs. And look for lots of author interviews to come! Doncha just love making new friends?!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: MJ Rose

We are so thrilled to have the fabulous MJ Rose here today, talking about her latest novel, THE MEMORIST. Not only is MJ a kick ass author, but she is also the creator of one of the publishing industry's most influential blogs, Buzz, Balls and Hype, as well as Author Buzz, the marketing program for authors.

But today it's all about MJ and her writing. So, without further ado, let's ask MJ some questions!


1. Tell us about your most recent novel, THE MEMORIST, in 25 words or less.

Suspense.
Reincarnation.
Mystery.
Mediation.
Israeli Journalist.
False Memories.
Vienna.
Beethoven.
1812.
Murder.
Binaural Beats.
Ancient Flute made of Human Bone.
Jewish Indiana Jones.
Historical Thriller.

[MJ: You had me at Jewish Indiana Jones. You had me at Jewish Indy....]

2. How do you fight writer’s block?

I honestly believe writer's block comes from a few things:
A: Not knowing your characters well enough and rushing into writing the book before you've gotten them under your skin and done enough research.
B: Writing what you know instead what you want to know about because unless you're amazingly fascinating you'll get through what you know by book 2 or 3 and then what will you do.

Once I figured that out that stuff I haven't suffered dreaded writer's block.

3. What is your favorite part of writing? Least favorite?

Third and fourth drafts are my favorite. I can just keep nuancing the work and the hardest part is done which leads me to least favorite - the first draft is so damn tough. I'm not a good outline person.


4. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Don't give up your day job. Only write because you love it so much you think you'd go crazy if you couldn't do it. Spend at least 25% of your advance on marketing.


5. How do you usually begin your stories—with a character or with a plot?

With a plot—more like a "what if" and then I have to have the title. Then I spend three months working on the main character and doing research.


Thanks for coming by, MJ! If you'd like to find out more about MJ Rose, check out her website. And if you'd like to enter to win a copy of THE MEMORIST, check out our book giveaway, going on right now!

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

One more week!


One more week until Another Holiday Book Giveaway is over! So, what are you waiting for? Enter now! And get even more entries by emailing 5 friends about it, and/or blogging about it!

Monday, December 8, 2008

Friday, December 5, 2008

Reading is fundamental....


What they say about those Manhattan kids is true: they really do learn everything before other kids. This little one already has figured out how to read and has GREAT taste in books, to boot! (I hope someone tells her that there's a sequel to that book she's reading....)

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Holiday Buzz!

What could possibly make a better gift this holiday season? Yes, I know, finances are tight and times are tough for everyone, which is why the answer to that question is easy: Give books!

And now genius book marketer MJ Rose has come up with a fabulous campaign for the holiday season. The idea is to post blog ads that advertise the fact that books make great holiday gifts. At under $15, you can't buy enjoyment for less!

So, she got a bunch of her author friends together and created a massive campaign that you'll see on all of your favorite blogs: PerezHilton, Dlisted, you name it! Overall, the campaign will result in 500 million - that a 1/2 billion - impressions altogether over the 31 days of the campaign. See, I told you she was a genius!

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and buy some books!

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Secret agent man

Since I'm asked so frequently about how to get an agent, I thought I'd blog about it today.

The first thing you need to know—the thing that most people don't want to hear—is that for a fictional novel, you have to have your whole book written before you can even begin to query agents.

So, get your manuscript in great shape—go to writing classes, attend workshops, and get yourself into a writing group in order to get your book in fighting shape. But, really, if you think about it, that's the fun part. Then the real work begins:

You'll need to start with a reputable guidebook—I suggest Writer's Market in my Mediabistro class, but I’ve also heard that Jeff Herman’s guide is quite good, too. Read the section in the beginning about how to write a query letter and the etiquette of querying agents. All of that stuff is key—it’s just like applying for a job. Just because they are agents doesn’t mean you can be any less professional in your communications.

I'd also suggest using mediabistro.com to back up your book research. You need to be an Avant Guild member of mediabistro to access their content on "How To Pitch An Agent" content but in my experience, it was worth it.

