Side Dish

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T14:18:00.000-05:00

Last year I wrote a Valentine's Day blog that appeared on the Penguin site. Here it is:

I suppose the natural thing would be to use this space to write a love note to the man who proposed to me over twenty years ago, watched me give birth to three squirming bundles, endured the ups and downs of my writing career, supported me through the anxiety of failures and the ebullience of successes, and held my hand across more dinner tables than I can remember ... the same man who still shares my hopes and dreams for our children, never complains when I grab the Sunday magazine section first, and lets me fall asleep on his shoulder while watching reruns of House.

But I'm not going to do that. (Sorry, hon!) Instead, I'm writing a Valentine to readers—the men and women who keep the torch lit in an era when the flame is threatened with extinction by so many distractions. So here's to you, readers ...

♥ For understanding the aisles of a bookstore hold more wonder and enchantment than the aisles of a shopping mall

♥ For choosing to run out in the rain for a trip to the library, and for falling in love with the soft, well-worn pages of a book that's been read and read

♥ For feeling a tingle of excitement at cracking the spine of a brand new book

♥ For finding it hard to turn the last page and leave the new friends you've discovered

♥ For getting more excited by the number of titles in your e-reader than the amount of money in your wallet

♥ For telling your friends that yes, yes, yes, they should read the book you just finished

♥ For starting a conversation with a stranger by asking what they're reading

♥ For putting a novel in your cart at the big chain store, along with the carton of diet soda and giant package of paper towels

♥ For deciding that attending your book club meeting is more fun than watching fighting housewives or dancing stars

♥ For knowing that a bookstore gift card is a better present than cash

♥ For reading to a child

♥ For knowing there can be more beauty in one tender sentence than in a whole bouquet of roses

Happy Valentine's Day, readers ...

Dorothy Parker and Martin Luther King, Jr.

2012-01-16T14:24:00.000-05:00

Most people know Dorothy Parker as the acerbic wit famous for lines like, "The first thing I do in the morning is brush my teeth and sharpen my tongue." Few know that she was a passionate advocate for civil rights, and that her proudest moment was being arrested for protesting the execution of Sacco and Vanzetti, two Italian immigrants convicted of murder in a tragically biased trial.

Perhaps most telling of all, Mrs. Parker left her entire estate to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Upon his passing a year later, it was transferred to the NAACP.

To follow Dorothy Parker on Facebook, please click here.

Friday Update 12/23/11

2011-12-23T08:33:00.000-05:00

Lots of sweet clickies this week ...

• I had the honor or writing a guest blog for the Book Reporter, and chose to reveal a bit about Hanukkahs past and present. Take a look.

• Huge thanks to Kathy Fish, a treasured friend and extraordinarily talented writer, who invited me to submit something "wild" to Necessary Fiction, where she is the guest editor.

• Thanks to Paulita, too, for this lovely review of THE OTHER LIFE in An Accidental Blog.

• Thrilled to discover that THE OTHER LIFE was selected as one of the year's favorites over at Tina's Book Reviews.

• Shout-out to the lovely blog, Kindle Fever, for inviting me to submit an article on inspiration. You can read it here.

• Really feeling the love from Chick Lit Reviews, which said, "The Other Life by Ellen Meister was one of the most thought provoking novels I’ve read in a long time." Read the rest here.

• This one's for local friends who are looking for something to do on Superbowl Sunday that doesn't involve football. It's called Super Goal Sunday for Women, and it's the brainchild of my pal Debbi Honorof. Read more about it here.

• A couple of shout-outs to friends ... kudos to Daniel Palmer, whose new book, HELPLESS, is getting rave reviews from even the crankiest sources (you'll want to read this one for sure!) ... a deep bow to my pal Susan Henderson for introducing me to THE WRITER'S JOURNEY, a book that's helping me figure out the best way to structure my w-i-p ... fans of suspense will love NOTARY PUBLIC ENEMY by Long Island attorney Tony Iovino ...

That's about it. Have a Happy Hanukkah, a Merry Christmas, and a joyous, healthy and prosperous New Year ...
xo

Happy Chanuka!

2011-12-20T17:11:00.000-05:00

I had the honor of being the guest blogger at Book Reporter today. I hope you'll check it out!

Books for Hanukkah ~ Book Reporter Blog

Holiday Book Buying Guide

2011-12-14T17:27:00.002-05:00

I'm honored to be part of a wonderful group of women authors who blog together over at the Girlfriends Book Club. These are some very talented writers, and I hope you'll consider these books when doing your holiday shopping ...

LOVE FINDS YOU IN NEW ORLEANS by Christa Allan

Set to release in February of 2012 and available now for pre-order, this 1840s historical relates the story of a woman whose grandparents must consider whether to stop keeping secrets and reveal the truth they’ve known—a truth that will make the difference between a life of obligation and a life of choice.Unlocking the past could open the door to a new future, but is the present worth the cost? Introduced in the novel is the custom of plaçage, known as "left-handed marriages" among those forbidden legally to be together.

Who would like this book? Readers of historical fiction and Southern fiction.

For more information visit http://christaallan.com/

SAFE HARBOR by Judith Arnold

Childhood pals Kip and Shelley spent their summers on Block Island, swimming, biking, discovering the world together. Then real life intruded, bringing tragedy and heartache. Years later, they both wind up back on Block Island. Can the island's rugged beauty and their loving friendship heal their wounds? An award-winning novel when it was first released, SAFE HARBOR is available to as a reissued e-book to a new generation of readers.

Who would like this book? SAFE HARBOR is the perfect book for lovers of romance fiction.

For more information visit www.juditharnold.com

LITTLE WOMEN AND ME by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

A contemporary teen finds herself literally sucked into the Louisa May Alcott novel Little Women and discovers she must change a major plot point in order to get back out again. "...a consistently entertaining read that delivers a genuinely original heroine and frequently hilarious satire." ~ Kirkus Reviews

Who would like this book? LITTLE WOMEN AND ME will appeal to adult fans of Little Women and girls ages 12 and up.

For more information visit http://laurenbaratzlogsted.com/

THE BLUE HOUSE DOG by Deborah Blumenthal

Love heals the heart is the message of this heartwarming picture book about a boy who saves a homeless dog and vice versa. Cody had his own dog once, but his painful loss is buried deeper than the feeding dish he hides away in his closet. All that changes when he comes upon a four-footed friend needier than he is -- a sad, lost dog from a mysterious blue house and both learn to trust and love again.

Based on a true story.

Who would like this book? Dog lovers of all ages.

For more information visit http://deborahblumenthal.com

MOTHERS AND OTHER LIARS by Amy Bourret

How far will a mother go to save her child? Ten years ago, Ruby Leander was a drifting nineteen-year-old who made a split-second decision at an Oklahoma rest stop. Fast forward nine years: Ruby and her daughter Lark live in New Mexico. Lark is a precocious, animal loving imp, and Ruby has built a family for them with a wonderful community of friends and her boyfriend of three years. Life is good. Until the day Ruby reads a magazine article about parents searching for an infant kidnapped by car-jackers. Then Ruby faces a choice no mother should have to make. A choice that will change both her and Lark's lives forever.

Who would like this book? Anyone, especially book clubs who like a good moral debate, will like this smart, haunting, and gorgeously written debut novel that propels a whip-smart plot that will keep you thinking.

