Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Behind the Pages of RICH BOYS, and another winner!!
First of all, thanks to everyone who's entered the contest and written to me about the books. I'm glad you're enjoying them. Now, on to business - another winner! This week's winner of an Island Summer t-shirt is Kelly. Congrats!
Also, over on the Simon Says Website they'll be giving away t-shirts as well. As soon as I have the exact url and the contest begins, I'll pass it along. And Girls Life magazine just gave away a bunch of books - so much free stuff!
OK, RICH BOYS. Last fall I was driving on the highway and came upon a line of cars by the side of the road. As I got closer I also noticed a group of people, all clustered just off the road on the grass. I'll never forget what I saw as I passed, the image was so unexpected. And eerie. The people were gathered around a makeshift cross around which they were placing all sorts of items - flowers, sneakers, pictures, a basketball.
I've seen them before, these sort of memorials by the side of the road, commemorating someone whose life was lost in that very spot. I've never known anyone who's participated in this sort of memorial for someone they've lost, but whenever I see one it makes me pause imagining that right there before me is where someone tragically lost their life.
After seeing that scene on the highway it stayed with me, and that's why Winnie and Jay have a similar experience when they come upon a roadside memorial. It's eerie and tragic and yet somehow hopeful at the same time, hopeful that someone will continue to be remembered as they were long after they're gone, a way to celebrate their life and what they loved. And it just seemed that Winnie and Jay would have that experience together given what they're both going through.
Win a LOCAL GIRLS/RICH BOYS t-shirt that is so cool for summer. It's so easy:
1. email me at jenny@jennyoconnell.com and put "contest" in the subject line
2. I will email you back (see I said it was easy)
3. When you receive my email forward it to as many friends as you want, but make sure you cc: me. This way I'll know that you passed it along.
4. As soon as I receive the email you've forwarded, you're entered!Want to have even more chances to win?
5. Have your friends forward the email on to their friends, but make sure you have them cc: me so you get credit (you'll be entered each time and they'll also be entered in the contest).
So, basically, email me, I'll email you back, you forward the email to your friends and the chain begins!
First of all, thanks to everyone who's entered the contest and written to me about the books. I'm glad you're enjoying them. Now, on to business - another winner! This week's winner of an Island Summer t-shirt is Kelly. Congrats!
Also, over on the Simon Says Website they'll be giving away t-shirts as well. As soon as I have the exact url and the contest begins, I'll pass it along. And Girls Life magazine just gave away a bunch of books - so much free stuff!
OK, RICH BOYS. Last fall I was driving on the highway and came upon a line of cars by the side of the road. As I got closer I also noticed a group of people, all clustered just off the road on the grass. I'll never forget what I saw as I passed, the image was so unexpected. And eerie. The people were gathered around a makeshift cross around which they were placing all sorts of items - flowers, sneakers, pictures, a basketball.
I've seen them before, these sort of memorials by the side of the road, commemorating someone whose life was lost in that very spot. I've never known anyone who's participated in this sort of memorial for someone they've lost, but whenever I see one it makes me pause imagining that right there before me is where someone tragically lost their life.
After seeing that scene on the highway it stayed with me, and that's why Winnie and Jay have a similar experience when they come upon a roadside memorial. It's eerie and tragic and yet somehow hopeful at the same time, hopeful that someone will continue to be remembered as they were long after they're gone, a way to celebrate their life and what they loved. And it just seemed that Winnie and Jay would have that experience together given what they're both going through.
Win a LOCAL GIRLS/RICH BOYS t-shirt that is so cool for summer. It's so easy:
1. email me at jenny@jennyoconnell.com and put "contest" in the subject line
2. I will email you back (see I said it was easy)
3. When you receive my email forward it to as many friends as you want, but make sure you cc: me. This way I'll know that you passed it along.
4. As soon as I receive the email you've forwarded, you're entered!Want to have even more chances to win?
5. Have your friends forward the email on to their friends, but make sure you have them cc: me so you get credit (you'll be entered each time and they'll also be entered in the contest).
So, basically, email me, I'll email you back, you forward the email to your friends and the chain begins!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Touring...
I belong to a group of authors who blog known as the Girlfriend Cyber Circuit (started by Karin Gillespie, who manages to keep us all in check and blogging, I have no idea how). Anyway, I'm touring this week for LG and RB and had to answer a bunch of questions for the group. Each author has different questions she asks. I decided to post some of the answers to a few here:
From Karin Gillespie: Q: What’s the backstory behind your latest novel? A: I’ve gone to Martha’s Vineyard every summer for the past ten years. I love the place and everything about it, from waiting to get on the ferry for the ride over to the smell of the grocery store. My agent had been asking me if I had any ideas for a series, and I didn’t. Until I did. I wanted to write about the Vineyard, but from the perspective of the different people who are there during the summer. The place swells with summer visitors and the locals have their lives disrupted for three months. So I decided to write a series that takes place on the island but each book is a story unto itself told by a single character. The first book, LOCAL GIRLS, is about Kendra, and the second, RICH BOYS, is about Winnie. Winnie is just introduced in passing in LOCAL GIRLS, via her sister who works with Kendra. So each book is new and different and can stand alone, but the Vineyard provides a familiar stage for them.
From Sara Hantz: Q:What inspired the plot for your book? A: The books take place on Martha’s Vineyard, so first and foremost summer was the greatest inspiration. I’ve always felt like summer is a time when anything can happen, it’s all about possibility. LOCAL GIRLS and RICH BOYS have very different plots, but they’re both about the possibilities, opportunities and changes summer brings.
From Laurie Stolarz:
Q: What's your favorite fast food?
A: cheeseburger with no mustard from Burger King (I swear, I could four of these in five minutes flat)
From Melissa Walker:
Q: What parts of you can we see in your books / characters?
A: Actually, Kendra (in LOCAL GIRLS) and Winnie (in RICH BOYS) do share my favorite ice cream!! We all prefer chocolate with sprinkles. There is a lot of me in my characters, even some similar experiences. The thing is, when it’s happening to Kendra or Winnie I get to choose how it turns out!
From Elizabeth Lenhard:
Q: What do you love about _______ (the main characters in your books)?A: In LOCAL GIRLS, I love Kendra because she’s fiercely loyal to her best friend but still ends up hurting her.In RICH BOYS, I love Winnie because she can’t stand to see the people around her unhappy and wants to fix everything – even if she can’t.
From Stephanie Kuehnert:
Q: While music is my muse, I know other writers find their muse in theater, sports, art, the great outdoors, etc. What is your main muse?A: Bad experiences. I think back on ex-boyfriends, dumb things I did, dumb things my friends did. I have a great memory for horrifying stuff.
Win a LOCAL GIRLS/RICH BOYS t-shirt that is so cool for summer. It's so easy:
1. email me at jenny@jennyoconnell.com and put "contest" in the subject line
2. I will email you back (see I said it was easy)
3. When you receive my email forward it to as many friends as you want, but make sure you cc: me. This way I'll know that you passed it along.
4. As soon as I receive the email you've forwarded, you're entered!Want to have even more chances to win?
5. Have your friends forward the email on to their friends, but make sure you have them cc: me so you get credit (you'll be entered each time and they'll also be entered in the contest).
So, basically, email me, I'll email you back, you forward the email to your friends and the chain begins!
I belong to a group of authors who blog known as the Girlfriend Cyber Circuit (started by Karin Gillespie, who manages to keep us all in check and blogging, I have no idea how). Anyway, I'm touring this week for LG and RB and had to answer a bunch of questions for the group. Each author has different questions she asks. I decided to post some of the answers to a few here:
From Karin Gillespie: Q: What’s the backstory behind your latest novel? A: I’ve gone to Martha’s Vineyard every summer for the past ten years. I love the place and everything about it, from waiting to get on the ferry for the ride over to the smell of the grocery store. My agent had been asking me if I had any ideas for a series, and I didn’t. Until I did. I wanted to write about the Vineyard, but from the perspective of the different people who are there during the summer. The place swells with summer visitors and the locals have their lives disrupted for three months. So I decided to write a series that takes place on the island but each book is a story unto itself told by a single character. The first book, LOCAL GIRLS, is about Kendra, and the second, RICH BOYS, is about Winnie. Winnie is just introduced in passing in LOCAL GIRLS, via her sister who works with Kendra. So each book is new and different and can stand alone, but the Vineyard provides a familiar stage for them.
From Sara Hantz: Q:What inspired the plot for your book? A: The books take place on Martha’s Vineyard, so first and foremost summer was the greatest inspiration. I’ve always felt like summer is a time when anything can happen, it’s all about possibility. LOCAL GIRLS and RICH BOYS have very different plots, but they’re both about the possibilities, opportunities and changes summer brings.
From Laurie Stolarz:
Q: What's your favorite fast food?
A: cheeseburger with no mustard from Burger King (I swear, I could four of these in five minutes flat)
From Melissa Walker:
Q: What parts of you can we see in your books / characters?
A: Actually, Kendra (in LOCAL GIRLS) and Winnie (in RICH BOYS) do share my favorite ice cream!! We all prefer chocolate with sprinkles. There is a lot of me in my characters, even some similar experiences. The thing is, when it’s happening to Kendra or Winnie I get to choose how it turns out!
From Elizabeth Lenhard:
Q: What do you love about _______ (the main characters in your books)?A: In LOCAL GIRLS, I love Kendra because she’s fiercely loyal to her best friend but still ends up hurting her.In RICH BOYS, I love Winnie because she can’t stand to see the people around her unhappy and wants to fix everything – even if she can’t.
From Stephanie Kuehnert:
Q: While music is my muse, I know other writers find their muse in theater, sports, art, the great outdoors, etc. What is your main muse?A: Bad experiences. I think back on ex-boyfriends, dumb things I did, dumb things my friends did. I have a great memory for horrifying stuff.