Last but not least, you should also do internet research on each and every agent you plan to query. (Specific agent, that is, not merely the agency, although you should research the agency, too!)

Remember that you should never pay an agent to read or review your work. Agents get paid by selling your work and then taking 15% of the sale and royalties.

Allison Winn Scotch’s blog, Ask Allison, has *amazing* info on finding agents (she's also on myspace). Read the links starting from the oldest. Her advice is really spot on.

She also does a q and a, so you can email her if you have specific questions.

Allison also has a bunch of incredibly informative blog posts where she talks about her own personal experience, so check them out.

If you prefer your advice with a bit of attitude, check out Miss Snark. She no longer updates the blog, but the archives are invaluable.

This website breaks down how to write a query letter.

And this blog post offers great insight on advances and how an author earns royalties.

I wish you the best of luck. Now, get back to writing!

Friday, November 28, 2008

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Ophira and Tali Edut, The AstroTwins

Today we're chatting with the Astro Twins, Ophira and Tali Edut. I'm so thrilled that they're here today, since their latest book, The The AstroTwins' Love Zodiac: The Essential Astrology Guide for Women is now out in bookstores! Enter to win a free copy in our Holiday Book Giveaway!

And now, without further ado, I give you the Astro Twins!


How did you first get into astrology?

We first discovered astrology when we were 21, studying art at the University of Michigan. A friend printed out a comprehensive chart based on our time, date and place of birth, and it was bizarrely on point. We were like, how on earth can anyone know so much about us? Being naturally curious yet a little skeptical, we wanted to see if this was a fluke or if there was something more to it. We started doing our friends' charts and were shocked by how many accurate details and insights there were. From there, we began reading and learning everything about astrology and it unfolded from there. We were hired to write a column for Teen People, then a bunch of others followed: MyLifetime.com, Brides.com, Hellokitty.com, and Sirius Radio. We now do horoscopes for over 50 million people a month.

What are some celebrity couples that will last/ won’t last because of their zodiac signs?

It’s really a matter of timing…what’s in the stars that month or year. For example, Jennifer Aniston is an Aquarius and she’s highly compatible with Libra John Mayer. However, next year Jupiter will be in Aquarius, making Jennifer more independent. She could be dumping him for a change! That said, our money is on Reese and Jake (Aries and Sagittarius, compatible Fire signs). There could be trouble in paradise for Mariah Carey (Aries) and Nick Cannon (Libra) later in the year, when Saturn moves into Libra, her relationship sector. She could start to get a little paranoid about the age difference, and he may have an identity crisis, like “How the heck did I end up here?”

What is Chinese astrology and what does it have to do with the zodiac that most of us are familiar with?

It corresponds with Jupiter, which moves once a year. So every January or February, the Chinese calendar changes and a different animal, and that’s what you’re born under. It’s actually fascinating, and we’ve become obsessed with it over the past few years. (You can read about your Chinese horoscope on our website)

Can you tell someone’s sign just by looking at them?

A lot of the times, yes—and if not, we know after asking a question or two. Sometimes, your ascendant (“rising sign”) is very different than your Sun sign, and can make you resemble a different sign. For example, we’re Sagittarius, but with a Capricorn rising, which makes us come across as more serious and business-focused than the typical Sag. You can actually do a free sample chart on our site and find out your whole chart.

How far into a relationship should a woman find out her partner’s zodiac sign?

As soon as possible! We like to say that a lot of women accidentally do the wrong thing with the right guy. We broke our book up into the various phases of a relationship, so there are very specific “start-up” tips for what each guy is like on a first date, how he courts you, how you know he’s into you, and how to prepare for his first home visit or meeting his parents.

Should you break up with someone if you learn that your zodiac signs are not compatible?

Absolutely not. In fact, we don’t follow any rules there at all. We believe that any match can work with a combination of self-awareness and acceptance. Sure, some may require a little more flexibility and compromise. It’s really everyone’s choice. Easy isn’t always best. Sometimes, dating a person very different from you can spur amazing growth because you’re forced to look at yourself.

How will this book help women in their dating lives? Will married women benefit from the book?