For more information visit www.amybourret.com

A SUMMER IN EUROPE by Marilyn Brant

It’s not where you go, it’s what you take back with you… On her 30th birthday, Gwendolyn Reese receives an unexpected present from her widowed Aunt Bea: a grand European tour in the company of Bea's Sudoku-and-Mahjongg Club. Gwen initially approaches her first trip abroad as if it's the homework she assigns her students, diligently checking monuments off her must-see list. But amid the gorgeous bougainvillea of southern Italy, something changes. She begins to live in the moment—skipping down stone staircases in Capri, racing through the Louvre and taste-testing pastries, wine and gelato. Reveling in every new experience—especially her attraction to a charismatic British physics professor—Gwen discovers the ancient wonders around her are nothing compared to the renaissance unfolding within...

Who would like this book? Romantics and lovers of travel fiction who might enjoy a grand journey of self awakening amidst the classic architecture and stunning vistas of Europe.

For more information visit http://www.marilynbrant.com

CHILDREN OF THE WATERS by Carleen Brice

Still reeling from divorce, Trish Taylor is in the midst of salvaging the remnants of her life when she uncovers a shocking secret: her sister is alive. After years of drawing on the strength of her ancestors, Billie Cousins is shocked to discover that she was adopted. Though Trish longs to connect with her long-lost sister, Billie's feelings of betrayal are waters too deep to cross. But when both women are forced to confront their demons, they begin to realize that each may have what the other needs.

Who would like this book? This is a contemporary story between two women who discover they are sisters. Great for fans of smart, moving women's fiction. Women in interracial relationships or with mixed-race children will especially like it.

For more information visit www.carleenbrice.com

AN APPETITE FOR MURDER by Lucy Burdette

Aspiring food critic Hayley Snow follows the man of her dreams to Key
West, FL. Instead of landing the job of her dreams as a food critic,
she lands in the police blotter, the main suspect in her now-ex's new
girlfriend's murder.

Who would like this book? Fans of Diane Mott Davidson's cozy culinary
mysteries will enjoy this book.

For more information visit http://lucyburdette.com/buy-the-books/

SLIM TO NONE by Jenny Gardiner

Abbie Jennings is Manhattan's top food critic until her expanding waistline makes staying incognito at restaurants impossible. Her cover blown on Page Six of the New York Post, her editor has no choice but to bench her—and suggest she use the time off to bench-press her way back to anonymity. Abbie’s life has been built around her career, and therefore around celebrating food. Forced to drop the pounds if she wants her primo gig back, Abbie must peel back the layers of her past and confront the fears that have led to her current life.

Who would like this book? SLIM TO NONE is the perfect book for anyone who's ever gone on a diet (or believes they should).

For more information visit www.jennygardiner.net

MY JANE AUSTEN SUMMER by Cindy Jones

A young woman who has squeezed herself into undersized relationships all her life hopes to realize her dream of living in a novel when she is invited to participate in a Jane Austen literary festival in England. She jumps at the chance to reinvent herself, imagining escape into Austen’s fictional world where bookish women are heroines. There, in the rich, promising world of Mansfield Park, Lily finds people whose longing to live in a novel equals her own. But real-life problems have a way of following you wherever you go and unless Lily can change her ways, she will share the fate of so many of Jane Austen’s characters who repeat the same mistakes over and over again.

Who would like this book? MY JANE AUSTEN SUMMER is a fast-paced, romantic, and humorous book that will appeal to book lovers, especially those who can't get enough Jane Austen.

For more information visit www.cindysjones.com

ALL THE NUMBERS by Judy Merrill Larsen

An arresting, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful first novel. A recently divorced mother of two boys, Ellen Banks is just learning to make her way through the uncharted territory of single parenthood when the unthinkable happens. Determined to seek justice, and to mend the deep wounds in her family, Ellen must first heal herself, finding a way out of a grief that soon turns to defiance. This is an unforgettable journey of power and emotion, poignantly depicting a woman as she reckons with her own vulnerability and finds in the wisdom of motherhood, the redemptive grace to begin again.

Who would like this book? ALL THE NUMBERS is great for discussion so it's perfect for anyone in a book club or who just wants characters you'll argue with, worry about, and hope they make the right choices (and yes, I love connecting with book clubs!).

For more information visit http://www.judymerrilllarsen.com/

LITTLE BLACK DRESS by Susan McBride

Two sisters whose lives seemed forever intertwined are torn apart when a magical little black dress gives each one a glimpse of an unavoidable future.

Antonia Ashton has worked hard to build a thriving career and a committed relationship, but she realizes her life has gone off track. Forced to return home to Blue Hills when her mother, Evie, suffers a massive stroke, Toni finds the old Victorian where she grew up as crammed full of secrets as it is with clutter. Now she must put her mother’s house in order—and uncover long-buried truths about Evie and her aunt, Anna, who vanished fifty years earlier on the eve of her wedding. By shedding light on the past, Toni illuminates her own mistakes and learns the most unexpected things about love, magic, and a little black dress with the power to break hearts . . . and mend them.

Who would like this book? The story of the Little Black Dress weaves together bits of history, mystery, magic, and family, so I hope it appeals to readers who love women's fiction in the vein of Kate Morton and Sarah Addison Allen.

For more information visit http://SusanMcBride.com

THE OTHER LIFE by Ellen Meister

"A resonant story about the importance of mothers, both having one and being one ... making for a riveting tale of love and choices." - BookPage

Quinn Braverman has a perfect life, with a loving husband, an adorable son, and another baby on the way.

Quinn also has an ominous secret: she knows there's a portal to another life, one in which she made totally different life choices. But she's never been tempted to switch lives ... until a shocking turn of events pushes her to cross over, and she discovers the one person she thought she'd lost forever. Her mother.

But Quinn can't have both lives. Soon, she must decide which she really wants—the one she has ... or the other life.

Who would like this book? Anyone interested in the beautiful, heartbreaking and complicated relationships between mothers and daughters.

For more information visit ellenmeister.com

MOMFRIENDS by Ariella Papa

Momfriends is a story of three vastly different people who meet through motherhood and become friends through womanhood.

Ruth is almost at the end of her rope with her new baby when a knock on her door changes everything. Claudia's life is all about rules. Everything is going perfectly until a flirtation with colleague makes her throw out her rule book.

And Kirsten is an artist and a dreamer. What she discovers late one night confirms that her life is not everything she dreamed. Momfriends is about how people roll with lives they can’t control. And whether they choose to swim with the current or against it, it’s about the realization that everyone needs someone to throw out a life preserver once in a while.

Who would like this book? Momfriends makes the perfect gift for your best friend, the new mom in the neighborhood or the mom you'd like to invite over. It's an ebook so it's even easier to read and multi-task.

For more information visit ariellapapa.com

DEAR NEIGHBOR, DROP DEAD by Saralee Rosenberg

In Mindy's yoga-obsessed, thirty-is-the-new-wife neighborhood, every day is a battle between Dunkin' Donuts, her jaws-of-life jeans, and Beth Diamond, the self-absorbed sancti-mommy next door who looks sixteen from the back. So much for sharing the chores, the stores, and the occasional mischief to rival Wisteria Lane.

It's another day, another dilemma until Beth's marriage becomes fodder on Facebook. Suddenly the Ivy League blonde needs to be “friended,” and Mindy is the last mom standing. Together they take on hormones and hunger, family feuds and fidelity, and a harrowing journey that spills the truth about an unplanned pregnancy and a seventy-year-old miracle that altered their fates forever.

Dear Neighbor, Drop Dead is a hilarious, stirring romp over fences and defenses that begs the question, what did you do to deserve living next door to a crazy woman? Sometimes it's worth finding out.

Who would like this book? DEAR NEIGHBOR, DROP DEAD is perfect for anyone who loves to discover friendship in surprising places ... while laughing out loud on every page.