Win a LOCAL GIRLS/RICH BOYS t-shirt that is so cool for summer. It's so easy:
1. email me at jenny@jennyoconnell.com and put "contest" in the subject line
2. I will email you back (see I said it was easy)
3. When you receive my email forward it to as many friends as you want, but make sure you cc: me. This way I'll know that you passed it along.
4. As soon as I receive the email you've forwarded, you're entered!Want to have even more chances to win?
5. Have your friends forward the email on to their friends, but make sure you have them cc: me so you get credit (you'll be entered each time and they'll also be entered in the contest).
So, basically, email me, I'll email you back, you forward the email to your friends and the chain begins!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
We have another winner this week! Kristina W. has won an Island Summer t-shirt!
LOCAL GIRLS and RICH BOYS is out in stores and available on-line - finally! I received an email from Edgartown Books on Martha's Vineyard (where I'm doing an event in July). The books are right out on the front counter, I wish I had a picture. I think it would be cool to see the books actually for sale on the island. Besides, I love Edgartown Books and doing events there.
Win a LOCAL GIRLS/RICH BOYS t-shirt that is so cool for summer. It's so easy:
1. email me at jenny@jennyoconnell.com and put "contest" in the subject line
2. I will email you back (see I said it was easy)
3. When you receive my email forward it to as many friends as you want, but make sure you cc: me. This way I'll know that you passed it along.
4. As soon as I receive the email you've forwarded, you're entered!Want to have even more chances to win?
5. Have your friends forward the email on to their friends, but make sure you have them cc: me so you get credit (you'll be entered each time and they'll also be entered in the contest).
So, basically, email me, I'll email you back, you forward the email to your friends and the chain begins!
LOCAL GIRLS and RICH BOYS is out in stores and available on-line - finally! I received an email from Edgartown Books on Martha's Vineyard (where I'm doing an event in July). The books are right out on the front counter, I wish I had a picture. I think it would be cool to see the books actually for sale on the island. Besides, I love Edgartown Books and doing events there.
Win a LOCAL GIRLS/RICH BOYS t-shirt that is so cool for summer. It's so easy:
1. email me at jenny@jennyoconnell.com and put "contest" in the subject line
2. I will email you back (see I said it was easy)
3. When you receive my email forward it to as many friends as you want, but make sure you cc: me. This way I'll know that you passed it along.
4. As soon as I receive the email you've forwarded, you're entered!Want to have even more chances to win?
5. Have your friends forward the email on to their friends, but make sure you have them cc: me so you get credit (you'll be entered each time and they'll also be entered in the contest).
So, basically, email me, I'll email you back, you forward the email to your friends and the chain begins!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Behind the Pages of RICH BOYS: #2
Kendra and Henry go on the Edgartown ghost tour in LOCAL GIRLS, but in RICH BOYS something from the tour comes up again. This time it just so happens that Jay's house is next door to one of the stops on tour - and it really exists. And so do the gravestones in the front yard. But there are no ghosts in either story, unless you count the mystery of Mona's father's identity in LOCAL GIRLS and Winnie's unanswered questions about Jay's dark side in RICH BOYS.
In RICH BOYS, Winnie's best friend Jessie is a tennis star (well, star may be an exageration, but she's really, really good). And so, to train for the upcoming season Jessie decides to run the Chilmark Road Race with her boyfriend, Nash. I've never run the race through Chilmark, but it's supposed to be very hilly and quite grueling. But this year I decided to change that, so my best friend and I will be on the island August 9th to run the 5k, just like Jessie. Although I may end up wishing I was more like Winnie, waiting at the finish line with a cup of Gatorade instead.
Win a LOCAL GIRLS/RICH BOYS t-shirt that is so cool for summer. It's so easy:
1. email me at jenny@jennyoconnell.com and put "contest" in the subject line
2. I will email you back (see I said it was easy)
3. When you receive my email forward it to as many friends as you want, but make sure you cc: me. This way I'll know that you passed it along
.4. As soon as I receive the email you've forwarded, you're entered!Want to have even more chances to win?
5. Have your friends forward the email on to their friends, but make sure you have them cc: me so you get credit (you'll be entered each time and they'll also be entered in the contest).
So, basically, email me, I'll email you back, you forward the email to your friends and the chain begins!
Kendra and Henry go on the Edgartown ghost tour in LOCAL GIRLS, but in RICH BOYS something from the tour comes up again. This time it just so happens that Jay's house is next door to one of the stops on tour - and it really exists. And so do the gravestones in the front yard. But there are no ghosts in either story, unless you count the mystery of Mona's father's identity in LOCAL GIRLS and Winnie's unanswered questions about Jay's dark side in RICH BOYS.
In RICH BOYS, Winnie's best friend Jessie is a tennis star (well, star may be an exageration, but she's really, really good). And so, to train for the upcoming season Jessie decides to run the Chilmark Road Race with her boyfriend, Nash. I've never run the race through Chilmark, but it's supposed to be very hilly and quite grueling. But this year I decided to change that, so my best friend and I will be on the island August 9th to run the 5k, just like Jessie. Although I may end up wishing I was more like Winnie, waiting at the finish line with a cup of Gatorade instead.
Win a LOCAL GIRLS/RICH BOYS t-shirt that is so cool for summer. It's so easy:
1. email me at jenny@jennyoconnell.com and put "contest" in the subject line
2. I will email you back (see I said it was easy)
3. When you receive my email forward it to as many friends as you want, but make sure you cc: me. This way I'll know that you passed it along
.4. As soon as I receive the email you've forwarded, you're entered!Want to have even more chances to win?
5. Have your friends forward the email on to their friends, but make sure you have them cc: me so you get credit (you'll be entered each time and they'll also be entered in the contest).
So, basically, email me, I'll email you back, you forward the email to your friends and the chain begins!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Behind the Pages of RICH BOYS...and First Contest Winner!!
I decided that I'd give away the first Island Summer t-shirt this week to the reader who has forwarded the most emails so far. So (drum roll please...) this week's winner is Kaitlyn G. Congratulations, Kaitlyn!!
I thought it was time to talk about RICH BOYS. In the book Winnie works at the Oceanview Inn, which overlooks South Beach. While there isn't an Oceanview Inn in that spot in real life, there is a resort near by that inspired what became the Oceanview. And it's just as beautiful. But I've never stayed at the resort, just eaten dinner in its beautiful restaurant.
Winnie works at the daycamp for guests' kids, which she thinks is a pretty simple, uncomplicated job. Needless to say, her summer becomes more complicated than she ever imagines when she takes on an afternoon job babysitting for the Barclay family. But that's for next time, when I'll talk about the dead body in the Barclay's neighbor's yard. And yes, there really is a body there in real life (see, that ghost tour really came in handy).
Win a LOCAL GIRLS/RICH BOYS t-shirt that is so cool for summer. It's so easy:
1. email me at jenny@jennyoconnell.com and put "contest" in the subject line
2. I will email you back (see I said it was easy)
3. When you receive my email forward it to as many friends as you want, but make sure you cc: me. This way I'll know that you passed it along.
4. As soon as I receive the email you've forwarded, you're entered!Want to have even more chances to win?
5. Have your friends forward the email on to their friends, but make sure you have them cc: me so you get credit (you'll be entered each time and they'll also be entered in the contest).
So, basically, email me, I'll email you back, you forward the email to your friends and the chain begins!
I decided that I'd give away the first Island Summer t-shirt this week to the reader who has forwarded the most emails so far. So (drum roll please...) this week's winner is Kaitlyn G. Congratulations, Kaitlyn!!
I thought it was time to talk about RICH BOYS. In the book Winnie works at the Oceanview Inn, which overlooks South Beach. While there isn't an Oceanview Inn in that spot in real life, there is a resort near by that inspired what became the Oceanview. And it's just as beautiful. But I've never stayed at the resort, just eaten dinner in its beautiful restaurant.
Winnie works at the daycamp for guests' kids, which she thinks is a pretty simple, uncomplicated job. Needless to say, her summer becomes more complicated than she ever imagines when she takes on an afternoon job babysitting for the Barclay family. But that's for next time, when I'll talk about the dead body in the Barclay's neighbor's yard. And yes, there really is a body there in real life (see, that ghost tour really came in handy).
Win a LOCAL GIRLS/RICH BOYS t-shirt that is so cool for summer. It's so easy:
1. email me at jenny@jennyoconnell.com and put "contest" in the subject line
2. I will email you back (see I said it was easy)
3. When you receive my email forward it to as many friends as you want, but make sure you cc: me. This way I'll know that you passed it along.
4. As soon as I receive the email you've forwarded, you're entered!Want to have even more chances to win?
5. Have your friends forward the email on to their friends, but make sure you have them cc: me so you get credit (you'll be entered each time and they'll also be entered in the contest).
So, basically, email me, I'll email you back, you forward the email to your friends and the chain begins!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Behind the Pages of LOCAL GIRLS: #3
Ghosts. Not a big fan. I remember in fourth grade our librarian was reading us "real" ghost stories and everyone was loving them - I sat there with my hands over my ears. I just never liked the idea of being haunted by dead people.
But in LOCAL GIRLS there are ghosts. Or at least a ghost tour. Last summer I went on the Edgartown ghost tour and loved it, loved hearing about the sightings in old homes, who was haunting what in a place that has such a rich history. So I decided that Kendra and Henry would tag along on the tour, too. Of course, something happens on the tour that scares Kendra way more than a hazy image of a dead person, and it sets off a series of events that gets Kendra into a situation that she can't quite figure how to get out of.
So, yes, there really is a ghost tour of Edgartown. And that's why it's in the book. But I didn't include any ghosts, because the land of the living is dramatic enough.
Win a LOCAL GIRLS/RICH BOYS t-shirt that is so cool for summer. It's so easy:
1. email me at jenny@jennyoconnell.com and put "contest" in the subject line
2. I will email you back (see I said it was easy)
3. When you receive my email forward it to as many friends as you want, but make sure you cc: me. This way I'll know that you passed it along.