Women in any phase of a relationship—single, dating, or married—can get a ton of practical advice from this book. It’s a 450-page guide to the men of every sign. Each chapter gets really in depth about what makes them tick. It was written to help women understand any man, be it your husband, boyfriend, brother, father, son, friend, coworker…you name it.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Happy thanksgiving!

Hope you all have a great day today! And what could make the day better than a box filled with 8 fabulous signed books?! Now that's something to be thankful for!

xoxo
brenda

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

Thanks so much to everyone who entered our Holiday book giveaway! Congratulations go out to Jennifer Woiccak from Binghamton, New York, who won the box filled with books. Jennifer, come and claim your prize!

Didn’t win? That’s okay! We had so much fun giving books away, we’re doing it again!!! (And if you’ve already entered, well, then thanks and good luck!)

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Another holiday book giveaway!

We had so much fun giving away books that we're going to do it again!

Since books are the perfect gift to give this holiday season, we're offering you another ch
ance to win a box full of books. The winner will get signed copies of all of these fabulous reads:


THE ASTRO TWINS LOVE ZODIAC:
THE ESSENTIAL ASTROLOGY GUIDE FOR WOMEN
by Tali & Ophira Edut
JACK WITH A TWIST
by Brenda Janowitz

SCOT ON THE ROCKS
by Brenda Janowitz
MAGIC AND THE MODERN GIRL
by Mindy Klasky

WIFE GOES ON
by Leslie Lehr

CITY DOG
by Alison Pace

THE MEMORIST
by M.J. Rose

TIME OF MY LIFE
by Allison Winn Scotch

To enter, just email brenda@brendajanowitz.com and write “Another holiday book giveaway” in the subject line. You must be a subscriber of the www.brendajanowitz.com mailing list to enter.

Want extra entries? Post a blog entry about this giveaway and/or email five friends about it. For each blog entry and each email you send out, you'll get another entry to win!

Winners will be announced on December 16. So what are you waiting for? Enter today!

Friday, November 21, 2008

DONNA MARTIN GRADUATES!



I've been watching the new 90210, and it's made me so incredibly nostalgic for the original 90210. My husband sent me this clip and it just cracked me up! How did the actors actually keep straight faces when they filmed this?! It's so ridiculous, so campy, that it's-- dare I say-- brilliant!

It made me think of some of my favorite teen shows (Gossip Girl, anyone?!) and what happens when they graduate high school. I mean, WHY did they let Donna Martin graduate? Dylan clearly states that if Donna Martin doesn't graduate, summer school registration will break records. So, in that case, if Donna Martin didn't graduate, no one else would.

But for a show like 90210, wouldn't it have been a GOOD thing if no one ever graduated? Aren't all of these shows waaay better when the kids stay in school (which, for any kids reading my blog out there, is a really good message-- stay in school, kids!!!)? The shows are always at their best when the cast is still in high school. I'm genuinely worried about what will happen when Serena and Blair graduate come May!

So, Josh Schwartz, listen up-- if someone gets drunk at the prom, put your foot down and keep everyone in school for one more year. Really, it's for the good of everyone involved.


Thursday, November 20, 2008

Reading is fundamental....





The family that reads my books together, stays together.....

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

One more week!



One more week until my Holiday Book Giveaway is over! So, what are you waiting for? Enter now! And get even more entries by emailing 5 friends about it, and/or blogging about it!

Monday, November 17, 2008

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

The contest winners have been announced!!! Thanks so much to everyone who submitted entries to Chick Lit Gurrl's fabulous contest, Why do you love Chick Lit? Big congratulations go out to:

Penny Venable from Colorado,

Lydia Heath from Wisconsin, and

Carlie Sherwood from Louisiana

who won signed copies of JACK WITH A TWIST! If you'd like to see the wonderful essays that won the prize, check out Chick Lit Gurrl's wonderful website.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

BIG time

First it started over at Trashionista, when the lovely ladies over there posted a video clip of the incomparable Meg Cabot. (Okay, how much do we love Meg Cabot?!)