For more information visit saraleerosenberg.com

MIMOSAS, MISCHIEF, AND MURDER by Sara Rosett

“Charm, Southern sass, and suspense abound in the sixth delightful cozy mystery.” –FreshFiction.com

Super-organized Ellie thinks she’s prepared for everything when she and her family set off for an extended visit with her southern in- laws in Alabama, but the one thing she hasn’t planned for is cold-blooded murder. When the patriarch of the family passes away under suspicious circumstances, the quirky Avery family closes ranks and Ellie can't help looking for motives among the mourners.

Publisher’s Weekly called it “winning” and described it this way: “A rumor of hidden money, secret letters from a famous recluse, a fire, a threatening message, and a crazed gunman add to the cozy mischief.”

Who would like this book? Fans of mysteries and southern fiction will enjoy Mimosas, Mischief, and Murder.

For more information visit http://sararosett.com

BEAUTIFUL DISASTER by Laura Spinella

As a college student in Athens, Georgia, Mia Wells meets Flynn, an enigmatic stranger who pushes every boundary she knows. Their relationship is intense, passionate and, for Mia, life-changing, making it all the more painful when he vanishes. After finding the wherewithal to move on with her life and pursue her goals, Mia eventually marries. Twelve years later, Flynn mysteriously resurfaces, gravely injured. Mia is terrified that he will die, awestruck at the prospect of his survival. Flynn’s return ignites a powerful tale, a story that is greater than honor or friendship or the passing of time. More than a romance, this 2011 Penguin release was recently named Best First Book in the NJRWA Golden Leaf contest.

Who would like this book? BEAUTIFUL DISASTER is women’s fiction with a heavy thread of romance, making it the perfect book for readers who like relationship fiction that includes a thought provoking love story.

For more information visit lauraspinella.net

LOVE IN TRANSLATION by Wendy Nelson Tokunaga

After receiving a puzzling phone call and a box full of mysteries, Celeste Duncan, 33, is off to Japan to search for a long, lost relative who could hold the key to the identity of the father she never knew. There she stumbles head first down the rabbit hole into a weird, wonderful world where nothing is quite as it seems.

Not knowing Japanese, Celeste finds a friend in her English-speaking homestay brother, Takuya, and comes to depend on him for help. As they cross the country following a trail after Celeste's family, she discovers she's developing "more-than-sisterly" feelings for him. But with a nosy homestay mother scheming to reunite Takuya with his old girlfriend, and her search growing dimmer, will Celeste find what she’s looking for in Japan?

Who would like this book? Love in Translation will appeal to armchair travelers who love a good love story!

For more information visit: http://www.WendyTokunaga.com

Most of the these books are available at your favorite bookstore. To buy online, visit the author's page for ordering links.

Friday Update 12/9/11

2011-12-09T07:22:00.001-05:00

THE OTHER LIFE is now officially available in paperback, and I'm in full blog tour swing. That means there are lots of chances to win a free copy of the book. But before I post those links, some exciting news. Yesterday, to my surprise, NPR included the book in their list of The Week's Outstanding Softcover Releases. Very cool!

And now some links ...

Giveaways and guest blogs:
• Girlfriends Book Club blog - Where I announce the paperback release and give away a signed copy
• Bermuda Onion Weblog - Read my guest post on branding and enter the giveaway
• Peeking Between the Pages - Running both a guest blog on inspiration and a giveaway
• Luxury Reading - They ran both a guest post on the how I conceived THE OTHER LIFE and a giveaway
• The Jolly Blogger - Where I discuss Book Club Magic
• So Many Precious Books, So Little Time - Lots of chances to enter a giveaway

New reviews:
• Crystal Book Reviews
"The Other Life is riveting reading and finely written. It deserves a wide audience for its tense, complex, and yes, painful but beautiful world!" read more
• Romancing the Book
"If you are looking for a book that is going to pull at your heartstrings and make you think about life, this is the book for you." read more

Special thanks to:
Bea's Book Nook for announcing my program to thank book club members, Savvy Verse & Wit for doing the same on Facebook, Lauren Baratz-Logsted for including THE OTHER LIFE in her list of Favorite Books (Read) in 2011, Bibliophibian for the mini-review, Adam Curry for retweeting our BigAppShow interview, Debbi Honorof for inviting me to speak at the Hofstra Writers' Salon, Book Doctors Arielle Eckstut and David Henry Sterry for inviting me to be a panelist at Pitchapalooza, and all the Facebook, Twitter and CafeMom friends who shared my stories this week!

Have a great weekend!

I'm celebrating!

2011-12-06T08:45:00.000-05:00

Today is the paperback release date of THE OTHER LIFE! I'm celebrating over at the Girlfriends Book Club blog ... and giving away a free copy.

You're invited! Click here and join the celebration.

THE OTHER LIFE is available at your favorite chain or independent bookstore.
To buy online visit any cyber bookseller, including:
Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Books-A-Million • Indie Bound • Powells

Friday Update: 2 Free Events & more

2011-12-02T14:03:00.001-05:00

First, I'm thrilled to announce that THE OTHER LIFE is a nominee for this Best of Women's Fiction poll. Feel free to click in and rate your favorites!

I'm also happy to announce that my superstar agents have sold Romanian right to THE OTHER LIFE!

And now, two great events coming up for Long Island area writers:

• Pitchapalooza!
Saturday, 12/ 3, 2 pm
BOOK REVUE, Huntington
Here's chance to pitch your book to a panel of publishing experts, including book doctors Arielle Eckstut and David Henry Sterry, as well as yours truly. Even if you don't want to pitch, come and watch, because it's very informative ... and a blast!

• Hofstra Writer's Salon
Monday, 12/5, 7 pm
Hofstra University, Brower Hall, Room 101
I'm thrilled and honored to be speaking at Hofstra about navigating the road to publication. This is also the official kick-off event for the paperback release of THE OTHER LIFE. (If you plan to attend, please try to RSVP, as they're trying to get an idea of how many are coming, and there could be a last minute room change. RSVP to ce-writing@hofstra.edu or call 516-463-7200.)

In other news, two bloggers are giving away copies of THE OTHER LIFE. Check it out:

• So Many Precious Books, So Little Time
• Luxury Reading

Have a great weekend. Hope to see you soon ...

Big news for book clubs!

2011-11-22T10:32:00.008-05:00

"Powerful, moving and emotional ... a great read for book clubs."

-Bookfinds

Would you liked to be thanked in the Acknowledgments section of my next book?

I'm thrilled that so many readers are choosing THE OTHER LIFE for their book clubs. And what better way to thank people than to, well, thank them.

So I will publicly thank book club readers by name in the acknowledgments section of my next published book! All you have to do is click here and fill out the guestbook form. That's it!

Thanks! Happy reading ...

To learn more about THE OTHER LIFE, click here • To hear me answer questions about it on NPR, click here for the podcast.

Writing Tip of the Day: Keep Your Reader Engaged

2011-11-11T09:24:00.001-05:00

A few suggestions on how to hold your reader's attention ....

• As Alfred Hitchcock said, shoot for suspense, not surprise.

• Remember that there should be at least some amount of tension on every page. If your character is drinking coffee and navel gazing, your reader may be tempted to turn on the TV.

• Don't follow your character's every waking moment. Allow lapses in time. (Don't over-think this. The simplest way to show time passing is usually best. The next day ... Later that afternoon ... On Friday ... etc.)

• Use active verbs. "The protesters stormed the capital" is far stronger than "The protesters were storming the capital." Death to gerunds!

• Avoid too much info dump/backstory all at once ...especially in the opening.

• Have your character behave badly/do the wrong thing.

