Here are some links you'll love:
Ever wondered what would happen if Barack's life were an episode of The Hills? Newsweek figured it out for you.
I just have no words for this.
Yay, Lisa Loeb! How much do we love her?
And, in the I-can't-wait-for-this-weekend department, this movie preview is HIGH-larious!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Author Interview and Book Giveaway: Leslie Lehr
Today, we've got award-winning writer, Leslie Lehr, here to answer all of our deep dark questions!
Leslie has generously offered to give away one copy of her novel, WIFE GOES ON. To enter, just post a comment in the comment section below. But for now, let's get to the questions!
Tell us about your most recent novel in 25 words or less.
Wife Goes On is the story of four women who have nothing in common besides being in various stages of divorce who find this to be the basis of true friendship. After all, husbands may come and go, but friends are forever. The story has been described as a modern mix of First Wives Club and Sex and the City, with that combination of heartbreak and humor and fun.
When did you first begin writing?
I always wrote, had a silly poem published in a magazine during elementary school, but I never considered writing as a career. I was interested in TV and film and left Ohio for California to go to film school. After the hormones hit, when I proposed to my now ex-husband and had our first child, I realized that having it all was one thing; doing it all was quite another. The travel and long hours of film production weren’t conducive to motherhood – or creativity, for that matter. I kept pages in the drawer when I was on staff as the West Coast manager of a commercial and video production company, then when I went freelance to work on movies, I wrote between projects. Then I read a novel that was a hit and thought that I would have done that story differently, and better. So I gave myself the summer to try it before heading back to the film business, traded a neighbor for babysitting a few days a week, and gave it a shot.
How do you fight writer’s block?
My biggest challenge, as a single mom, is finding those uninterrupted hours to write, so I'm always excited to be writing. That said, when I sit down most days, I backtrack to get into the story mood. I can start in by doing research or working on a different part of the story or someone’s dialogue. Monday’s are almost completely a matter of getting back to where I was Friday. Between my kids and my boyfriend, I’ve given up working on the weekend, so that’s the price you pay to have a good life. ☺ But if I’m really stuck on the story and my outline isn’t giving me the enough direction for the scene, I found it’s waste of time to just sit there and force out bad stuff. If I can get around the guilt of playing hooky and go to the beach or the movies - anything but more family errands - I usually wake up in the middle of the night inspired.
If your book were to become a movie, whom would you cast?
Diane Lane as Diane, Viveca Fox as Annette, Gwyneth Paltrow as Lana and Jessica Simpson as Bonnie.
What is your favorite part of writing?
Being inspired when I least expect it, when my brain does the work for me or when my characters do things that surprise me - but it’s logical and heightens for the story.
What tips would you offer to aspiring writers?
Read!! And remember, you can never fail until you quit.
How do you usually begin your stories—with a character or with a plot?
A character who has a burning question. That drives the plot.
Do a quick character study on yourself: don’t forget to add in the fun stuff, like favorite foods and things you love/hate!
My favorite place, aside from the real ocean, is my office, which is periwinkle blue with a custom made antique white desk with giant files for my work and photographs of my daughters under the table top glass. I have an old couch covered with blue and pink rose fabrics and my French doors look out onto the pool. It’s small, but perfect, with my palm tree drawings and pictures of mermaids. I was a swimmer and grew up in Ohio, so being in California close to the beach is like heaven. And I start with coffee and lots of healthy stuff, but have to have Diet Pepsi and Popcorn to really work. I love frozen yogurt when I watch TV in bed at night. I wear white skirts in the summer and black in the winter and a few bright colors between. I hate Steven King saying that a writer has to write every day. He has someone to do his laundry and grocery shopping. Plus, thinking is even more important than the writing part. Writing is the fun part.
Lana says that when you wear a jacket, you immediately elevate yourself above the crowd. Is this advice that you follow?
Not to be above the crowd, that was Lana talking – she’s a performer. But jackets do add polish and look more professional, so I feel more confident wearing one and have more authority if I’m teaching or speaking. I love a black jacket over a silky blouse and nice jeans and heels. If there were more jackets out there that are good for everyday, I would get them. I actually love to dress up, in dresses since they are more comfy for me than pants, but it’s hard to find casual dresses after summer. To write, I usually I wear soft sweaters and stretchy pants. But my panties have to match or I can’t concentrate at all!
Want to win a free copy of WIFE GOES ON? Just leave a comment below and you're entered! Want extra entries? That can be arranged.... Blog about it for another entry. Become of follower of this blog for another entry, too.