4. As soon as I receive the email you've forwarded, you're entered!Want to have even more chances to win?
5. Have your friends forward the email on to their friends, but make sure you have them cc: me so you get credit (you'll be entered each time and they'll also be entered in the contest).
So, basically, email me, I'll email you back, you forward the email to your friends and the chain begins!
Ghosts. Not a big fan. I remember in fourth grade our librarian was reading us "real" ghost stories and everyone was loving them - I sat there with my hands over my ears. I just never liked the idea of being haunted by dead people.
But in LOCAL GIRLS there are ghosts. Or at least a ghost tour. Last summer I went on the Edgartown ghost tour and loved it, loved hearing about the sightings in old homes, who was haunting what in a place that has such a rich history. So I decided that Kendra and Henry would tag along on the tour, too. Of course, something happens on the tour that scares Kendra way more than a hazy image of a dead person, and it sets off a series of events that gets Kendra into a situation that she can't quite figure how to get out of.
So, yes, there really is a ghost tour of Edgartown. And that's why it's in the book. But I didn't include any ghosts, because the land of the living is dramatic enough.
Win a LOCAL GIRLS/RICH BOYS t-shirt that is so cool for summer. It's so easy:
1. email me at jenny@jennyoconnell.com and put "contest" in the subject line
2. I will email you back (see I said it was easy)
3. When you receive my email forward it to as many friends as you want, but make sure you cc: me. This way I'll know that you passed it along.
4. As soon as I receive the email you've forwarded, you're entered!Want to have even more chances to win?
5. Have your friends forward the email on to their friends, but make sure you have them cc: me so you get credit (you'll be entered each time and they'll also be entered in the contest).
So, basically, email me, I'll email you back, you forward the email to your friends and the chain begins!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Behind the Pages of Local Girls: #2
When I write a book I know maybe 20% of what exactly is going to happen - pretty much just the beginning, the end and some pivotal things in the middle. The rest I make up as I go depending upon where the story seems to take itself.
In LOCAL GIRLS breakfast plays a pretty important role. I hate breakfast. I'm a lunch girl (which is odd, considering Kendra turns down a job at her family's deli and chooses to serve breakfast at a bed& breakfast instead). In any case, sunshine muffins ended up playing a pretty big role in this story. And there really is such a thing as sunshine muffins - my friend Krista used to make them for my kids and gave me the recipe.
Sad thing is, I'm not so much of a cooking person. But I still have the recipe and I highly recommend them. They're SO good and perfect for a summer morning! Here it is:
Sunshine Muffins
1 3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 beaten egg
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
4 ounces crushed pineapple
1/3 cup oil
Mix dry ingredients and zest. Combine egg, milk, juice, pineapple and oil. Add to dry ingredients. Fill muffin cups with batter. Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden. Do not overmix, toughens muffins (and nobody likes a tough muffin). Enjoy!
Win a LOCAL GIRLS/RICH BOYS t-shirt that is so cool for summer. It's so easy:
1. email me at jenny@jennyoconnell.com and put "contest" in the subject line
2. I will email you back (see I said it was easy)
3. When you receive my email forward it to as many friends as you want, but make sure you cc: me. This way I'll know that you passed it along.
4. As soon as I receive the email you've forwarded, you're entered!Want to have even more chances to win?
5. Have your friends forward the email on to their friends, but make sure you have them cc: me so you get credit (you'll be entered each time and they'll also be entered in the contest).
So, basically, email me, I'll email you back, you forward the email to your friends and the chain begins!
When I write a book I know maybe 20% of what exactly is going to happen - pretty much just the beginning, the end and some pivotal things in the middle. The rest I make up as I go depending upon where the story seems to take itself.
In LOCAL GIRLS breakfast plays a pretty important role. I hate breakfast. I'm a lunch girl (which is odd, considering Kendra turns down a job at her family's deli and chooses to serve breakfast at a bed& breakfast instead). In any case, sunshine muffins ended up playing a pretty big role in this story. And there really is such a thing as sunshine muffins - my friend Krista used to make them for my kids and gave me the recipe.
Sad thing is, I'm not so much of a cooking person. But I still have the recipe and I highly recommend them. They're SO good and perfect for a summer morning! Here it is:
Sunshine Muffins
1 3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 beaten egg
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
4 ounces crushed pineapple
1/3 cup oil
Mix dry ingredients and zest. Combine egg, milk, juice, pineapple and oil. Add to dry ingredients. Fill muffin cups with batter. Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden. Do not overmix, toughens muffins (and nobody likes a tough muffin). Enjoy!
Win a LOCAL GIRLS/RICH BOYS t-shirt that is so cool for summer. It's so easy:
1. email me at jenny@jennyoconnell.com and put "contest" in the subject line
2. I will email you back (see I said it was easy)
3. When you receive my email forward it to as many friends as you want, but make sure you cc: me. This way I'll know that you passed it along.
4. As soon as I receive the email you've forwarded, you're entered!Want to have even more chances to win?
5. Have your friends forward the email on to their friends, but make sure you have them cc: me so you get credit (you'll be entered each time and they'll also be entered in the contest).
So, basically, email me, I'll email you back, you forward the email to your friends and the chain begins!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Behind the Pages of LOCAL GIRLS
LOCAL GIRLS begins with a skunk. A dead one. And there's a reason for that.
Whenever I smell skunk it reminds me of summer. Growing up in Connecticut there were plenty of skunks. In fact, I was sprayed by one. One night during the summer I was running around to the back of my boyfriend's house and startled a garbage-hunting skunk rattling around in some garbage cans.I scared the skunk.
The skunk sprayed me. I smelled like skunk. Badly.
When I got home later that night I removed my skunk-smelling clothes and put them out on the porch (knowing my mom would kill me if I put them in the house). The next morning when I woke up she said, "I think a skunk died under the porch." I had to tell her that it wasn't a skunk. It was me.
I love the smell of skunk because it reminds me of summer. And that's why LOCAL GIRLS begins with Kendra smelling a skunk and loving the smell as well. Kinda gross, maybe. Something that will always remind me of warm nights and hanging out with friends, absolutely.
Enter the Island Summer series contest and win a t-shirt. Read below to learn how.
1. email me at jenny@jennyoconnell.com and put "contest" in the subject line
2. I will email you back (see I said it was easy)
3. When you receive my email forward it to as many friends as you want, but make sure you cc: me. This way I'll know that you passed it along.
4. As soon as I receive the email you've forwarded, you're entered!Want to have even more chances to win?
5. Have your friends forward the email on to their friends, but make sure you have them cc: me so you get credit (you'll be entered each time and they'll also be entered in the contest).
So, basically, email me, I'll email you back, you forward the email to your friends and the chain begins!
LOCAL GIRLS begins with a skunk. A dead one. And there's a reason for that.
Whenever I smell skunk it reminds me of summer. Growing up in Connecticut there were plenty of skunks. In fact, I was sprayed by one. One night during the summer I was running around to the back of my boyfriend's house and startled a garbage-hunting skunk rattling around in some garbage cans.I scared the skunk.
The skunk sprayed me. I smelled like skunk. Badly.
When I got home later that night I removed my skunk-smelling clothes and put them out on the porch (knowing my mom would kill me if I put them in the house). The next morning when I woke up she said, "I think a skunk died under the porch." I had to tell her that it wasn't a skunk. It was me.
I love the smell of skunk because it reminds me of summer. And that's why LOCAL GIRLS begins with Kendra smelling a skunk and loving the smell as well. Kinda gross, maybe. Something that will always remind me of warm nights and hanging out with friends, absolutely.
Enter the Island Summer series contest and win a t-shirt. Read below to learn how.
1. email me at jenny@jennyoconnell.com and put "contest" in the subject line
2. I will email you back (see I said it was easy)
3. When you receive my email forward it to as many friends as you want, but make sure you cc: me. This way I'll know that you passed it along.
4. As soon as I receive the email you've forwarded, you're entered!Want to have even more chances to win?
5. Have your friends forward the email on to their friends, but make sure you have them cc: me so you get credit (you'll be entered each time and they'll also be entered in the contest).
So, basically, email me, I'll email you back, you forward the email to your friends and the chain begins!
Sunday, June 08, 2008
The Contest Begins!!
Win a LOCAL GIRLS/RICH BOYS t-shirt that is so cool for summer. How do I know? I have a box of them in my office.It's so easy:
1. email me at jenny@jennyoconnell.com and put "contest" in the subject line
2. I will email you back (see I said it was easy)
3. When you receive my email forward it to as many friends as you want, but make sure you cc: me. This way I'll know that you passed it along.
4. As soon as I receive the email you've forwarded, you're entered!Want to have even more chances to win?
5. Have your friends forward the email on to their friends, but make sure you have them cc: me so you get credit (you'll be entered each time and they'll also be entered in the contest).
So, basically, email me, I'll email you back, you forward the email to your friends and the chain begins!
Win a LOCAL GIRLS/RICH BOYS t-shirt that is so cool for summer. How do I know? I have a box of them in my office.It's so easy:
1. email me at jenny@jennyoconnell.com and put "contest" in the subject line
2. I will email you back (see I said it was easy)
3. When you receive my email forward it to as many friends as you want, but make sure you cc: me. This way I'll know that you passed it along.
4. As soon as I receive the email you've forwarded, you're entered!Want to have even more chances to win?
5. Have your friends forward the email on to their friends, but make sure you have them cc: me so you get credit (you'll be entered each time and they'll also be entered in the contest).
So, basically, email me, I'll email you back, you forward the email to your friends and the chain begins!
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Here I thought I was the only one giving stuff away for free! Turns out GIRLS LIFE magazine is giving away copies of LOCAL GIRLS and RICH BOYS in the month of June. All you have to do is register at http://www.girlslife.com/ - look for the Give Away of the Day box and click enter.