Then, Allison Winn Scotch continued the discussion over on her blog, Ask Allison (and if you're not reading her blog, um, why not?!). Allison talked about having a BIG idea for your book (yes, all caps, please!) and why it's important to think about high concept ideas for your fiction (well, at least the fiction you're hoping to sell, anyway).

I broadened the discussion out to my Mediabistro class, and we talked about what makes an idea "high concept," or as Allison puts it: BIG! And, for me, there's no better example than Allison Winn Scotch's latest, TIME OF MY LIFE. TOML is the story of a woman who gets caught up in the what-ifs of her life, and finds herself seven years in the past, able to fully explore the what-ifs, and take the path not taken.

Talk about a BIG idea! First of all, it's easily explainable. Also, it's the sort of book that would be perfect for a book club-- it will generate lots of discussion and will bring up some really serious issues for people: What if I married someone else? What if I never quit that job?

And, most importantly, can't you just see the movie now?!

The book is really resonating with lots of people out there who can relate to the idea of having lots of what-ifs in their lives. I read the book and gobbled it up. I absolutely loved it and would recommend it to anyone-- even those of you out there who don't think about what-ifs (I personally don't-- I try to just look ahead). The writing is so smart and thoughtful, you can't help but fall in love with this book.

I guess that's why it just made the New York Times bestseller list!

Other writers who I think deal in BIG ideas are Jodi Piccoult, Emily Giffin, and Sophie Kinsella. What are some BIG books and what makes them high concept to you?

Monday, November 10, 2008

What's in a name?

Naming characters can be an art....  and also a bit complicated.

I've got a fun guest blog posted over at Editor Unleashed, a new writer's website created by the fabulous Maria Schneider.  Go check out the site, check out my post, and enjoy!

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Reading is fundamental....

Even two year olds love JACK WITH A TWIST!!!  That kid has really good taste in reading materials.  Do you have a kid at home who loves to read?  Do you have a pic of yourself reading one of my books?  If so, send em in!  I'll be posting pics of readers with their books as a part of a new series: Reading is Fundamental.  So, if you've gotten your photo snapped while reading one of my books in an exotic locale, taken pics with it at your book club meeting, or even staged a photo session with your two year old, we want to see them!  Email them to me at brenda@brendajanowitz.com.  Because yes, you oughta be in pictures.....

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Friday, November 7, 2008

BOOK REVIEW: CITY DOG by Alison Pace

CITY DOG tells the story of Amy, a recently divorced woman who’s on the way to writing the Great American Novel. In the meantime, though, she’s the author of the bestselling children’s books, RUN, CARLIE, RUN!, based on the imagined adventures of her dog, Carlie. When Carlie gets offered a starring role in a cable show, Amy begins to question the direction her life is going, and what she truly wants out of life.

You don’t have to be a dog lover to fall in love with CITY DOG. Told by alternating narrators, I found the story so relatable—who hasn’t questioned the path their life is on? Alison’s writing truly shines in this charming tale of a woman finding her way. CITY DOG is funny, wistful, and touching.

I would highly recommend CITY DOG. Want a free copy? Enter to win one in my book giveaway!

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Holiday book giveaway!

What's the perfect gift to give this holiday season? Books, of course! Enter to win a box full of books-- all signed by the authors, so they make for a fabulous holiday present! (Or you can just keep them all for yourself-- we won't tell!)

The winner will get signed copies of all of these fabulous reads:


SCOT ON THE ROCKS
by Brenda Janowitz

JACK WITH A TWIST
by Brenda Janowitz

MAGIC AND THE MODERN GIRL
by Mindy Klasky
WIFE GOES ON
by Leslie Lehr

CITY DOG
by Alison Pace

THE MEMORIST
by M.J. Rose

To enter, just email brenda@brendajanowitz.com and write “Holiday book giveaway” in the subject line. You must be a subscriber of the www.brendajanowitz.com mailing list to enter.

Want extra entries? Post a blog entry about this giveaway and/or email five friends about it. For each blog entry and each email you send out, you'll get another entry to win!

Winners will be announced on November 25. So what are you waiting for? Enter today!