Leslie has generously offered to give away one copy of her novel, WIFE GOES ON. To enter, just post a comment in the comment section below. But for now, let's get to the questions!
Tell us about your most recent novel in 25 words or less.
Wife Goes On is the story of four women who have nothing in common besides being in various stages of divorce who find this to be the basis of true friendship. After all, husbands may come and go, but friends are forever. The story has been described as a modern mix of First Wives Club and Sex and the City, with that combination of heartbreak and humor and fun.
When did you first begin writing?
I always wrote, had a silly poem published in a magazine during elementary school, but I never considered writing as a career. I was interested in TV and film and left Ohio for California to go to film school. After the hormones hit, when I proposed to my now ex-husband and had our first child, I realized that having it all was one thing; doing it all was quite another. The travel and long hours of film production weren’t conducive to motherhood – or creativity, for that matter. I kept pages in the drawer when I was on staff as the West Coast manager of a commercial and video production company, then when I went freelance to work on movies, I wrote between projects. Then I read a novel that was a hit and thought that I would have done that story differently, and better. So I gave myself the summer to try it before heading back to the film business, traded a neighbor for babysitting a few days a week, and gave it a shot.
How do you fight writer’s block?My biggest challenge, as a single mom, is finding those uninterrupted hours to write, so I'm always excited to be writing. That said, when I sit down most days, I backtrack to get into the story mood. I can start in by doing research or working on a different part of the story or someone’s dialogue. Monday’s are almost completely a matter of getting back to where I was Friday. Between my kids and my boyfriend, I’ve given up working on the weekend, so that’s the price you pay to have a good life. ☺ But if I’m really stuck on the story and my outline isn’t giving me the enough direction for the scene, I found it’s waste of time to just sit there and force out bad stuff. If I can get around the guilt of playing hooky and go to the beach or the movies - anything but more family errands - I usually wake up in the middle of the night inspired.
If your book were to become a movie, whom would you cast?
Diane Lane as Diane, Viveca Fox as Annette, Gwyneth Paltrow as Lana and Jessica Simpson as Bonnie.
What is your favorite part of writing?
Being inspired when I least expect it, when my brain does the work for me or when my characters do things that surprise me - but it’s logical and heightens for the story.
What tips would you offer to aspiring writers?
Read!! And remember, you can never fail until you quit.
How do you usually begin your stories—with a character or with a plot?
A character who has a burning question. That drives the plot.
Do a quick character study on yourself: don’t forget to add in the fun stuff, like favorite foods and things you love/hate!
My favorite place, aside from the real ocean, is my office, which is periwinkle blue with a custom made antique white desk with giant files for my work and photographs of my daughters under the table top glass. I have an old couch covered with blue and pink rose fabrics and my French doors look out onto the pool. It’s small, but perfect, with my palm tree drawings and pictures of mermaids. I was a swimmer and grew up in Ohio, so being in California close to the beach is like heaven. And I start with coffee and lots of healthy stuff, but have to have Diet Pepsi and Popcorn to really work. I love frozen yogurt when I watch TV in bed at night. I wear white skirts in the summer and black in the winter and a few bright colors between. I hate Steven King saying that a writer has to write every day. He has someone to do his laundry and grocery shopping. Plus, thinking is even more important than the writing part. Writing is the fun part.
Lana says that when you wear a jacket, you immediately elevate yourself above the crowd. Is this advice that you follow?
Not to be above the crowd, that was Lana talking – she’s a performer. But jackets do add polish and look more professional, so I feel more confident wearing one and have more authority if I’m teaching or speaking. I love a black jacket over a silky blouse and nice jeans and heels. If there were more jackets out there that are good for everyday, I would get them. I actually love to dress up, in dresses since they are more comfy for me than pants, but it’s hard to find casual dresses after summer. To write, I usually I wear soft sweaters and stretchy pants. But my panties have to match or I can’t concentrate at all!
Want to win a free copy of WIFE GOES ON? Just leave a comment below and you're entered! Want extra entries? That can be arranged.... Blog about it for another entry. Become of follower of this blog for another entry, too.
The winner will be announced on February 11th.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Winner, winner, chicken dinner!
Big congrats go out to stephanie@abooktoremember.net and Liane66-- they've both won a signed copy of MIDORI BY MOONLIGHT by Wendy Nelson Tokunaga! Ladies, just shoot me an email at brenda@brendajanowitz.com and give me your address. We'll get the books out to you asap!