But isn't a t-shirt infinitely cooler?
They arrived in the mail today and look so much more amazing than I anticipated! The covers of the books are quite colorful and bright (like summer itself). So I was afraid the covers might come out a little too vivid on the shirts. But instead they're a little faded looking, like a worn, comfy t-shirt should be. They're perfect. The contest starts tomorrow. So check my blog at http://jennyoconnell.blogspot.com/ and enter to get a t-shirt for yourself (and maybe your friends, too!).
But isn't a t-shirt infinitely cooler?
They arrived in the mail today and look so much more amazing than I anticipated! The covers of the books are quite colorful and bright (like summer itself). So I was afraid the covers might come out a little too vivid on the shirts. But instead they're a little faded looking, like a worn, comfy t-shirt should be. They're perfect. The contest starts tomorrow. So check my blog at http://jennyoconnell.blogspot.com/ and enter to get a t-shirt for yourself (and maybe your friends, too!).
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
The count down has begun. Three more days until the annual girls sailing trip along the Florida Keys. Have packed the sailing gloves (those lines are rough and rope burn isn't fun). The hat (the sun is quite hot). The rain jacket (last year we hit a wicked storm, was a ton of fun sailing with the wind whipping the rain at us). And the iPod speakers (a little mood music at night when we anchor the boat and cook ourselves a meal...and crack a frosty drink).
Am so excited!
Monday, May 26, 2008
We've had the most gorgeous weekend! Lots of sitting outside in the sun and relaxing. Yesterday my best friend's daughter brought me over TWILIGHT. I bought her ECLIPSE for Christmas and she loved it. Now it was her turn to turn me on to Stephanie Meyer's books.
So today I cracked open its very hefty spine and started reading. I'm usually a fan of books about regular people, just normal every day girls living their normal every day lives and all the drama that comes along with it. I've never really enjoyed fantasy or mystery or the like. Wasn't sure what I'd think of a book with vampires. But so far I'm really enjoying Bella. And Edward.
And luckily, every time I get antsy to know an answer before I get to it in the story, I just ask Lauren and she fills me in. I have so many questions! So far she's willing to answer every question I have instead of telling me to just keep reading.
So today I cracked open its very hefty spine and started reading. I'm usually a fan of books about regular people, just normal every day girls living their normal every day lives and all the drama that comes along with it. I've never really enjoyed fantasy or mystery or the like. Wasn't sure what I'd think of a book with vampires. But so far I'm really enjoying Bella. And Edward.
And luckily, every time I get antsy to know an answer before I get to it in the story, I just ask Lauren and she fills me in. I have so many questions! So far she's willing to answer every question I have instead of telling me to just keep reading.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Well, with the three day weekend coming up it almost feels like the official start of summer. It's even supposed to be warm and sunny (even if I'm wearing a sweatshirt right now because it feels way colder than it should for being the end of May). In any case, I'm heading to the Floriday Keys in one week for our annual girls' sailing trip. Can't wait!
And then when I get back I'm going to be running a very cool contest for the launch of LOCAL GIRLS and RICH BOYS. Check it out on my Jenny O'Connell blog. The contest will begin June 6 and go until the offical release date (which is June 24).
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Shanna Swendson and I share an agent, a book (EVERYTHING I NEEDED TO KNOW...), a love of red high heels, and now anticipation for the latest in her Katie Chandler series. Only now Katie is leaving the Big Apple and heading to Texas (Shanna's home state), but, as always, magic follows. Here's a little more about Shanna's latest book, DON'T HEX WITH TEXAS.
Katie Chandler has fled fast-paced Manhattan and returned home to a simpler life, working at her family’s feed-and-seed store in Cobb, Texas. In a painfully selfless gesture, Katie left the sexy wizard Owen Palmer to battle his demons in the magical realm—after all, she just seemed to attract evil, which only made Owen’s job a lot harder. But now, it seems, trouble has followed her home. Despite the fact that Merlin, Katie’s former boss at Magic, Spells, and Illusions, Inc., has assured her that Cobb is free of enchantment, magically speaking, Katie begins to notice curious phenomena.
Cobb is being plagued by a series of unexplainable petty crimes and other devilish mischief, and after her experiences in Manhattan, Katie knows “unauthorized magic” when she sees it. As this new dark magic strikes deep in the heart of Texas, Owen reappears (literally) to investigate. Now Katie’s friends and family must show the bad guys why it’s bad luck to hex with Texas, while Katie and Owen combine their strengths like never before to uncover a sinister plot before evil takes root in the Lone Star State.
Shanna's contemporary urban fantasy novels have enchanted fans of romance, chick lit and fantasy alike. DON’T HEX WITH TEXAS—and don’t miss what Booklist calls “one of the best romantic-fantasy series being written today”!
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
I've never played match maker. Never set anyone up on a blind date or even met someone and thought, "I've got the perfect friend for you." But last summer my husband and I had a party and we decided to invite two friends of ours. They drove to our house from the city, meeting for the first time when Matt picked Jennifer up at her apartment. Well, they ended up hitting it off. And this weekend they bought their first place together and moved in. And last night Matt proposed to Jennifer and she accepted (as if there was any doubt). It hasn't even been a year since they first laid eyes on each other (the party was in July) and yet so much has happened! And they're crazy happy. And my husband and I sort of feel responsible, although if you'd asked me back then, when Jennifer was swimming in the pool with mascara dripping down her cheeks and wine dribbled on the front of her shirt, if they'd end up getting married, I'd have said the odds were not in their favor. But I would have been wrong. So we're hanging up our match making hat, because there's no way we could top that.
Monday, April 21, 2008
This is how I spent last week (those are actually my toes). Vacation was wonderful, read four books (loved one, liked two, stopped reading one because I just didn't get into it). The one I loved was by Jill Davis, who wrote GIRLS POKER NIGHT. I couldn't wait for her second book to come out, and it took a long time for that to happen. But Davis didn't disappoint, and I flew through ASK AGAIN LATER. I just love her writing, so crisp and spare to the point, she's brilliant. The thing is, after I finished AAL I started another book that had a ton of hype around it. But with all the hype I just didn't get into it. And, after reading Davis' book imagine my surprise to find out that the hyped book, which just came out, had practically the same story line as AAL - even though AAL came out at least a year ago. The main character even had the same name (Emily)!!!! Both characters were attorneys, both had mothers with cancer, both were estranged from their fathers, both were commitment-phobes, both lived in New York - it was unreal! But as far as quality of story telling and writing, there was no comparison. Davis won hands down.
On the flight back to Boston I happened to sit down next to a man who noticed the book I was reading (Elinor Lipman's ISABEL'S BED) and asked if I liked it. I told him that I'd already read it ten years ago and wanted to read it again. We chatted briefly about the book and I thought, "Nobody cares that much about what anyone's reading - except a writer." Then I saw the manuscript he placed on his tray. And we started talking and it turned out he was a writer. It was Robin Cook. Now, I've never read any Robin Cook, although I'd have at least 20 books to choose from. But last summer our friend was on the Vineyard with us and he was telling me I had to read Robin Cook (our friend is a doctor and so is Robin). We talked practically the entire way back to Boston and so, sadly, Robin didn't get much editing done on his page proofs - which are due to his editor this week. Turns out the main character in his latest book is named Jennifer. I told him that one of the main characters in RICH BOYS goes to Wesleyan, Robin's alma mater. He has a house on the Vineyard and I told him that I have an event there the last week in July for the launch of the Island Summer series. We're hoping to hook up this summer. So enjoyed talking with Robin and listening to his stories, what a really nice guy.
All in all, the perfect end to a perfect vacaction. I couldn't have written a better ending myself.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Five years ago I was sent a manuscript to read to see if I would like it enough to write a blurb (you know, those quotes on the back/front of a book recommending it). I took the manuscript on vacation with me and read it on a deserted beach for two days straight. I loved it. Every time I think of that book I remember laying in the sand looking at the blue ocean and thinking, "This is the perfect place and a perfect vacation read." That book was Megan Crane's debut, ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE.
Since then I've gotten to know Megan, blurbed another of her books (FRENEMIES), and asked her to contribute to one of mine (EVERYTHING I NEEDED TO KNOW...). Megan's editor sent me her latest book to read for a potential blurb, but it was during writing hell when I was attempting to write LOCAL GIRLS and RICH BOYS and I didn't have a single moment to spare reading the manuscript of anyone else. So I didn't get to read the book.
Well, now NAMES MY SISTERS CALL ME is out. And it just so happens I am leaving for another trip to a desserted island and will be bringing a ton of reading material to enjoy on the beach. So it looks like once again Megan's book will be associated with the blue Caribbean sea and solitude. And I'm sure I'll love it as much as I've loved her other books. Here's a little about it:
Perfectly poised for wedding season and beach reading, Names My Sisters Call Me is the story of a newly engaged woman who uses her engagement party as a way to reconcile her estranged sisters - much to her chagrin.
Courtney, Norah, and Raine Cassel are about as different as three sisters can get. Norah, the oldest, is a typical Type A obsessive who believes there is a right way and a wrong way to do everything. Six years later she has not forgiven Raine, the middle sister, for ruining her wedding day. Raine is Norah's opposite - a wild, follow-your-bliss hippie chick who flees to California after the wedding fiasco. The only thing the two sisters have in common is their ability to drive Courtney, their youngest sister, crazy.
When Courtney's longtime boyfriend proposes, she decides it's finally time to call a family truce and bring the three sisters together. After all, they're all grown-ups now, right? But it turns out that family ghosts aren't easily vanquished, and neither are first loves. Reconnecting the sisters also means reexamining every choice Courtney has made in the past six years, right down to the man she's about to marry.