• Consider condensing the time period of your story. Stories that take place over a few days/weeks/months tend to be more suspenseful than those that span years. (Nothing wrong with sagas, but it's easier to build tension if there's a ticking clock.)

•Your main character should have an inner journey as well as an outer one.

Hope you're enjoying these tips! To learn more about me or my books, visit my website, ellenmeister.com.

Writing Tip of the Day: Dashes

2011-11-09T22:50:00.001-05:00

We all love using dashes in our prose, so here are tips on using the right kind.

To begin, here are the three types of dashes:

The hyphen: -

The en-dash: –

The em-dash: —

The hyphen is used to connect words. Ex: mother-in-law.

The en-dash is used to indicate a range of numbers.
Ex: My finished manuscript will be 75,000 – 80,000 words.

The em-dash, according to Strunk and White, is used to "set off an abrupt break or interruption and to announce a long appositive or summary." It is "stronger than a comma, less formal than a colon, and more relaxed than a parentheses."
Ex: My Sunday writing class—taught by a copywriter-turned-novelist—is full of useful info.

How to type dashes

En-dashes and em-dashes are both typed by using two hyphens. However, your PC will automatically turn your hyphens into an en-dash when you leave a space before and after.
When you type: My finished manuscript will be 75,000 -- 80,000 words.

Your computer changes it to: My finished manuscript will be 75,000 – 80,00 words.

When indicating an em-dash, leave no space before and after the double-hyphen.
When you type : My Sunday writing class--taught by a copywriter-turned-novelist--is full of useful info.

Your computer changes it to: My Sunday writing class—taught by a copywriter-turned-novelist—is full of useful info.

Note that you can also insert an em-dash by holding your alt key and pressing 0151 on your numeric keypad.

For an en-dash, hold alt and press 0150.

Hope you're enjoying these tips!

(With apologies to Mac users, I have to idea how any of this works for you. Sorry! I'm a PC gal.)

Writing Tip of the Day: Character Names

2011-11-07T07:23:00.001-05:00

A quick Do and Don't for fiction writers ...

Don't
Give your characters similar names, as this can confuse the reader. In fact, try to avoid using the same first initial for any characters within the same gender.

Also avoid default names. If your story has a little boy, don't call him Timmy, Tommy, Billy, Bobby or Jimmy. This kind of obvious choice takes the reader out of story because it feels so written.

Do
Use various sources for names ... your Facebook friends list, the phone book, obituaries—anything is fair game.

A lot of writers refer to baby name websites for ideas. My personal favorite is this one, which lets you see the 100 most popular boy and girl names for any particular year, from the 1880s through the present. It's a great resource for historically accurate inspiration.

News: THE OTHER LIFE in paperback!

2011-11-03T11:51:00.002-04:00

I'm thrilled to announce that on December 6, THE OTHER LIFE comes out in trade paperback with a whole new look! I'm excited, because the new cover and lower price will draw a fresh set of readers ... including book clubs.

I'm also thrilled that it will be in stores in time for the holidays!

I want to send you a free bookmark!*
To celebrate the new release, I'm sending free signed bookmarks to the first 100 people who pre-order the paperback and forward the e-receipt to me at this email address. (Don't worry--your credit card number doesn't show on the receipt.)

Whether you're buying THE OTHER LIFE for yourself or someone else, you'll have both the book and the bookmark well before the holidays.

You can pre-order right now from any online bookseller, including:

Amazon • Barnes & Noble

Books-A-Million • IndieBound

Powells • Target • Walmart

Watch the video
THE OTHER LIFE is about a woman who has the ability to slip between her life as a wife and mother, and the life she would have lived if she had made other choices. To learn more, you can listen to the NPR interview, visit my website ... or watch the book trailer.

THE OTHER LIFE by Ellen Meister from Ellen Meister on Vimeo.

My darling son made that video for me and I hope it convinced you to buy the book. It was a labor of love for both of us! Thanks so much ... and I look forward to sending you a bookmark!

*U.S. residents only

Writing Tip of the Day: Beware of Infodump

2011-11-02T14:21:00.000-04:00

Make sure you don't bog down your first chapter with backstory. Engage the reader with your character first, and work in the backstory in later. Just be sure you don't dump all the info at once. Find relevant places to insert it so that the reader barely notices.

Have a good writing day!

Writing Tip of the Day: Kind to be Cruel

2011-10-31T14:58:00.000-04:00

If you want to be kind to your book, you have to be cruel to your characters. By that I mean don't over-protect your creations, no matter how much you love them. Do let bad things happen to them; your characters need to make mistakes, behave badly and get in trouble.

Your poor characters will suffer, and perhaps your readers will, too ... but they'll turn the page. And what's more important than that?

Writing Tip of the Day: Defining the Goal

2011-10-28T08:48:00.002-04:00

What does your main character want?

If you can answer this question, you've got the central issue that will drive the narrative arc of your story. Now throw obstacles in his or her way, and voila--instant novel!

Okay, that may be a little facile, but you get the point. Figuring out what your protagonist wants draws the reader in and steers the plot.

Happy writing ...

Writing Tip of the Day: Show and Tell

2011-10-27T13:15:00.001-04:00

"Show don't tell" is probably the most common writing advice people get, but it's often misunderstood. It does not mean "avoid exposition at all cost." Storytelling requires a certain amount of exposition. So relax on that front. And whatever you do, don't cram your exposition into the dialogue.

"Show don't tell" simply means that you need to let the reader experience what the character is going through. So instead of writing, "Craig was angry at Mabel," show us his anger through dialogue or action. Make him roll his eyes at her, or respond sarcastically when she asks if he picked up his jacket from the cleaners, or storm out the door because she didn't put enough ice in his drink. Your writing will be more vivid and effective.

If you're a Project Runway fan ...

2011-10-17T10:08:00.000-04:00

This is the blog you should be reading.

And the winner of the Ann Curry's Loss is Your Gain giveaway is ...

2011-10-11T06:13:00.001-04:00

Huge thanks to all who participated in my Ann Curry's Loss is Your Gain giveaway. I loved reading each of the entries and appreciate the kind thoughts and good wishes. You were all so generous.

Alas, I can only choose one winner, and I did so using a random number generator. The prize of Ann Curry's signed copy of THE OTHER LIFE goes to ...

Rae Rae!

Congrats, hon! Send me your mailing address and I'll get the book right out to you. Hope you like it!

And Ann Curry? Your loss, baby ...

Want to win a Dorothy Parker t-shirt?

2011-10-10T12:33:00.000-04:00

To celebrate my 10,000th follower on the Dorothy Parker Facebook page I'm giving away this great t-shirt:

Click here for details. (If you haven't yet "liked" the page, you'll have to do that before you enter.)

Tomorrow I'll announce the winner of THE OTHER LIFE with Ann Curry 's signature.

Good luck!

Ann Curry's Loss is Your Gain!

2011-10-05T09:47:00.003-04:00

A few months ago I tried sending Ann Curry a signed copy of THE OTHER LIFE, because I thought she'd enjoy it. Alas, it never got to her as the NBC mailroom returned the package unopened. I tried again, but those heartless gatekeepers still refused delivery.

So now, after spending the money on postage twice, I'm left with a $25 hardcover book inscribed to Ann Curry.

I won't try again, so if Ann Curry wants a copy of THE OTHER LIFE she's just going to have to buy one.* Meanwhile, her loss is your gain, as I'm giving this one away in a random drawing to someone who responds in the comments section below with an answer to the following question:

Why should Ann Curry read THE OTHER LIFE?