Not a winner this time around? That's okay! Tomorrow, we'll be giving away a copy of Leslie Lehr's WIFE GOES ON, and then in February, we'll be giving away Mindy Klasky's MAGIC AND THE MODERN GIRL. So, don't forget to check back here for a chance to win more books!
Not a winner this time around? That's okay! Tomorrow, we'll be giving away a copy of Leslie Lehr's WIFE GOES ON, and then in February, we'll be giving away Mindy Klasky's MAGIC AND THE MODERN GIRL. So, don't forget to check back here for a chance to win more books!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Reading is fundamental....
We caught this little cutie indulging in a guilty pleasure-- JACK WITH A TWIST! But let's not disturb her. Looks like she's getting to a good part!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Scenes from my kitchen
So, you all know that I love to write. Duh. I mean, that would be pretty bad if I were a writer who hated writing. (Although, at one time, I was a lawyer who hated law. Hmmm. But, I digress....)
One thing that most people don't know about me is that I also love to cook. So, my hubby and I had our nephews over and I was cooking breakfast. One of my nephews was with me in the kitchen and was watching me make pancakes.
"Aunt Brenda," he asked. "How come everything you cook tastes so good?"
(Insert "aaawwww!" sound here.)
I was thrilled. It's always nice when someone appreciates the fact that you cook. And it's even better when the people you cook for really enjoy your food. But the fact that my five year old nephew thought that *everything* I cooked tasted so good was really just so wonderful for me. And now he wanted to know my secret ingredient. I thought for a second, and then told him my secret:
"Oh, sweetie," I said. "That's because I cook everything with love!"
"No, Aunt Brenda," he said. "That's because you cook everything with BUTTER!"
One thing that most people don't know about me is that I also love to cook. So, my hubby and I had our nephews over and I was cooking breakfast. One of my nephews was with me in the kitchen and was watching me make pancakes.
"Aunt Brenda," he asked. "How come everything you cook tastes so good?"
(Insert "aaawwww!" sound here.)
I was thrilled. It's always nice when someone appreciates the fact that you cook. And it's even better when the people you cook for really enjoy your food. But the fact that my five year old nephew thought that *everything* I cooked tasted so good was really just so wonderful for me. And now he wanted to know my secret ingredient. I thought for a second, and then told him my secret:
"Oh, sweetie," I said. "That's because I cook everything with love!"
"No, Aunt Brenda," he said. "That's because you cook everything with BUTTER!"
Monday, January 19, 2009
Greatest. Thing. Ever.
We've heard grumblings of a Gossip Girl spin-off for a while now, but I refused to let myself believe, lest my heart break when the plans inevitably get canceled.But the New York Times is reporting that there are, in fact, plans for a Gossip Girl spin-off in the works. (And if the New York Times says it, well, then, you know it's, like, totally true.)
And the news just gets more fabulous from there. Not only is it a spin-off, but, better yet, it's a PRE-quel to Gossip Girl!
Be still my heart....
According to the Times, the pre-quel will focus on Lily Van der Woodsen, nee Rhodes, and is set to take place in LA in the 80s. Apparently, the first episode with young Lily will air on May 11, so set those DVRs now! (Okay, yes, I know that you can't actually set your DVR for five months in the future, but you get the general point I'm trying to make. Screw your cousin's best friend's dog's wedding-- Save this date NOW!!!)
This is clearly the Greatest. Thing. Ever. Well, besides the fact that the CW has now got an actual real live Gossip Girl blog! So, yes, now you can watch the show, obsess with friends about it, read the NY Mag recaps, and ALSO read the actual Gossip Girl blog!
Christmas comes early this year!!!
Now for the important questions: who will they cast as the lovely young Lily? And more importantly, who will they cast as crazy hot Rufus?!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Author interview and book giveaway: Wendy Nelson Tokunaga
Today, we've got the wonderful Wendy Nelson Tokunaga here to chat. She's going to tell us all about her novel, MIDORI BY MOONLIGHT, and even give away two copies! Yes, TWO!!!
Enter a comment below to enter to win a copy! But now, without further ado, let's chat with Wendy!
Tell us about MIDORI BY MOONLIGHT in 25 words or less.
Want to win a copy of MIDORI BY MOONLIGHT? Write a comment below and you're entered! Want extra entries? That can be arranged.... Blog about it for another entry. Become of follower of this blog for another entry, too.
Enter a comment below to enter to win a copy! But now, without further ado, let's chat with Wendy!
Tell us about MIDORI BY MOONLIGHT in 25 words or less.