Whether you have suffered the angst of sibling rivalry or been one of the lucky (or unlucky, depending on how you look at it) few who just watched from afar, Names My Sisters Call Me is a book that anyone with a sister, a sibling, or even a friend can appreciate.
When Courtney's longtime boyfriend proposes, she decides it's finally time to call a family truce and bring the three sisters together. After all, they're all grown-ups now, right? But it turns out that family ghosts aren't easily vanquished, and neither are first loves. Reconnecting the sisters also means reexamining every choice Courtney has made in the past six years, right down to the man she's about to marry.
Whether you have suffered the angst of sibling rivalry or been one of the lucky (or unlucky, depending on how you look at it) few who just watched from afar, Names My Sisters Call Me is a book that anyone with a sister, a sibling, or even a friend can appreciate.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
How I've been spending my free time since finishing RICH BOYS - creating the trailer for An Island Summer series.
Monday, March 24, 2008
I think eBooks are pretty cool, and what's even cooler is getting 20% off! Diesel eBooks is offering a special 20% discount on some of my books if you click here and enter the special promotional code OCO20c84.
What could be better with tax day right around the corner than saving 20% on books?
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Once again I'm reminded that, hands down, the best thing about being a writer is getting to hang out with some of the funnest, funniest people around - other writers. We had so much fun at Friday night's event in Nutley. Great food, great company and just an all around great time. Megan and Alison are so funny. Unfortunately, the weather was so rainy and the traffic so bad our dinner plans had to be scrapped. Luckily, the event was catered and delicious. And when Megan pulled out her Judy Blume diary from almost 30 years ago, I almost couldn't believe it. I wish we all had a reason to get together more often.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Looking for a little fun this Friday night? Live in NJ or the NYC area? Then come join me, Megan McCafferty and Alison Pace as the Friends of the Nutley Public Library host their annual tea on Friday, March 7 at 7pm. We'll be talking about EVERYTHING I NEEDED TO KNOW ABOUT BEING A GIRL I LEARNED FROM JUDY BLUME and our experiences as writers and readers.
The event begins at 7pm with Champagne, followed by high tea provided by The Petit Cafe. Guests will be treated to scones, quiche, other treats and a selection of exquisite teas. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing by the authors.
Seating is limited to 15 tables of four for tea. Tickets are $40 for the evening and available at the Nutley Public Library. For information please call Gioya at 973-667-0405 x. 2636.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Question. There's some debate over the subtitle of my Martha's Vineyard series. So I wanted to know what you think. Which of these subtitles do you like better?
LOCAL GIRLS: A Martha's Vineyard Novel
LOCAL GIRLS: An Island Summer Novel
LOCAL GIRLS: A Barefoot Summer Novel
Other (all suggestions are welcome, appreciated and up for discussion).
LOCAL GIRLS: A Martha's Vineyard Novel
LOCAL GIRLS: An Island Summer Novel
LOCAL GIRLS: A Barefoot Summer Novel
Other (all suggestions are welcome, appreciated and up for discussion).
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
It's done! RICH BOYS is officially in my editor's hands, revisions and all. Here's some math around the completion of the book:
20,000 - words added to the book since Friday.
154 - days until LOCAL GIRLS and RICH BOYS come out
36 - hours spent at my laptop on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
10 - number of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies consumed Saturday night(I had the mix in the cabinet and decided to take a brief break to add a little water, an egg,and pop them into the oven).
7 - number of weeks to write and revise RICH BOYS.
3 - number of migrane pills taken in the past three days.
1 - email from editor asking if she'd get the revised manuscript on time.
0 - number of words left to write!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Let's talk meatloaf. No, not THAT Meatloaf. The other kind.
My friend Jennifer has always had a fantasy about creating a place where meatloaf lovers can come together and celebrate the greatness that is a little chopped meat tossed with spices and a pinch of something special (my something special is Worcestershire sauce and Romano cheese). So Jennifer decided to create just a place with her Meetloaferie blog. Check it out, she'll have opinion pieces, favorite recipes and fascinating meatloaf facts to share. In fact, I'm so inspired it's what we'll be having for dinner tomorrow night with some mashed potatos, which, in my opinion, is the perfect sidedish. Yum.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Here's a picture from yesterday's event at Macy's. That's me, Annette Blair and Hank Phillippi Ryan. We had a great time, even if the weather was wet and rainy. Lucikly people were still willing to brave the puddles and come out to see us. Thanks!
And happy valentine's day to everyone!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Last summer when I was on vacation my friend Karen Neches (also known as Karin Gillespie) gave me the manuscript of her book EARTHLY PLEASURES. I'd read it while sitting at the skateboard park with my son, and I loved it. And now it's out! Here's a little about the book (I just love the cover):
Welcome to Heaven. Use your Wishberry to hustle up whatever you want. Have an online chat with God. Visit the attractions such as Retail Rapture, Wrath of God miniature golf and Nocturnal Theater, where nightly dreams are translated to film.
Your greeter might just be Skye Sebring who will advises her newly dead clients on what to expect now that they’re expired. “Heaven is like a Corona Beer commercial” she assures her charges. “It’s all about contentment.”
So different than Earth where chaos reigns. Unfortunately for Skye, she’s been chosen to live her first life. She’s required to attend Earth 101 classes, which teach all of the world’s greatest philosophies through five Beatle songs.
Skye has no interest in Earthly pursuits, until lawyer Ryan Blaine briefly becomes her client after a motorcycle accident. Just as they are getting to know each other, he is revived and sent back to Earth.
She follows his life via the TV channel “Earthly Pleasures” but discovers he has a wife as well as a big secret. Why then does he call a show for the lovelorn to talk about the lost love of his life?
In Earthly Pleasures great love can transcend the dimensions, narrowing the vast difference between Heaven and Earth.
Your greeter might just be Skye Sebring who will advises her newly dead clients on what to expect now that they’re expired. “Heaven is like a Corona Beer commercial” she assures her charges. “It’s all about contentment.”
So different than Earth where chaos reigns. Unfortunately for Skye, she’s been chosen to live her first life. She’s required to attend Earth 101 classes, which teach all of the world’s greatest philosophies through five Beatle songs.
Skye has no interest in Earthly pursuits, until lawyer Ryan Blaine briefly becomes her client after a motorcycle accident. Just as they are getting to know each other, he is revived and sent back to Earth.
She follows his life via the TV channel “Earthly Pleasures” but discovers he has a wife as well as a big secret. Why then does he call a show for the lovelorn to talk about the lost love of his life?
In Earthly Pleasures great love can transcend the dimensions, narrowing the vast difference between Heaven and Earth.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
I would not consider myself a sucker for infomercials. But the other night I realized either A) there are some pretty cool things out there I absolutely must have in my life, or B) I am a total sucker for infomercials. I saw a commercial for the Kinoki Foot Pad, which is a white rectangle pad you stick to the bottom of your feet while you sleep and it sucks all the toxins out of your body. There's even proof every morning, when you take off the pad and it's black (gross, I know, but very visually convincing). I was riveted. I was convinced I had toxins and parasites and all sorts of horrible things in my body that could only be removed by a sticky pad on the bottom of my foot. My husband watched me as I sat transfixed in front of the TV inspecting my own feet, wondering why I'd never noticed they were the key to a healthier life.
Then my daughter told me she wanted to get me the Mighty Putty I saw on TV. I could not get over this stuff. I wanted it. I needed it. And my lovely daughter couldn't think of anything else her mom would enjoy so much for her birthday.
I have purchased the Leg Magic, after convincing myself it was the most amazing leg toner in the world. I've purchased skin care from Cindy Crawford, I mean, who can argue with Cindy Crawford's skin? I'm dying to buy this set of stackable Tupperware-type containers that look like they'd finally give me a cabinet of organized containers vs. the cabinet I have now with missing tops and mishapen bottoms.
So maybe I'm not immune to the lure of infomercials after all. Are you?
Then my daughter told me she wanted to get me the Mighty Putty I saw on TV. I could not get over this stuff. I wanted it. I needed it. And my lovely daughter couldn't think of anything else her mom would enjoy so much for her birthday.
I have purchased the Leg Magic, after convincing myself it was the most amazing leg toner in the world. I've purchased skin care from Cindy Crawford, I mean, who can argue with Cindy Crawford's skin? I'm dying to buy this set of stackable Tupperware-type containers that look like they'd finally give me a cabinet of organized containers vs. the cabinet I have now with missing tops and mishapen bottoms.
So maybe I'm not immune to the lure of infomercials after all. Are you?
Monday, February 11, 2008
All You Need is Love @ Macy’s Downtown Crossing
Wednesday, February 13, noon , Upper Level
If you're in Boston this Wednesday, February 13, come on down to Macy's Downtown for a special All You Need is Love event.
Join myself, author Annette Blair (author of Sex and the Psychic Witch) and WHDH-TV investigative reporter and best-selling mystery author Hank Phillippi Ryan ((Prime Time and Face Time)for an up close and personal conversation. For the first 100 RSVPs, enjoy a sweet Valentine’s treat and a complimentary Harlequin romance novel (The Greek Tycoons Defiant Bride by Lynne Graham). Enjoy refreshments‡ courtesy of Haru, Boston’s newest Japanese fusion restaurant and get a mini-makeover courtesy of Lancome! Plus, receive a copy of our latest novel as your gift with any $25 Macy’s purchase†. Attendance is limited. Please RSVP at 1-800-4EVENT2.
Also, don’t forget to enter for the chance to *win love Las Vegas style!!*One lucky winner will find love..... The Beatles™ LOVE™ by Cirque du Soleil® at The Mirage® in Las Vegas, that is! With a little help from Macy’s and American Airlines® you and your sweetheart will spend four (4) days / three (3) nights at The Mirage Hotel and receive a pair of tickets to The Beatles™ LOVE™ by Cirque du Soleil®..