Every response counts as an entry and multiple responses are welcome. Offer ends midnight October 10. U.S. residents only. Good luck!

*Who am I kidding? If Ann Curry wants a copy of the book, all she has to do is contact my publicist, who would be thrilled to book me on The Today Show.

THIS CONTEST HAS ENDED. THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED!
CLICK HERE TO SEE RESULTS.

What would YOU do if you ruled the world?

2011-09-28T10:08:00.000-04:00

My blog post is up over at the Girlfriends Book Club blog. It's called IF I RULED THE WORLD. Check it out.

ME AND BASEBALL A very short play

2011-09-25T23:27:00.002-04:00

ME: It's not that I don't want the Yankees to win. It's just that I'd like the Red Sox to win, too.

MIKE:

ME: I have a lot of friends who are Red Sox fans.

MIKE:

ME: It means so much to them, you see.

MIKE:

ME: I guess I'm not what you'd call a true fan.

MIKE: Honey, you're the opposite of a fan.

Also at my t-shirt store ...

2011-09-22T09:51:00.000-04:00

An original poem! (Well, using Dorothy Parker's "Resume" as a template. Consider it an homage.)

Click here to order. You can customize it for any style or color.

Why you don't have to worry about someone stealing your work

2011-09-20T10:06:00.000-04:00

One of the most common questions I get from aspiring authors pertains to protecting their work from plagiarism. I can't speak for screenwriting, but in the publishing world it's a misplaced worry.

As a writer, you simply have to take a leap of faith that no one wants to steal your work. It just doesn't happen. Agents and editors are not sitting at their desks, rubbing their hands together as they await their next victim. Nor are other writers trolling the Internet looking for ideas to steal. I mean sure, you can probably find a few examples to prove me wrong. But you can also find examples of people choking to death on water. The point is that the odds are so astronomically low that they don't merit concern.

The sad truth behind this is that it is so difficult to make any money from writing that there's no incentive for theft. We all believe in our work, and cling to the hope that we have the next million dollar idea. But realistically, why would someone risk plagiarizing, only to have to spend a year researching and queryng agents, rewriting the letter again and again as it gets rejected? And that's not even considering how many months of rewrites will follow before there's even a slim chance at publication and an even slimmer chance of making any real money at it.

And one final point. As the author, you automatically own the copyright to your work and have legal protection. So try to relax and not let these fears get in your way.

Instead, worry about the real things ... Are you creating believable characters your readers will care about? Are your storylines fresh and exciting? Are your sentences exquisite and evocative? Is there enough coffee, vodka, or red wine in the house to get you through the week? (Water, as you know, can kill you.)

Now get back to work ...

Fresh Hell!

2011-09-19T13:54:00.001-04:00

The news today is that I have created a store for wearable Dorothy Parker quotes! Note that each is customizable, so you can choose whatever quote you like and put it on a shirt of any style or color. Click here to check out all the products.

Hope you like these! I had a lot of fun with it.

make custom gifts at Zazzle

Big App Show!

2011-09-09T14:18:00.000-04:00

As promised (threatened?) I'm still on hiatus from posting Friday updates, but I did want to share this with you. A few months ago I was interviewed via Skype by Adam Curry (yes, that Adam Curry) about THE OTHER LIFE. The interview is now available for viewing on your smartphone. If you have an iPhone, iPad or Droid, simply go to the app store and download The Big App Show, which is free. Pretty easy to find my interview from there.

It's a cool app in any case, as it lets you preview other apps before buying them.

Meanwhile, the interview is also posted online. So if you want to watch it on your computer, click here.

I hope you'll want to check it out, because Adam is a stellar interviewer. He's smart, earnest, down-to-earth and asks great questions. Also, he really likes my book!

Have a great weekend ...

According to Dorothy Parker ...

2011-09-03T07:30:00.004-04:00

"Brevity is the soul of lingerie."

This Shakespeare-inspired quote is from a photo caption Dorothy Parker wrote when she was working at Vogue in 1915.

For daily quotes from Dorothy Parker, follow her on Facebook.

Hurricane Irene

2011-08-26T08:59:00.000-04:00

Buying batteries and battening down the hatches. Stay safe, friends ...

According to Dorothy Parker ...

2011-08-25T09:30:00.000-04:00

''Hollywood money isn't money. It's congealed snow, melts in your hand, and there you are.''

Happy Birthday, Dorothy Parker!

2011-08-22T17:05:00.000-04:00

The great wit/writer/critic/poet/humorist would be 118 today.

Happy Birthday, Mrs. Parker.

For daily Dorothy Parker quotes on Facebook, click here. To follow her on Twitter, click here.

2½ minute radio interview

2011-08-13T06:57:00.000-04:00

Here's an interview with me that aired on CBS Boston radio. Give a listen!

Temporary hiatus

2011-08-12T09:04:00.000-04:00

I won't be doing my Friday updates for a while. Hope to be back soon.

Be well ...
xo

What's your book about?

2011-08-02T07:41:00.000-04:00

It's one of the most dreaded questions for writers. And if you ever had trouble answering it, please see my post today over the Girlfriends Book Club blog, 8 Questions to Help You Develop Your Hook.

Friday Update 7/29/11

2011-07-29T08:43:00.002-04:00

A rainy Friday, which I guess our poor lawns need here on Long Island. After that scorching heat wave last week the place looks like it's been set on fire. Here's the latest ...

• Finished my revisions on FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER and sent it off to my editor. That feels SO good. I'm excited to share this book with readers!

• Now I'm ready to get back to work on my next book, which I've been keeping very hush-hush about. Even my agent doesn't know what I'm working on. Guess I should tell her, right? Lol.

• Mysterious. According to amazon.ca, THE OTHER LIFE had a major uptick in Canadian sales early this week. I can't find any media coverage online that might account for this, so I suppose it got a broadcast mention somewhere.

• What a great night! Got together with the Long Island Book Sisters at Saralee Rosenberg's house. Others in attendance: Susannah Greenberg, Susan Henderson, Carol Hoenig, Debbi Honorof, Debbie Markowitz, Alix Strauss and Vivian Swift. Sending love to Brenda Janowitz, who was very missed!!

• The Open House for Writers on Monday night at Hofstra was a smashing success. It was a chance for students to meet the writing instructors and register for fall classes. These are Continuing Ed classes, and great for anyone who writes. The class I'll be teaching is called HOW TO TURN YOUR BIG IDEA INTO A FINISHED NOVEL, and it will be offered on Sunday mornings in the fall. For more info on that and other classes, click here.

• Another power outage yesterday. If you really want to see a middle-aged Jewish woman lose her sh*t, turn off her lights, computer and air conditioning in the middle of the day when her car is in the shop.

I wish there was some way I could get a divorce from LIPA, but where would I go? Who would take me in? I'm dependent upon the abusive bastard and he well knows it.

Ah, well. Have a good weekend. Stay cool and dry ...

Friday Update 7/22/11

2011-07-22T17:23:00.001-04:00

Here's the latest ...

• Last night I took my oldest, youngest and two other kids to see the Harry Potter movie. (The middle one saw it opening weekend with friends.) Crazy hectic day, picking one round of kids up at camp, then another, then rushing to the theater for tickets, then off to a pizza joint and then finally to the movie. I enjoyed it, and the kids, of course, were wild for it.

When it was over, Emma wept, saying it's the end of her childhood. And I guess in a way it is.

• Huge shout-out to Tony Iovino for another great Summer Gazebo Reading event! Thanks, too, to all the wonderful folks who showed up despite the crummy weather.

• Speaking of weather, my car thermometer read 109 today. Seriously. 109. Felt it, too.