Ignoring her mother’s prophetic words, “Running off with a foreigner will bring you nothing but trouble,” a Japanese woman follows her fiance to the
When did you first begin writing?
From a young age I was always drawn to words and reading, but my real dream was to be a singer-songwriter, ideally fronting an all-girl rock band. After many adventures in the world of rock and roll, but without much to show for it, I found myself working as a technical writer at a database company in
What is your favorite part of writing? Least favorite?
My favorite part of writing is revision—I can spend hours tweaking a chapter. I read out loud to make sure I’ve gotten the right rhythm down, and look for places where I can improve the prose, dictionary and thesaurus at arm’s reach. On the other hand, I find it very difficult to write new material. I hold my nose and persevere, all the while my inner critic imploring, “This really stinks, you know.” But once I slog through it, then I can revise, and I’m happy again.
Give us a quick character study on yourself...
I’m a late bloomer and a Gemini who is always multitasking, dealing with multiple people and situations at the same time, whether in- person or via email, Facebook, MySpace, blogging, etc. My current favorite TV show is “30 Rock,” and my favorite hobby is eating out—I’m always researching new restaurants with Zagat, Chowhound, Yelp, etc. I like all kinds of music, but especially electronica, dance, and J-pop.
My husband surfs almost daily, but I am the most unathletic person I know. I have to force myself to get on the treadmill and I so do not do bicycles. The only exercise I don’t mind is yoga because my body actually feels good while I’m doing it, though not as good as when I get a massage, which is another favorite activity (and one I wish was less expensive!). I also enjoy clothes shopping and cannot pass up trips to Anthropologie or H&M. I love to travel and have been to Japan at least thirty times, but the ideal would be to have a trans-oceanic highway spanning from
What’s next for you?
My second novel comes out in Fall 2009. It’s called LOVE IN TRANSLATION and is about an American woman who finds herself unexpectedly in
Want to win a copy of MIDORI BY MOONLIGHT? Write a comment below and you're entered! Want extra entries? That can be arranged.... Blog about it for another entry. Become of follower of this blog for another entry, too.
Winners (two, yes, TWO winners!) will be announced on January 28th.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
What did you just finish?
I recently discovered a new fabulous site that's dedicated to my favorite thing: books! It's called ijustfinished.com and on it, readers and writers talk about what they've just finished reading!
I'm thrilled to tell you that I'm this week's featured author, so hop on over and ask me anything! I'll be answering questions over there all week long.
I'm thrilled to tell you that I'm this week's featured author, so hop on over and ask me anything! I'll be answering questions over there all week long.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Up on my Soapbox....
I'm so thrilled to announce that I've got a piece in this week's Publisher Weekly. Yes, it's the publication that everyone who's anyone in publishing reads, and the back page has got a column by little old me!
So, in lieu of the blog today, just hop on over to the Soapbox column and check it out! I hope you enjoy it.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Another day, a LOT more touring!
I'm all over the blogosphere today, and I'm loving it!
Check me out of over at Roberta Isleib's blog, as well as Jessica Brody's The Writer's Life. Hank Phillipe Ryan's also got me on her site, and the interview will get you humming! If you recall a few weeks ago, I interviewed Melissa Clark, and now she's returning the favor on her blog. I'm also featured on Saralee Rosenberg's blog. Last but not least, check out Ellen Meister's Side Dish for a tasty interview!
Think that's a lot? Yes, it is-- I know. But wait, there's more!!!
Judy Larsen's not only running an interview on her blog, but she's also giving away a copy of JACK! You think that's good? Well, she's not the only one giving it away: Marilyn Brant's giving away a copy, too! Hop on over to Joanne Rendell's site for yet another interview and giveaway! Or, if you like reading in your pajamas, head over to Carleen Brice's The Pajama Gardener to enter to win.
So many interviews and giveaways, so little time!!!
Judy Larsen's not only running an interview on her blog, but she's also giving away a copy of JACK! You think that's good? Well, she's not the only one giving it away: Marilyn Brant's giving away a copy, too! Hop on over to Joanne Rendell's site for yet another interview and giveaway! Or, if you like reading in your pajamas, head over to Carleen Brice's The Pajama Gardener to enter to win.
So many interviews and giveaways, so little time!!!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Karma chameleon
Those of you who read my blog know that I absolutely LOVE to give away free books! I give away boxes upon boxes of books, and it really is such a pleasure for me to make other bibliophiles so happy (speaking of which, our next giveaway will be next week, when we give away two-- yes, two!-- copies of Wendy Nelson Tokunaga's MIDORI BY MOONLIGHT).Well, karma has a funny way of working, because I recently found four boxes of books! Four glorious boxes, filled to the brim with lovely books-- many of which were on my to-be-read list!