Also, don’t forget to enter for the chance to *win love Las Vegas style!!*One lucky winner will find love..... The Beatles™ LOVE™ by Cirque du Soleil® at The Mirage® in Las Vegas, that is! With a little help from Macy’s and American Airlines® you and your sweetheart will spend four (4) days / three (3) nights at The Mirage Hotel and receive a pair of tickets to The Beatles™ LOVE™ by Cirque du Soleil®..
Saturday, February 09, 2008
I would not consider myself a sucker for infomercials. But the other night I realized either A) there are some pretty cool things out there I absolutely must have in my life, or B) I am a total sucker for infomercials. I saw a commercial for the Kinoki Foot Pad, which is a white rectangle pad you stick to the bottom of your feet while you sleep and it sucks all the toxins out of your body. There's even proof every morning, when you take off the pad and it's black (gross, I know, but very visually convincing). I was riveted. I was convinced I had toxins and parasites and all sorts of horrible things in my body that could only be removed by a sticky pad on the bottom of my foot. My husband watched me as I sat transfixed in front of the TV inspecting my own feet, wondering why I'd never noticed they were the key to a healthier life.
Then my daughter told me she wanted to get me the Mighty Putty I saw on TV. I could not get over this stuff. I wanted it. I needed it. And my lovely daughter couldn't think of anything else her mom would enjoy so much for her birthday.
I have purchased the Leg Magic, after convincing myself it was the most amazing leg toner in the world. I've purchased skin care from Cindy Crawford, I mean, who can argue with Cindy Crawford's skin? I'm dying to buy this set of stackable Tupperware-type containers that look like they'd finally give me a cabinet of organized containers vs. the cabinet I have now with missing tops and mishapen bottoms.
So maybe I'm not immune to the lure of infomercials.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Today is my birthday! And I love my birthday, no matter how old I get. So what a great little present to get this morning from my friend (and fellow MTV author) Kelly Parra, who passed along this article from Teen Magazine. Our books are mentioned in the winter issue. Apparently, Dana from North Carolina recommended PLAN B to other readers. It's always nice when someone likes your book, but to then go ahead and recommend it to others, well, that's the best. Thanks, Dana!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
We're preparing for the Superbowl in our house. With our hometown team playing New York, there's a bit of a rivalry going on. I come from a family of New York fans and my mom is convinced the Giants are going to win. Ask my kids, they'll tell you something different. Tonight I walked into the family room and found Celtics shirts and Red Sox shirts and Patriots jerseys hanging from the furniture, not to mention a prominent display of two foam fingers I got them at the Celtic's game last week.
"What's this?" I asked my son.
"A bar," he told me. "It's a sports bar."
I wasn't sure if I should be concerned my eight year old knows how to decorate a sports bar, or give him a high five and ask him if he knew the spread.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Patry Francis has a new book today, and while I'm always excited to promote authors, Patry has some extenuating circumstances around the launch of her book. She was diagnosed with an an aggressive form of cancer. A bunch of us on the Girlfriends Cyber Circuit and other authors are blogging for the release of Liar's Diary in support of Patry. I love the cover for this book, and the inside sounds just as wonderful.
Here's a little bit about the book:
When new music teacher Ali Mather enters Jeanne Cross’s quiet suburban life, she brings a jolt of energy that Jeanne never expected. Ali has a magnetic personality and looks to match, drawing attention from all quarters. Nonetheless, Jeanne and Ali develop a friendship based on their mutual vulnerabilities THE LIAR’S DIARY is the story of Ali and Jeanne’s friendship, and the secrets they both keep.Jeanne’s secrets are kept to herself; like her son’s poor report card and husband’s lack of interest in their marriage. Ali’s secrets are kept in her diary, which holds the key to something dark: her fear that someone has been entering her house when she is not at home. While their secrets bring Jeanne and Ali together, it is this secret that will drive them apart. Jeanne finds herself torn between her family and her dear friend in order to protect the people she loves.
Monday, January 28, 2008
I'm always amazed at children's capacity to learn. Recently my son learned that cream of chicken soup looks like cake batter, which is how he now refers to it (as in, "Can I have that stuff that looks like cake batter for dinner?"). And my daughter learned that the time to ask your mother if she has the car keys is before you lock the doors and get out of the car to go ask her. We were at the gas station and I was inside the store paying for a car wash when she decided to see what I was up to. Ever vigilent she locked the car doors. Too bad the keys were sitting there on the driver's seat. We decided to make good use of our time while we waited for my husband to come bring us another key - we bought lottery tickets. And that's when she learned that even though it's fun to scratch the cards, it's even more fun when you discover you've won two bucks. Of course it cost us five bucks to win the two, which is when she learned that Mommy wasn't buying any more lottery tickets.Sunday, January 20, 2008
Two new covers and now one new web site. I just launched the new and improved www.jennyoconnell.com site and I love it. Especially because it has the new covers on it, but also because I was getting bored with the old site. Check it out.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Finally!!! Book covers for my upcoming A Martha's Vineyard Novel series. Must say, I love the covers. Love 'em! And the guy in the orange shorts isn't so bad either. Monday, January 14, 2008
I forgot another exciting thing that happened to me last week. I had a meatball calzone. Which may not be terribly interesting or unusual except that I'd never had a calzone before. When push came to shove, every time I could have had a calzone there was also pizza involved and inevitably I went for the pizza. Now I won't be so quick to go the pizza route because I love me a meatball calzone!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
I haven't been a prolific poster lately, mostly because I have nothing exciting to report or report on. Mostly I've just been working on RICH BOYS, looking forward to finishing it so I can have some free weekends to have fun, but also sort of sad that both of the Martha's Vineyard books will be done. I've already started thinking about a third and fourth book in the series, but I think I need another trip to the island to get the creative juices flowing, so I probably won't being writing anything until after our summer trip there in July. In the mean time, here are the top five most exciting things that have happened lately:
1. I won a scratch lottery ticket. Grand total of win: $4
2. My husband discovered he does a perfect impersonation of Scooby Doo acting surprised
3. After 1.5 years in our house I finally decided we need curtains in the family room. Found the most adorable material and placed the order (cute dragon flies on a green background). Now I just have to wait 8 weeks for them to be made, at which point I won't care anymore whether or not I have curtains in the family room.
4. Got a little curtain happy and put curtains in the master bath - did not have to wait 8 weeks so got the instant gratifiction I was seeking.
5. Got an iPhone and bought a personalized ring tone for the first time in my life. It's the theme song to Bewitched, which makes me smile and feel a little magical every time it rings.
Friday, December 28, 2007
I'm not a big fan of coincidences in either books or movies. Movies where two people miss each other by seconds in the store or pass each other on the street but don't know it because someone bumps into one and they spill their coffee all over the front of their shirt? Hate 'em. But I have to admit that life is, in fact, filled with coincidences.
What are the chances that not one but two of my computers would crap out on me within a few months of each other? Or that the second computer would die exactly four days after I was shopping for a back up storage system in Staples, but couldn't choose so decided to give myself a few days to figure out what I wanted? What are the chances that I would lose not one, not two, but three diamond earrings so far in my life? Or that two of those would get lost skiing? I run into coincidences all the time, like discovering my friend's new boyfriend grew up in the town I went to high school in. Or that my daughter's friend would come over to spend the night and her father and my husband would discover they work together.
So as much as I think coincidences can be awfully convenient in books and movies, I have to admit they do happen. Unfortunately I've never coincidentally discovered my husband and I both bought the winning Powerball ticket.
Happy New Year and a wonderful 2008 to everyone. I hope the upcoming year brings lots of pleasant and suprising coincidences.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
The wonderful Melissa Senate, who contributed to EVERYTHING I NEEDED TO KNOW..., now has her first teen book out in paperback. I love THEODORA TWIST's cover. So what's it about? Here's a little teaser...
You’re sixteen. A high school junior. A major teen celebrity moves into your house for a month and shares your bedroom, your friends, your clothes, your school. Your entire life. And it’s all caught on camera, for all of America to see. One day she’s ordinary nobody Emily Fine, practically invisible to everyone (including her own mother) and the next, she’s roommates with teen idol Theodora Twist and co-star of a TV reality show.
Theodora Twist is Hollywood’s hottest young actress—the girl everyone wants to be. Producers court her, tabloids love her, fans mob her, and US Weekly has covered every catfight with her co-stars, her ongoing feud with her mother, her yo-yo dieting, and her threesome with two Hollywood it-boys. Needless to say, Theodora doesn’t have the best reputation around.
So when Theodora’s publicity team decides to clean up her act with a reality show called Theodora Twist—Just a Regular Teen!, they send Theodora back to her hometown to live with Emily’s family for a month. Theodora has to do everything Emily does: attend high school, care about grades, friends, boys, the prom, zits (as though Theodora has ever had one). And a very unlikely friendship is formed.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Vicki and I have received so many emails from readers regarding our book. They all asked how they become members of the society, and Vicki and I finally got off our butts to do what we'd wanted to do since we originally came up with the idea for THE DIVORCED GIRLS SOCIETY. We now have a forum where divorcing women can talk, share ideas, ask questions, whatever. You can find the forum by clicking on that link or simply click on http://divorcedgirlssociety.forumsland.com/. There's also a link on our site http://www.divorcedgirlssociety.com/.It's that simple! Vicki and I will be dropping in on the conversation every now and then to see how it's going. Enjoy!