• A couple of nice shout-outs from Lisa Kudrow, who was on a press junket for the hilarious and brilliant Web Therapy, which is now on Showtime. Here's the mention in Parade, and here's the NPR piece.

• You can follow Lisa on Twitter. Also fun--follow her alter ego, Dr. Fiona Wallice.

• THE OTHER LIFE is still in the running for Book of the Year from the New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association. If you'd care to vote, please click here.

• Simply heartbroken over Borders ...

Stay cool, my darlings.

Friday Update 7/15/11

2011-07-15T08:41:00.001-04:00

Is it really the middle of July already? That kind of depresses me, especially since I haven't been to the beach yet this summer.

My schedule has been pretty jammed with getting the kids to and from their activities this summer, leaving me little time to get into a rhythm with my work. Right now I'm revising FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER, and while I feel like I have a handle on it, it's hard to carve out the time I need.

No bullet points today, but I do want to give a special shout-out to the gang at Dolphin Bookshop in Port Washington and the wonderful women who came to last night's book talk. A smart, engaging group!

Here's a swell video I found on Agent Kristin's blog. I think you'll love it ...

Plot Device from Red Giant on Vimeo.

Have a great weekend!

P.S. Please join me Monday at the Summer Gazebo Readings! Click here for more info.

Friday Update 7/8/11

2011-07-08T09:00:00.002-04:00

I have to dash, so just a couple of quick things on this busy day ...

• Lots of excitement for my daughter this week, who was interviewed for an upcoming Newsday article on Harry Potter, and posed for a photo spread.

• Big thanks to the Phillis Cox at the Jericho Library who organized such a terrific event this week.

• Looking forward to addressing the kids at Hofstra University's High School Summer Writers Program today. Thanks to Debbi Honorof for inviting me.

• Busy busy busy working on the edits for FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER. I can't honestly say I'm one of those writers who enjoys the revision process, but my keen-eyed editor, Rachel Kahan, had great notes that sparked some exciting ideas. So I'm hard at work.

• Special shout-out to my friends enjoying Thrillerfest this week.

• Congrats to my oldest for doing such a great job on his video-editing internship interview!

• This cracked me up--The Office recut as a cheesy traditional laugh-track sitcom:

Enjoy your weekend ...

Friday Upate 7/1/11

2011-07-01T06:31:00.002-04:00

Happy July! Yesterday was my darling husband's birthday ... so fun to celebrate with the love of my life! Special shout-out to the Galleria Ristorante in Westbury. The food was extraordinary.

Here are a few other highlights of my week ...

• The other day Mike and I were in the car with our 13-year-old, who marches to her own drummer. The word "cool" came up, and Emma remarked, in a pretty upbeat tone, "I'll never be cool."

"You're nerd-cool," I said.

"But I'll never be regular-cool. I'll be regular-anything. But you know what? I'm okay with that."

What a kid.

• This week I was interviewed by Adam Curry for The Big Show, coming soon to a smartphone near you. It was a lot of fun, and Adam is smart and cute. I'll give a heads up when it's available.

• Wonderful blog review of THE OTHER LIFE from writer Chandra Garza, who said, "The Other Life is spellbinding, captivating and easily one of the best books I've read so far this summer. Meister spins a tale of loss, love and forgiveness that touches the heart and literally feeds the soul." Read the rest here.

• Had a lot of fun at the Women's Fiction mini-conference in NYC, including a stellar presentation on plot structure by Michael Hauge, and a panel presentation by four industry pros, including my brilliant agent, Andrea Cirillo, and her colleague extraordinaire, Meg Ruley. The other panelists, agent Kristin Nelson and Random House editor Shauna Summers, were equally smart, impressive and insightful. All in all, a great day (except that they starved us).

I was sorry my wonderful pal Saralee Rosenberg couldn't make it, but thrilled that Alix Strauss took her place. And a special shout-out to Maggie Marr for pulling off the impossible.

• Got my editor's notes on FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER, so expect me to be very busy working the next few weeks. I probably won't even be answering the phone.

• Last but not least, if you're on Long Island, please come to the Jericho Library this Tuesday, July 5, at 7pm. I'll be talking about THE OTHER LIFE. Lots of juicy gossip included, free of charge. More info here.

Have a safe, fun, happy Fourth of July weekend!

Friday Update 6/24/11

2011-06-24T10:05:00.001-04:00

This was one of those weeks where I wish I got paid by the mile, as I spent most of time driving the kids here and there. Good news is that the school year is officially done--no more finals, regents or classes. And next week I'll be in a frenzy working out the logistics of the summer schedule.

Meanwhile, a couple of tidbits ...

• I was very excited to see that the Image of the Day in today's Shelf Awareness, the big publishing industry newsletter, has some very familiar faces. Do check it out!

• Big thanks to Mari Farthing for posting such a stellar review of THE OTHER LIFE at The Book End Babes. Here's my favorite line: "I’ve read fiction that has entertained me and made me laugh, but nothing that has compelled me to keep reading as much as this book has." Read the rest here.

• My cup runneth over this week, because I also got a rave review from Michele Stefanides at ViewsHound. Thanks, Michele!

• If you're not following my Dorothy Parker page on Facebook, I hope you'll do so today. Just click here and then click "like." I think you'll enjoy the daily quotes from America's greatest wit.

• Shout-out to my darling daughter for cutting her hair yesterday and donating her locks to charity!

Have a great weekend ...

Friday Update, 6/17/11

2011-06-17T11:01:00.003-04:00

Sorry I've been such a blogger slacker! We're in that transition between school and summer, and things get a little hectic.

A few quick things to share ...

• Had a simply magnificent lunch yesterday with my Long Island lit pals. Saralee thought to bring a camera (yay!), and so we captured the whole wonderful group ...

Standing, l to r: Alix Strauss, Ellen Meister, Saralee Rosenberg, Susan Henderson, Susannah Greenberg, Carol Hoenig
Seated: Brenda Janowtiz, Vivian Swift, Debbi Honorof

• Oh, Canada! Big thanks to Lisa D. Martinez for posting this glorious book review on Amazon.ca:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Other Life: Simply: Wow., Jun 13 2011

Lisa D. Martinez - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Other Life (Hardcover)

Wow is the first word that comes to mind in respect of this fabulous read by Ellen Meister. I downloaded the sample for my Kindle and I was hooked after the first sentence. I have never ordered a book so fast!

The voice of this story is the voice of every parent who has ever held their child close and smelled the top of his head. This story is a book for every person who has lost someone close to them or made a decision and wondered, "What if..."

While most of us do not have a portal into a parallel life hidden somewhere in our basement, every one of us has wondered what our life would be like if we had done things differently. This book is more about choices, love and finding your authentic self than it is about the possibility of a quantum escape-hatch. The sheer realness of Ellen's writing is captivating and evocative, and yes, I cried...I can admit it. Just don't tell anyone.

If not for my own "real life" sleeping in his crib beside me, I could have easily made the decision to pull an all-nighter and read this straight through. It's that good.

Am I raving? Just a little. As a writer myself, I tend to read books with a more critical eye than most and this book was, in my humble opinion, very rave-worthy. The author has a way of describing the simplest things that turns them into something spectacular.

I cannot imagine anyone regretting the decision to read this book. I have officially added Ellen Meister to my list of "Authors Who Inspire Me".

• A special shout-out to LitChat for letting me host a Twitter discussion last week. What a blast!

• Last weekend was the BooksNJ festival in Paramus and it was a smash! Here's a recap.

• If you missed the summer newsletter I sent to my subscribers, you can view it here.

• Thanks to The Laughing Yeti for posting my quote on reading.