Let me explain: my father is a real estate developer. Right now, he's building a beautiful project out on Long Island called Stone Hill at Muttontown. To sell these fabulous houses, he always builds a model home, which is fully furnished and fully decorated. The interior decorator buys books by the foot from the famous Strand Bookstore in Manhattan in order to fill the library and the various bookshelves around the house. (Gotta make this model home look smart!)
The other day, my brother found some extra books that the decorator never got around to using. Four boxes of books, to be exact. FOUR BOXES OF BOOKS!!! So, needless to say, he offered the boxes to me, and I just about passed out.
I love books. The smell of them, the feel of them. There's nothing quite like cracking open a new book and being transported to another place and time. I immediately picked up Alice Hoffman's PRACTICAL MAGIC, a book that's long been on my to-be-read list, and started reading! (And, yes, needless to say, it's nothing short of amazing.)
Doncha' just love karma?
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
More touring!
I'm so thrilled to be on Wendy Nelson Tokunaga's blog today, talking about JACK and the writing life in general.
Also, check me out on Karin Gillespie's blog (which I'm now nominating as the blog with the Funniest. Name. Ever!).
And last, but certainly not least, I'm over on Jenny Gardiner's blog (and I'm totally nominating her book title, SLEEPING WITH WARD CLEAVER, as Best. Title. Ever!).
And last, but certainly not least, I'm over on Jenny Gardiner's blog (and I'm totally nominating her book title, SLEEPING WITH WARD CLEAVER, as Best. Title. Ever!).
Cyber-touring officially rocks! So much better than the Rock of Love Bus. (And less chance at catching an STD!)
Monday, January 5, 2009
I'm on tour!
Yes, I'm on tour! All this week! And I'm so thrilled about it.
But, I won't be traveling from town to town (sorry, Rock of Love Tour Bus), I'll be all over the internet! It's my first tour on the fabulous Girlfriends Cyber Circuit for JACK WITH A TWIST! So, be sure to check back here to find out which blogs I'm on each day. There will even be a bunch of giveaways, so stay tuned!
The fabulous Judi Fennell has already posted our interview, so check it out! The wonderful Malena Lott's also got the interview up, too, so be sure to visit their sites!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
GUEST BLOG: Leslie Lehr on inspiration
What better way to start out the New Year than with a blog post about inspiration! So, I invited a very inspiring woman, award-winning writer, Leslie Lehr, to guest blog all about where she finds inspiration.
Leslie will be back on my blog soon to give away copies of her novel, WIFE GOES ON. But the best things come to those who wait, so we'll be doing that later this month, along with an interview with Leslie. But for now, without further ado, I present to you: Guest blogger Leslie Lehr!
Want to win a free copy of Leslie's latest novel, WIFE GOES ON? Check back later this month for a giveaway!
Leslie will be back on my blog soon to give away copies of her novel, WIFE GOES ON. But the best things come to those who wait, so we'll be doing that later this month, along with an interview with Leslie. But for now, without further ado, I present to you: Guest blogger Leslie Lehr!
There is nothing more inspiring than real life. That’s why I tell my students (in the Writers Program at UCLA) that the most important thing a writer can do is read, but you also need to put down your books and experience life so that you have something to write about. No need to go bullfighting like Hemingway, but just being aware of the world and the people around you can offer great inspiration. Novel writing is a lot different than nonfiction, when you are essentially researching and reporting on something with a particular point of view – even history books get rewritten when new information comes up or the prevailing point of view has changed. But with fiction, you are responsible for creating an entire world, so every single detail, every word, must work together to create the story and the emotional truth that you want to explore. While life is surely stranger than fiction, I think that’s because it’s more arbitrary, whereas fiction can’t be. Even a short story is intensely precise. And essays are an organized expression of thought – so it’s often the first way I write about a subject makes me angry or confused or thrilled. I have to feel passionate enough to plop my tush in the chair and do this thing that no one may appreciate as much as I do. So when I take on an entire novel, it’s because something has been on my mind so much that I know I can sustain the passion necessary to explore the “what-ifs” of the situation. There a question I want to answer. I feel so lucky to get to do that - to say what I think is important and to have a voice in this world - that I am inspired to work really hard and do the very best I can.