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Laurie Stolarz has a new book out, and it just happens to take place near Boston, so all the better. Funny, my kids love the reality ghost-hunting show TAPS, and in a recent episode they visited an abandoned hospital down South, very creepy. High atop Hathorne Hill, near Boston, sits Danvers State Hospital. Built in 1878 and closed in 1992, this abandoned mental institution is rumored to be the birthplace of the lobotomy. Locals have long believed the place to be haunted. They tell stories about the unmarked graves on the premises, of the cold spots felt throughout the underground tunnels, and of the treasures found inside: patients' personal items like journals, hair combs, and bars of soap, or even their old medical records, left behind by the state for trespassers to view. On the eve of the hospital's demolition, six teens break in to spend the night and film a movie about their adventures. For Derik, it's an opportunity to win a filmmaking contest and save himself from a future of flipping burgers at his parents' diner. For the others, it's a chance to be on TV, or a night with no parents. But what starts as a playful dare quickly escalates into a frenzy of nightmarish action. Behind the crumbling walls, down every dark passageway, and in each deserted room, they will unravel the mysteries of those who once lived there and the spirits who still might.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
I decided I'm tired of losing the holiday decorations game. Everyone in my neighborhood has lights galore, wreaths hung outside and lit with spotlights, garland hung over doors and big red bows. So Sunday we went to town. Bought the bushy green garland for around the front door, seven sets of lights (the untangling of which was enough to have me mumbling bah humbug), two trees for each side of the door, and beautiful velvet bows with gold sparkles. And, the tangled lights not withstanding, I was merry. I love the holidays, love holiday songs, holiday smells, especially holiday eggnog. then it came time to put up the lights and lesson #1 was learned: Always test lights before hanging. Common sense, I know, but I was excited! So when we plugged in the lights and only half of the strand worked, I was ready to strangle the people at Lowe's with them. Out of seven strands of lights (not all new, I admit), not a single strand had all lights lit. At one point the only working strand shone brightly as we stepped back to admire our work, only to watch as they went out right before our eyes. Tried replacing some bulbs with the extras they provided, but no luck. Decided to throw every single one away and start over. Only Lowe's was out of white lights, so we had to go with the rainbow lights, which my kids wanted in the first place. Put the lights up, and there was peace, joy and happiness. Until the two trees kept blowing over. Lesson #2: securing Christmas trees on a windy front step requires the equivalent of gardening in single digit weather. My husband had to fill the planters with dirt and rocks to keep those damn trees from falling over. Problem solved. Lesson #3: you always need more extension cords than anticipated. I am now single handedly responsible for using more than my fair share of the electrical grid after two more trips to Lowe's. Lesson #4: Fun to turn lights on, pain in the butt turning them off when you're in your pajamas and the outlet can't be reached from inside the front door. Still, I'd never be able to sleep if I left them on all night, would imagine those rainbow lights igniting those two trees, and the flames running along my lovely garland.
This weekend's holiday tasks: lighting 12 luminaries along our front walk for our Christmas party. I'll be working with open flames, so anything's possible.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Am home from NYC and our whirlwind Aussie interview (that's the Times Square backdrop behind us). You can view it here on the TODAY web site. It was very disconcerting to be speaking into a camera and not actually talking to live people. Instead we just had their audio feed in our ears. It was short and sweet. The biggest surprise was being in the hall and having a posse of men in suits walking with us, only to discover we were walking down the hall with Rudy Guiliani, like right next to me. I just looked over and there he was and I'm thinking, "That guy looks a lot like Rudy Guiliani," only to realize two seconds later it was. And then, just when that's occuring to me, I'm face to face with Jim Cramer (CNBC devotees know him, my husband and I love him). And then Jim looks at me and says hi. We tried to explain to our daughters who those two men were and why we even knew who they were, but since they weren't Hannah Montana, our girls weren't all that impressed (although they did think it was mildly amusing that they were possibly a foot away from the next president of the United States).
Other than that we walked around the city and enjoyed all the festive decorations. And, in other news, if you're around Rhode Island on Saturday and looking for a cool event, I'm signing books at Reading with Robin's fifth anniversary celebration. The party is from 11-4 at Books on the Square on Angell Street in Providence. 401-331-9097 for more information. Proceeds will benefit the RISPCA. We will be collecting the following items for the RISPCA. If you bring an item you will be entered into our raffle drawing! (lots of fun prizes!)
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Am brain dead after turning in LOCAL GIRLS to my editor yesterday. Last night I told my kids that the Easter Bunny once brought me a record for Thanksgiving. And it actually made sense to me.
Jennifer Echols started a new blog for all of us MTV authors to chat and post info and just hang out in general. You can find it at http://mtvbooks.blogspot.com/. I will be blogging there the 28th of each month. First post went up today. Until I get my ability to think coherently back, here's a little about LOCAL GIRLS:
There are two kinds of people on the island—those who leave at summer’s end . . . and the ones who are left behind.
Kendra and Mona are best friends, local girls who spend their summers catering to rich tourists and the rest of the year chafing against small-town life. Then Mona’s mom marries one of the island’s rich summer visitors, and Mona joins the world of the Boston elite, leaving Kendra and Martha’s Vineyard behind. When Mona returns the following summer, everything is different. Now Mona spends her days sunbathing with her private school friends, while Kendra works at The Willow Inn—a job she and Mona once hoped to do together.
Unlike his sister, Mona’s twin brother Henry hasn’t changed. He’s spending his summer the way he always has: with long, quiet hours fishing. Early mornings before work become special for Kendra as she starts sharing them with Henry, hoping he can help her figure Mona out. Then Kendra hatches a plan to prove she’s Mona’s one true friend: uncover the identity of the twins’ birth father, a question that has always obsessed Mona. And so she begins to unravel the seventeen-year-old mystery of the summer boy who charmed Mona’s mother. But it may prove to be a puzzle better left unsolved—as what she is about to discover will change their lives forever…..
Kendra and Mona are best friends, local girls who spend their summers catering to rich tourists and the rest of the year chafing against small-town life. Then Mona’s mom marries one of the island’s rich summer visitors, and Mona joins the world of the Boston elite, leaving Kendra and Martha’s Vineyard behind. When Mona returns the following summer, everything is different. Now Mona spends her days sunbathing with her private school friends, while Kendra works at The Willow Inn—a job she and Mona once hoped to do together.
Unlike his sister, Mona’s twin brother Henry hasn’t changed. He’s spending his summer the way he always has: with long, quiet hours fishing. Early mornings before work become special for Kendra as she starts sharing them with Henry, hoping he can help her figure Mona out. Then Kendra hatches a plan to prove she’s Mona’s one true friend: uncover the identity of the twins’ birth father, a question that has always obsessed Mona. And so she begins to unravel the seventeen-year-old mystery of the summer boy who charmed Mona’s mother. But it may prove to be a puzzle better left unsolved—as what she is about to discover will change their lives forever…..
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
That's the Aussie flag in preparation for Thursday, when Vicki and I head to New York to appear live on the Today Show in Australia via satellite. I know Vicki's been walking around saying, "Blimey, mate," ever since we scheduled this, although that sounds vaguely more pirate-ish than down under to me. The dilemma now is what to wear so we compliment each other. She's thinking black, and I never wear black, so that works. And black goes with everything, except brown, which is my preference. We'll see who wins the battle of the wardrobe.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
I had an interesting email from a girl who read THE BOOK OF LUKE. She wrote and asked whether Luke and Emily stay together always or whether that is up to interpretation. And so I wrote her back and said that I honestly didn't know. Which made me wonder if other authors know what happens to their characters in the future, beyond where the story ends. And it also made me think about my other books and whether or not I know what happens to them after the last page. I think INSIDER DATING and PLAN B are about the only two where I imagined their story continuing on. Especially PLAN B, where I know where Vanessa chooses to go to college, even though the reader doesn't at the end. And I even know what Reed and Vanessa do over the summer, and it's really fun and lots of things happen. I think of all my books, that's one I could easily write a sequel to. In any case, I think I'm going to ask my writer friends if they think about what happens to characters after a book ends and see what they have to say. Stay posted, I'll let you know.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Last week we went out to LA to surprise my mom for her birthday. Because I didn't want to show up at their front door, yell surprise! and discover they'd decided, themselves, to go somewhere that week, I obviously had to tell my dad for it all to work. When talking with my dad about our visit I mentioned a comment my daughter made to in the car recently. She said, in a very earnest tone, "My life would be complete if I could 1) go to Paris, and 2) see Wicked." So, as a surprise for my mom and my daughter, my dad got us tickets to go see Wicked. It was SO amazing. My daughter is convinced she'd love to have Glinda's wardrobe (all sparkly, puffy dresses). The music was wonderful and I'd had no idea it would actually be funny. Some great one liners. Now my daughter's decided she wants to see more plays, and we've put Cats on our list, because she's a huge feline lover (I told her it was actually based on a poem by T.S. Eliot but she was good with that, as long as the people acted like cats).So now my daughter can scratch Wicked off her list of things she needs to do in order for her life to be complete. But she's only ten, so we're holding off on the trip to Paris for at least a couple of years. We want her to have something to live for, right?
Thursday, November 15, 2007
I always thought it would be cool to know how to knit. There's probably nothing better than picking out your own yarn and making the perfect sweater in the perfect color. Unfortunately my handiwork never made it beyond those potholders you weave with raglan and hook rugs (I made a mean rug with a turtle on it, very awesome, and the little metal hook tool that came with the hook also made a great weapon for torturing my brother). In any case, Elizabeth Lenhard didn't just think knitting was cool to do, she wrote a whole series of books about it!Elizabeth Lenhard’s trilogy of witty, knitty novels concludes with Chicks with Sticks (KnitWise).
The Chicks trilogy began in 2005 with Chicks with Sticks (It’s a purl thing). Fifteen-year-old Scottie lives in a cool, Chicago loft, goes to a progressive-to-the-point-of-wacky private school—and she’s miserable. Her former best friend, trust-fund princess Amanda, is just that—her former best friend—and her mom has become an It girl in Chicago’s art world. Meanwhile, Scottie just wants to blend in.