• Very excited to see my cousin Lisa Kudrow interviewed in the Wall Street Journal today about Web Therapy's upcoming debut on Showtime. Great stuff and worth a read! Click here.

Have a wonderful Father's Day and a terrific weekend ...

Social media tips for writers ... on the GBCB

2011-06-08T15:13:00.002-04:00

Today on the Girlfriends Book Club blog I posted an article called 20 Social Media Tips for Writers. I hope you'll check it out!

Summer Newsletter

2011-06-06T06:08:00.000-04:00

I just sent out my summer newsletter to everyone on my mailing list. If you signed up but didn't get it, your spam filter probably snagged it. In any case, here's a link.

Friday Update 6/3/11

2011-06-03T16:30:00.001-04:00

Just a few quickies today ...

• On Sunday, June12, I'll be appearing at BooksNJ in Paramus. (Yeah, a literary festival in New Jersey. You got a problem with that?) It's going to be a massive and wonderful event, and I hope you'll tell all your friends. Here's a link: http://www.booksnj.org/

• Big thanks to the Long Island Writers Guild for inviting me, Debbi Honorof and Marshall Honorof to speak last night at the Levittown Library. What a great group!

• Lovely review from a blogger who calls herself Allison Writes. Here's the whole text:

The Other Life by Ellen Meister. This book grabbed me from the opening scene, where a pregnant woman is struggling between killing herself or giving birth to her baby. The writing is so clear and straight-forward that you are drawn in. I found myself thinking about the characters whenever I wasn't reading; I was certain they were real and wanted to know what they were up to. There is a supernatural element of the portals that take Quinn from her "real" life to her other life, but they are explained very well, and it was easy to picture the fissures and Quinn's travel without feeling like you'd been displaced into a sci-fi novel. The portals are logically discussed before the end of the book, and with the focus being more on people and relationships than the paranormal, I would say this book is literary fiction more so than being classified in any sub-genre.
Click here for more of Allison's reviews.

• More summer events coming up:
♥ On Tuesday, July 5, I'll be kicking off the Summer Reading Club at the Jericho Library. It starts at 7 and I hope you'll us! Click here for more info.
♥ On Thursday, July 14, at 7:30, I'll be doing a book club discussion of THE OTHER LIFE at the Dolphin Bookshop in Port Washington. It's a wonderful indie and I hope you can join us.
♥ On Monday, July 18, I'll be reading at the Summer Gazebo Reading Series in Oceanside along with Carol Hoenig, Robert Savino Peter Dugan. But if you're looking for literary fun on ANY Monday night in the summer, stop by. More info here.
♥ On Monday, July 25, Hofstra University is hosting a Writers Open House from 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Refreshments will be served, and it's a great place to meet and greet the lecturers (like yours truly) who will be teaching writing courses in the fall.

Have a great weekend!

Why Using TrueTwit is a Mistake

2011-06-02T09:54:00.009-04:00

There's a service on Twitter designed to keep you from getting notified when you're followed by bots. It's called TrueTwit and it's just awful. Here's why:

Actual TrueTwit Captcha

When you follow someone who uses TrueTwit, you're directed to a page with a captcha code you are required to type. These are almost never decipherable. You have to hit refresh 4-5 times to get a readable code. That's a lot of trouble to go through to follow someone.

Why are TrueTwit's captchas so much harder to read than those from other sites? It's their way of twisting your arm to get you to sign up for the service. Because once you register with TrueTwit, you no longer have to jump through the pain-in-the-ass captcha code hoop. And then, of course, all your followers get redirected to TrueTwit.

Actual TrueTwit Captchas

So it's not only viral, but despicable. Don't like using our pain-in-the-ass service? Sign up and we won't bother you anymore!
I call that blackmail.

Between the unethical nature of the service and the fact that I resent being forced to click and click and click and click just to get a readable captcha, I take a stand against this service by refusing to use it. And I think you should, too.

_____________________________________________________________

Thanks for reading this blog. If you'd like to follow me on Twitter, click here.
I promise you won't be directed to TrueTwit.

Friday Update 5/27/11

2011-05-27T07:55:00.002-04:00

Well, it's a much brighter Friday than last week, and I'm happy to explain why I was in such a pissy mood I missed my last update.

I had minor surgery on Wednesday, but it was done under general anesthesia at a hospital, so that skews the whole experience. (I'm a morning caffeine addict and a migraine sufferer so fasting is excruciating for me. Also, I'm a total wuss with zero pain tolerance and very high anxiety about anything medical.) Anyway, on Friday morning my doctor's office called to tell me I was pushed back on the schedule from 9 am to noon, and that just freaked me the hell out, because I had a terrible experience years ago with surgery that got delayed for hours and hours and hours, and a hospital staff that didn't give a damn how sick I got.

Happy to say the staff at North Shore University Hospital at Manhasset was just the opposite--compassionate, kind, and professional. So it' all behind me and I'm feeling fine.

And now a few updates ...

• In anticipation of my next book, FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER, I started a new Facebook page featuring great quotes from the famous wit. People are really enjoying and if you haven't "liked it" yet, I hope you'll do so now. Thanks!

• And just this week I started a Dorothy Parker Twitter account. It's brand new and could really use some followers.

• THE OTHER LIFE got a glorious review from a blog called Rated Reads. The irony is that the site's raison d'etre is to warn people about "objectionable" material, i.e., sex and bad language. THE OTHER LIFE rated "high," which is just below "dirt." (Seriously!) And yet the book got a rave. Here's an excerpt:

"I found myself drawn into Meister’s book not just by the possibilities of “returning to the road not taken,” but by its beautiful approach to the love between a mother and daughter. Meister addresses heavy issues of grief, loss, love, and difficult decisions in parenting, and does it with aplomb. She gently puts each issue into the mix and stirs with delicacy. I was so drawn into the story and the characters that I devoured the book in two days.

The Other Life is an engaging read, one that strikes deep in the heart."

I love this! Click here to read the whole review.

• Big thanks to Newsday for featuring my Twitter page online and in the paper!

• Thanks, too, to this blogger, for spotlighting THE OTHER LIFE in her Teaser Tuesday

• The second annual BooksNJ, a fun and fabulous literary festival, is coming up on Sunday, June 12. Mark your calendar! It's going to be an awesome day.

• Long Islanders, starting on June 6, you can hear great readings every Monday night at the Summer Gazebo Reading Series at the Schoolhouse Green in Oceanside. I'll be there on July 18 with my pal Carol Hoenig. Click here for more info.

• Thrilled to discover that THE OTHER LIFE has been nominated by the New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association for Book of the Year! Check it out.

Have a great Memorial Day weekend ...

No update day

2011-05-20T09:29:00.002-04:00

Sorry. Day's off to a bad start. :(

Maybe tomorrow.

Friday Update, 5/13/11

2011-05-13T15:29:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday the 13th! I guess it was bad luck for Blogger (and me) because the whole system was down all morning and I couldn't post my update.

This week I was busy playing catch up with a million and one errands, as I had house guests last week and my schedule has been crammed. But here are a couple of fun things ...

• HUGE thanks to Katrina Denza for posting this smashing review of THE OTHER LIFE!

• So very thrilled to discover THE OTHER LIFE on Robin Kall's list of 7 Great Books for Spring! Delighted to be in such great company.

• Shout-out to Target for the temporary price cut on THE OTHER LIFE. It's a bargain hunter's alert.

There's more going on, but it'll have to wait. Blogger really messed up my schedule, and now I have to dash. Have a great weekend!