A year or so later during a toddler playdate, my former boss’s wife, a pretty model, pointed out my first gray hair. We were standing there on the driveway in my front yard - and I wanted to slap her. The anger stayed with me and I wondered what would happen if I was the kind of person who actually would do that. At the same time, a young, single production assistant kept calling my husband for work or for help with her car, etc. He was gone all hours working on location, so I wondered what that same person would do if she didn’t trust her husband. That inspired my first novel, 66 Laps, which won the Pirates Alley Faulkner Prize.
On the heels of Club Mom, my mother kept wanting to tell her side, so I worked up a proposal and sold Club Grandma, which has had many incarnations and is now excerpted on FisherPrice.com. But it was mostly inspired by money – nonfiction is easier to sell, but it feels a lot like homework. And I did Nesting, a coffee table book about a nursery designer, for the same reason, then the designer on Oprah, so the publicity helped my other projects. By then I had given up on the long hours and travel of the film business completely and committed to redecorating an extra bedroom into an office and was officially a writer. I was teaching and starting to meet other writers, not many of them moms, and it was very frustrating not having housekeeping help like many of the working moms and time to watch Oprah like many of the stay-at-home moms. So, I was invited to vent my frustration for the book Mommy Wars. Katie Couric laughed about it on the Today show, because of the title: “I Hate Everybody.” The real mommy war is in our heads of course; it certainly was in mine. Which brings us back to all the choices we make in life, how each little one impacts the next one, which is what keeps me writing.
In fact, I was working on a literary novel about a Mom who worked in Hollywood trying to protect her daughter in this crazy culture, when I had a long overdue but excruciating divorce and was asked to write about the difficult decision for anthology called The Honeymoon's Over. By the time I turned it in, I had emerged from the darkness into such blinding happiness, that I was inspired to write this novel, Wife Goes On. I found such camaraderie with other single women or women who had been there, that I created the four characters in Wife Goes On and sold it from the outline. I put my other novel aside and wrote as fast as I could and published it in paperback so more women who needed it could afford it. (Plus paperbacks are an easy gift to give to friends who would enjoy it and it’s lighter to carry in your purse.) These characters are all made up, but many of their experiences and all of their emotions are very real. Plus, the sex is good. And the jokes are fun.
Now of course, I’m returning to the literary novel and since my life is different, so is the book. I’ve changed the structure to be less dark, and more of an a detective type mystery where the mom has already lost her daughter and has to find her. Obviously, having two daughters still inspires the question that I want to answer, but the events are not real and the themes are universal to motherhood. I am always very careful to protect everyone who has no choice in the matter. And now that this Wife had gone on, so to speak, I’ve been in a happy relationship for a few years, so I’m inspired to add a stronger romantic subplot. I try not to question inspiration, just to keep my eyes and ears and heart open for the next book. Meanwhile, I enjoy, every little detail that inspires me, from the way the sun shimmers on the ocean, to the blessing of having readers and writers like you, Brenda, who are so committed to the written word. That’s truly inspiring.
Want to win a free copy of Leslie's latest novel, WIFE GOES ON? Check back later this month for a giveaway!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Last post of 2008!
Well, it's my last post of 2008, so what better to talk about than New Year's resolutions?! Every year, I have the same old resolutions-- eat healthier foods, work out more, be better about staying in touch with friends and family, and write more-- but this year, I'm simplifying! My big goal for 2009 is to write more.
It's so easy to come up with excuses why I can't write. I don't have time. I have other things to do. I'm tired. I'm too busy organizing my sock drawer. Well, this year, I'm not making any excuses! I'm going to commit myself to just one goal, writing as much as I can, and sticking to it! Like diet and exercise, writing is something that makes me feel good, so why do I always procrastinate?! Okay, I guess that's a whole other blog post, but as for right now, I'm just going to focus on one thing: writing more.
What are you going to focus on in 2009?
Friday, December 26, 2008
Georgia Peach
On my sister-in-law's recommendation, I've been watching the Real Housewives of Atlanta. And, oh my, what a wonderful car-crash of a show it is!
By far, one of the most controversial cast members is Kim. She's the divorced mother of two, and the only white woman on the show.
I have a question: aren't African-American women pissed off when she says things like: People think I'm Black because I have a big butt. What's next? Do people also think that she's Jewish because she has a big nose?!
But, that's actually the least of what offends me about Kim. Yes, there's more!
You see, Kim fancies herself a singer. Her dream is to be a country singer. Now, I'm not trying to bash that: Having a dream is a great thing. I've got lots of dreams, and I've even made some of them come true.