Then she discovers knitting, and it’s as if she’s been thrown a cashmerino lifeline. Soon Scottie and Amanda find themselves hanging at their local yarn store, bound together by a yen for yarn and a hunger for friendship. They make two more knitty friends: Bella, a new age yoga goddess, and Tay, an indie tomboy with “anger issues” in the wake of her parents’ divorce. The friends’ stitches and their relationships become so intertwined that it’s hard to remember which came first: the girls or the purls.
Chicks #2, Chicks with Sticks (Knit two together), could be called the Chicks’ boy book. At sixteen, Scottie is finally smitten and thrilled to have her first boyfriend—or does she? Amanda’s heart is broken when she wakes up one day and finds that she’s a trophy girlfriend. Tay wonders if her b.f.—an adorable basketball player who knits on the side—is a cling-on. And Bella swears off boys altogether. Drama ensues—all, of course, to the tune of the girls’ click-clacking needles.
And now, there’s Chicks with Sticks (KnitWise). For Scottie, Amanda, Bella, and Tay, life in Chicago has been all about seeking shelter. They’ve found it in their firelit stitch ’n bitch at Joe Coffee; in the halls of their quirky private school; in the arms of boyfriends—and always in the comfort of the friendship that bonds them together.
But now the Chicks are staring down the end of high school and it's time to contemplate life beyond the protective web of their knitty ensemble. Will the stresses of college applications and service projects, debutante balls and long-distance loves, mean the end of the Chicks? Or can this unlikely foursome bind-off the happy ending that only true friendship can craft?
The Chicks with Sticks books aren’t just for crafty types (though each book does include several original knitting patterns and projects). They’re for anyone juggling the works-in-progress that are friendship, first love, and surviving high school; for anyone who’s ever found friends in the most unlikely place—or wanted to. Sometimes you just need some string and sticks—with some full-fat hot chocolate on the side—to get you there.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Early yesterday Vicki and I were interviewed for Australian radio, and once again I just loved listening to our interviewer's accent. Even though, in an early morning daze, I glanced at the clock, saw 6:00am, subtracted an hour because we didn't change our clock Saturday night (fall back, spring forward, I know!) and got up and went to my office for the call. Only to realize, once I was working on my computer and waiting for the phone to ring, that it was really 5:00am with the clocks turned back, and the interview was at 7:00. So I finally went back to bed at 5:15 and then laid awake wondering if the interviewer knew about daylight savings time - so could I sleep until 6:00 unchanged clock time or 7:00 unchanged clock time if she knew? Ok, with all the math running through my eye I never even fell back asleep. So at the real 6:00 I once again went to my office and waited (she didn't know about turning back the clock), and the phone rang. But not before Vicki was texting my phone to tell me that her cell was on permanent mute and someone with a very long, very foreign phone number kept trying call and it wasn't working.
In any case, we worked it all out and the interview is airing tonight. And, because for some reason Australia is really digging THE DIVORCED GIRLS SOCIETY book, now we have a morning TV show down under interested in interviewing us. Of course, every time Vicki and I talk about anything to do with the Aussies we use our best Aussie accent, which is very Nicole Kidman/Russell Crowe sounding, although you can't hear it in this newspaper interview with
The Sydney Morning Herald. Check it out here.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Like to get up early? Looking for something to listen to while making your Saturday morning eggs? This Saturday morning Vicki and I will be on Reading with Robin talking about THE DIVORCED GIRLS SOCIETY. You can listen on line or tune into WHJJ 920 AM if you're in the Providence area. While I'm not a morning person, it's sure to be a good time because, unlike me, Vicki likes to rise and shine.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
My alma mater, Smith College, has a feature on its web site called "An Author's Voice." It's a feature that includes audio interviews with Smith authors, including one of my favorite children's book authors, Jane Yolen, who was declared America’s Hans Christian Anderson by Newsweek (she's also written over 250 books!). This summer, while on Martha's Vineyard, I was interviewed via phone for An Author's Voice. You can listen to the interview here. I haven't actually listened to the whole thing yet, so I don't know if I sound reasonably intelligent or something less desireable. I do know that it was early in the morning and I'm not a morning person. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.
Monday, October 22, 2007
D-day is fast approaching (as in deadline day for my first book in the Martha's Vineyard Summer series). Only 24 more days to get it in shape before emailing it off to my editor and beginning book #2. So how appropriate that today my editor sent me the jacket copy for both books. Talk about pressure! I'm supposed to review and revise jacket copy for one book that isn't done and another that is barely even begun. The funny thing is, the copy for book #1 was written off of my synopisis, so I actually got to see what changed since I had my original idea (like the summer job of Kendra, the main character, is slightly different than originally imagined). And what happens if I commit to the copy for book #2 and then decide to change something - like the main character's name?
In any case, I continue to chug along. It's funny, sometimes I get in a groove and 500 words later I realize how much I've written and how much I like it. Other times it takes me an hour to write 21 words that are about as exciting as a paper on photosynthesis (and, if you knew what my college microbiology professor thought of my ability to explain photosynthesis you'd know this isn't a good thing).
Thursday, October 18, 2007
So my mom went out and bought DIVORCED GIRLS SOCIETY, even though she wasn't sure she should given that she's been married for 40 years. I told her to spend the $12, it was worth it. And she agrees. The other night she called to tell me how much she's loving it, that it's so well written and funny and actually shouldn't be shelved in the self help section at all, but another section, since it's just like reading a great story about someone going through a divorce.
"Vicki is such a great writer, it's so enjoyable, I just love it."
Um, Vicki? "I wrote it, too, mom."
"Yeah, but didn't you just write what's in those little boxes down the side of the pages?"
"No, actually, we pretty much split the writing 50/50."
"Really? I wouldn't have guessed that, it all sounds like Vicki., it's so funny."
Enough with the Vicki!!! "I'll tell her that, mom."
"No, let me. Can I have Vicki's email address, I want to send her a note telling her how much I'm enjoying the book."
Yeah, you can reach her at vicki@mymomlikesyoubetterthanme.com.
Jeez, what's a girl got to do to get a little love from her mom?
Sunday, October 07, 2007
The titles of "unnamed books #1 and #2" in my Martha's Vineyard Summer series have been a real stumper. I wanted some very cool names that had something to do with the island and summer (imagine that?). Well, I really liked one name, but it had the word 'Summer' in the title and my editor wasn't keen on it because MTV has already published two books with Summer in the titles ("But my title is SO much cooler," I wanted to tell her, but instead I just whimpered and sulked).
Now, a mere six weeks before it's due, the books finally have titles. And, despite my efforts to come up with something while writing scenes, which should provide some inspiration (as in, I'm writing a scene where Kendra and Henry go fishing, can I work the words 'bait,' 'worm' or 'lure' into some cool title?), I didn't come up with anything. The titles, despite my best efforts, were suggested by my editor. And since I wasn't having any luck, I said, "Sure, sounds good." As soon as I have the covers I will pass along the titles. And I will be getting them at the same time, or simultaneously, if you're looking for a big word to say the same thing.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
I love to read while I'm writing (which sometimes isn't conducive to writing as much as I should be writing). I've talked with authors who cannot, will not read books when they're in the process of writing a book. For me, I find it inspires me and gets me psyched to write. Thinking about deadlines, not nearly as inspiring.
In any case, here's a new book to read if you're looking for a trip down memory lane, when summer was all about hanging out and having a crush. THE BOYS NEXT DOOR by Jennifer Echols may be just what you need to get you through the fall.
Lori has spent every summer on the lake, swimming and wakeboarding with the three boys next door, and working at the boys’ family marina. Lori is close to Adam, the “baby” of the family, who's her age. But secretly, she’s always had a thing for the middle brother, Sean. And this summer, Sean actually seems to be—dare she think it—flirting with her. She figures he’s only being nice because they're like family, since he’s not into younger girls. Until he steals Adam's (even younger) girlfriend.
Lori and Adam team up to get Adam’s girlfriend back, and to get Sean for Lori. But then Lori begins to notice ADAM. He’s grown taller. More mature. And Lori thinks Adam is interested in her, too. And that’s when their ploy finally works. Adam gets his girlfriend back, and Lori gets Sean. The right couples are finally in place, and everything should be smooth sailing. So what’s with all the waves?
Jennifer Echols is the author of the National Readers Choice Award-winning Major Crush, about a high school pageant queen turned band geek in a small southern town. Boy in Blue, about a rebellious teen who is sentence to accompany a police officer on his night shift patrol—and falls for him, will be published by MTV Books in February 2009. Growing up on beautiful Lake Martin in Alabama, Jennifer learned to water-ski when she was five (wakeboarding wasn't invented yet). She now lives high and dry with her husband and son in Birmingham. Visit her on the web at www.jennifer-echols.com.
Lori has spent every summer on the lake, swimming and wakeboarding with the three boys next door, and working at the boys’ family marina. Lori is close to Adam, the “baby” of the family, who's her age. But secretly, she’s always had a thing for the middle brother, Sean. And this summer, Sean actually seems to be—dare she think it—flirting with her. She figures he’s only being nice because they're like family, since he’s not into younger girls. Until he steals Adam's (even younger) girlfriend.
Lori and Adam team up to get Adam’s girlfriend back, and to get Sean for Lori. But then Lori begins to notice ADAM. He’s grown taller. More mature. And Lori thinks Adam is interested in her, too. And that’s when their ploy finally works. Adam gets his girlfriend back, and Lori gets Sean. The right couples are finally in place, and everything should be smooth sailing. So what’s with all the waves?
Jennifer Echols is the author of the National Readers Choice Award-winning Major Crush, about a high school pageant queen turned band geek in a small southern town. Boy in Blue, about a rebellious teen who is sentence to accompany a police officer on his night shift patrol—and falls for him, will be published by MTV Books in February 2009. Growing up on beautiful Lake Martin in Alabama, Jennifer learned to water-ski when she was five (wakeboarding wasn't invented yet). She now lives high and dry with her husband and son in Birmingham. Visit her on the web at www.jennifer-echols.com.