But what pisses me off about this is that she thinks that you can just snap your fingers and make your dream come true. When in reality, making dreams come true is hard work.
When I wanted to publish a novel, I took writing classes, joined a writer's group, and basically worked at it night and day.
You can't make a dream come true overnight, as Kim seems to think. She's uninterested in singing lessons, or learning anything about music.
When I wanted to publish a novel, I took writing classes, joined a writer's group, and basically worked at it night and day.
You can't make a dream come true overnight, as Kim seems to think. She's uninterested in singing lessons, or learning anything about music.
Maybe that's why she's become BFF with Sheree, who thinks that becoming a fashion designer just takes throwing lots of money at people. And, has she got people! To succeed at this venture, Sheree hired an assistant, an artist, and a marketing person, just to name a few, but didn't take a single class in drawing, fashion marketing, textiles, or sewing. She holds meetings with her crew where they talk about how fabulous Sheree is and drink wine. Lots of wine.
Sheree, like Kim, claims that you don't need to know textiles to run a fashion line. Nor do you have to be able to draw, or sew, or anything difficult like that. You just need to have a vision, and most fashion designers are the same way. She claims that most fashion designers don't know anything about the nuts and bolts-- they just have a vision.
Don't tell that to Donna Karan, who worked her butt off for years at Anne Klein's label. Or Isaac Mizrahi, who, as part of his cabaret show, used to cut and design a cocktail dress on stage, using only a pair of scissors and a black tablecloth.
In fact, don't tell that to any of us who work night and day to make our dreams come true. Those of us who take classes in our desired fields, network, and practice as much as we possibly can. I guess for the Georgia peaches of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, dreams just come true by throwing lots of money at them.
For the rest of us, it's all about hard work.
Don't tell that to Donna Karan, who worked her butt off for years at Anne Klein's label. Or Isaac Mizrahi, who, as part of his cabaret show, used to cut and design a cocktail dress on stage, using only a pair of scissors and a black tablecloth.
In fact, don't tell that to any of us who work night and day to make our dreams come true. Those of us who take classes in our desired fields, network, and practice as much as we possibly can. I guess for the Georgia peaches of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, dreams just come true by throwing lots of money at them.
For the rest of us, it's all about hard work.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Winner, winner, chicken dinner!
Big congrats go out to Kaye from Florida-- she's won a signed copy of SWIMMING UPSTREAM, SLOWLY by Melissa Clark!
Didn't win? That's okay! In January, we'll have giveaways from Leslie Lehr (WIFE GOES ON) and Wendy Nelson Tokunaga (MIDORI BY MOONLIGHT). Then, in time for Valentine's Day, we'll be giving away one from Mindy Klasky (MAGIC AND THE MODERN GIRL). So, be sure to check back here for a chance to win more books!
Didn't win? That's okay! In January, we'll have giveaways from Leslie Lehr (WIFE GOES ON) and Wendy Nelson Tokunaga (MIDORI BY MOONLIGHT). Then, in time for Valentine's Day, we'll be giving away one from Mindy Klasky (MAGIC AND THE MODERN GIRL). So, be sure to check back here for a chance to win more books!
Happy holidays!
Monday, December 22, 2008
One of these things is not like the other....
So, CBS has been running ads all over town declaring that their new show, The Mentalist, is their number one new show. But, me confused: isn't that this? Only more serious and with an Aussie dude?
Now yes, I'm totally biased here, since PSYCH is one of my favorite shows on TV, but let's examine the evidence, shall we? (After all, that's what they would do on one of these shows, wouldn't they?!)
This is how CBS describes their show:
THE MENALIST stars Golden Globe Award nominee Simon Baker as Patrick Jane, an independent consultant with the California Bureau of Investigation (CBI), who has a remarkable track record for solving serious crimes by using his razor sharp skills of observation.
And here's what PSYCH is about:
PSYCH is a quick-witted comedy/drama starring James Roday as young police consultant Shawn Spencer who solves crimes with powers of observation so acute that Santa Barbara PD detectives think he’s psychic.
Discuss.
This is how CBS describes their show:
THE MENALIST stars Golden Globe Award nominee Simon Baker as Patrick Jane, an independent consultant with the California Bureau of Investigation (CBI), who has a remarkable track record for solving serious crimes by using his razor sharp skills of observation. And here's what PSYCH is about:
PSYCH is a quick-witted comedy/drama starring James Roday as young police consultant Shawn Spencer who solves crimes with powers of observation so acute that Santa Barbara PD detectives think he’s psychic.
Discuss.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Reading is fundamental....
Babies in Brooklyn love JACK and SCOT! And the colors of the book covers matches the baby seat perfectly! (Gotta coordinate if you're going to be a Brooklyn hipster baby....)
Wow, she really knows how to coordinate-- she's even got JACK WITH A TWIST and SCOT ON THE ROCKS tote bags!!!
Wow, she really knows how to coordinate-- she's even got JACK WITH A TWIST and SCOT ON THE ROCKS tote bags!!!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
What's going on with my television?!
Well, my hubby just told me that one of my favoritest shows on TV, Pushing Daisies, is being canceled. I just cannot understand this. Pushing Daisies is one of the smartest shows on television-- certainly one of the best written shows that I watch. (Sorry, Real Chance at Love!)
So, then, why is this amazing show being canceled?! What-- was it not funny enough? Not clever enough? Not technicolor dream-licious enough?! I really don't get it.
How ABC can cancel a show that is so intelligent and entertaining is beyond me. Especially when you think about all of those other shows that stay on the air. Now, I don't like to be negative on this blog, so suffice it to say that you know which ones I'm talking about. And so do they! Shows That Are Not Worthy, you know who you are!
But, alas, some shows stay on the air, while my most favoritist ones get canceled. Damn you, ABC! DAMN YOU!!!
How ABC can cancel a show that is so intelligent and entertaining is beyond me. Especially when you think about all of those other shows that stay on the air. Now, I don't like to be negative on this blog, so suffice it to say that you know which ones I'm talking about. And so do they! Shows That Are Not Worthy, you know who you are!
But, alas, some shows stay on the air, while my most favoritist ones get canceled. Damn you, ABC! DAMN YOU!!!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Winner, winner, chicken dinner!
Congratulations go out to Audrey Salick from
We’ll be giving away lots more books in the next few months. In fact, right this very minute we are giving away a copy of Melissa Clark’s SWIMMING UPSTREAM, SLOWLY.
There will be lots more wonderful authors stopping by for interviews on my blog and to give away books. These giveaways will only be announced on my blog and to enter, you’ll need to post a comment on my blog.
Happy holidays!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Hot daddy!
I went to see Twilight last night and yes, Edward and Bella were everything I thought they'd be. And more.
But there was something a bit unanticipated that I absolutely lurved about the film: the hot dads.
Am I just getting old or are dads getting hotter? The trend started on Gossip Girl. Sure, Dan is a cutie, but how hot is his dad, Rufus?!
Twilight continued the trend of the crazy hot dad the second Bella's dad hit the screen. Sure, they made him all dad-like with a funky mustache on and all, but you can't fool me! He's the hot guy from My Boys! And, btw, how HIGH-larious is that mustache?! Were they trying to tone down his hotness or something? Or is that just the universal symbol for I'm in law enforcement? Do all cops in Washington state rock 'staches like that? Or is it just for the sheriffs?
But I digress. Here's what he normally looks like:
I know!!!
And then there's the guy who plays Edward's dad in the film, Peter Facinelli, aka Mr. Jennie Garth. He was on one of my favorite canceled shows of all time, Fastlane, and now here he is, starring as the super-hot Carlisle Cullen.
Dunno if this hot dad will continue, but for now, all I can say is: Daddy-O!
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!
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?!
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:
Saralee Rosenberg
Jess Riley
Nadine Dajani
Amy Wallen
Roberta Isleib
Maggie Marr
Marilyn Brant
Melissa Senate
Wendy Tokunaga
Jenny Gardiner
Karin Gillespie
Kelly Para
Shelia Curran
Ellen Meister
Deborah LeBlanc
Judy Merrill Larsen
Joann Rendell
Melissa Clark
Carleen Brice
Carolyn Jewel
Jessica Brody
Judi Fennell
Malena Lott
Jess Riley
Nadine Dajani
Amy Wallen
Roberta Isleib
Maggie Marr
Marilyn Brant
Melissa Senate
Wendy Tokunaga
Jenny Gardiner
Karin Gillespie
Kelly Para
Shelia Curran
Ellen Meister
Deborah LeBlanc
Judy Merrill Larsen
Joann Rendell
Melissa Clark
Carleen Brice
Carolyn Jewel
Jessica Brody
Judi Fennell
Malena Lott
So, please, go check out their blogs. And look for lots of author interviews to come! Doncha just love making new friends?!
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