Social Media: A fickle lover

2011-05-09T11:06:00.002-04:00

Friday Update 5/6/11

2011-05-06T07:48:00.000-04:00

My folks are in from Florida, staying with us, so I'm even busier than usual. Right now, it's more about family stuff than work stuff, though I do want to crow about the audiobook version of THE OTHER LIFE, which got selected for a roundup of the best Mother's Day books from Heroes and Heartbreakers. Check it out, and you'll get to hear an audioclip, too.

That's about all I have time for today. If you want to read about some past posts about my funny folks, check these out ...

The Morty and Helen Show

And Tomorrow is Thursday

The New Old Technology

Special shout-out to my smart, talented and always-surprising wonderkid, who got into the college of his dreams ... and got a merit scholarship!!! What a kid!

A beautiful Mother's Day to all ...

Friday Update 4/29/11

2011-04-29T09:09:00.002-04:00

Sorry about going AWOL last week. The kids were off from school and things got hectic. Here's a catch-up ...

• Vacation week was a bit of a bust, as most of us were sick at one point or another. Also, homework! Sheesh. I spent most of my time at the kitchen table helping the kids get through their various projects. The youngest has it the worst. What's with those middle school teachers? Her workload is INSANE. And why do they give all that work over the break? Feels passive-aggressive to me ...

• This week I was very excited to discover that THE OTHER LIFE is on the Austin Public Library's Best Fiction of 2011 list!

• I love the questions Carrie Runnals asked in her Words to Mouth interview. Please pop in and check it out. Also note that she's giving away a free copy of THE OTHER LIFE. To enter the drawing, just leave a comment at the bottom of the interview.

• Writer friends--in case you didn't already see this, Penguin has launched a new workshop site for genre writers. It's called bookcountry.com, and it's free to join.

• Speaking of writing, I've agreed to teach a continuing ed course at Hofstra in the fall. More on that soon. Meanwhile, if you want to see what they're offering this summer, visit ce.hofstra.edu

• There's still time to get a free bookplate for Mother's Day. Just drop me a line and tell me who to make it out to and where to send it. If you're in the U.S., I'll pay the postage.

• I miss Michael Scott already. One of the best characters in the history of television ...

Have a great weekend.

Mother's Day Gift: THE OTHER LIFE

2011-04-19T09:16:00.000-04:00

I've been hearing from a lot of folks who are buying THE OTHER LIFE as a Mother's Day gift and want to know how to get a signed copy. This really touches me, because at its essence, this book is about the power and magic of motherhood.

So in honor of Mother's Day, I'm making bookplates available for free. Whether you're buying the book for someone or requesting a copy for yourself, I'm happy to send you a signed, personalized bookplate. These are self-adhesive stickers that can go right into the front of the book. Just drop me a line and let me know:

1. Who to make it out to
and
2. Where to send it

That's it. If you're in the U.S., I'll pay the postage.

THE OTHER LIFE is available at your local bookstore. To buy online, visit any cyber bookseller, such as:
Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Books-A-Million • Indie Bound • Powell's

Click here to read the BookPage review.

For more information, click here to visit my website, or watch the video:

THE OTHER LIFE by Ellen Meister from Ellen Meister on Vimeo.

Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Books-A-Million • Indie Bound • Powell's

Friday Update 4/15/11

2011-04-15T07:44:00.002-04:00

God, this week blew by in a blur. I guess it's because I lost some time due to being sick. It's kind of like going into suspended animation. But I'm on the mend, so onward. Here's the latest ...

• Huge thanks to the wonderful folks at the Dolphin Bookshop in Port Washington. They hosted a terrific book club event for THE OTHER LIFE on Tuesday, and it drew a smart and engaged crowd. I had a great time! I left behind some signed books ... an inspired idea for Mother's Day!

• Great Reader's Review here from Michele Stefanides!

• I had a lot of fun with the Dear Social Media letter I posted on the Girlfriends Book Club blog this week. Check it out.

• THE OTHER LIFE got a positive review from BookReporter.

• I hope you'll click here to see the review from BookPage.

• Huge thanks to my pal Katrina Denza for scanning and sending this clip from her local NC newspaper:

Have a great weekend!

Dear Social Media, you slut

2011-04-13T07:32:00.000-04:00

Read my letter to that fickle lover, Social Media, on the Girlfriends Book Club Blog.

Friday Update 4/8

2011-04-08T11:47:00.001-04:00

My big excitement this week was that I appeared on channel 11 PIX, a popular TV station here in NY. It all happened very fast. On Tuesday I was contacted by someone at CafeMom, who wanted to know if I had a strong opinion on sometimes letting a kid cry it out, versus immediately rushing in every time. It so happens I believe it's vitally important to teach your children they can soothe themselves. And it's a lesson my kids have taught me over and over.

Case in point: When my oldest was a baby, he refused to hold his bottle like other kids his age. I showed him how to do it again and again, but he only dropped it and screamed. I knew he was physically capable of holding it--he just didn't want to.

I thought it was important for him to reach this developmental milestone. So one day I sat him facing me on the floor and put his bottle between us. He screamed and screamed. I kept reassuring him that the bottle was right there if he wanted it. He was furious! But I just kept telling him it was okay. He could pick up the bottle any time he wanted.

And of course, he did at last. From then on he loved holding his bottle. Letting them cry it out is usually the harder route to take, but the better choice for the child. Anyway, here's the very short segment:

Other highlights this week:

• THE OTHER LIFE is on the BookPage list of THE TOP 20 BOOKS OF 2011 (SO FAR). Woot! Please click here to read the BookPage review that got so much attention.

• Last week I told you how thrilled I was that THE OTHER LIFE was selected as April's Book Club Pick by Bookbundlz. This week they posted an interview with me, and I hope you'll check it out.

• Very happy with this review from the Simply Me blog

• Big thanks to Lisa Kudrow for sending a message to her Facebook followers about my NPR interview!

• An extra-special shout-out to Angie Atkinson and the WM Freelance Writers Connection for featuring me on their blog this week!

Have a great weekend ...

The New Old Technology

2011-04-04T19:53:00.000-04:00

Phone conversation with Dad ...

DAD: There's an article in the New York Post about the Algonquin Hotel's new cat.
ME: Thanks for the heads up. I'll see if it's online.
DAD: If not, you should run out and get the paper.
ME: Or you can just send me the article.
DAD: How would I do that?
ME: Cut it out of the paper, fold it, put it an envelope and write my address on it.
DAD:
ME:
DAD: I can do that.

Friday Update 4/1/11

2011-04-01T14:48:00.001-04:00

No April Fool's jokes today, I promise! Maybe I'm crotchety, but I'm finding them all so tiresome.

Anyway, this is late because I had a doctor's appointment this morning. That might explain the missing funny bone today, but I checked out okay (yay!), so no worries.

Here's the latest:

• Big woot, as THE OTHER LIFE has been selected as the April Book Club Pick by Bookbundlz! http://www.bookbundlz.com/

• Breaking news: I'm going to be an app! If you have an iPhone or an Android, you'll soon be able to view a Skype interview between yours truly and Adam Curry. Stay tuned for more information. (Meanwhile, if you haven't yet downloaded The Big App Show, check it out--it's free.)

• Big thanks to Andrea Cosans at LonelyFriday.org for the great interview.

• Really enjoyed meeting Mary and the gang at the Huntington book club this week! Thanks so much for having me.

• The folks at Murder by 4 invited me to blog about how I got my HBO deal, and I called it WHO DO I HAVE TO KILL? Check it out.

• Mad crazy week and I'm behind on EVERYTHING. So if I owe you a call or an email or whatever, my apologies. Scrambling to catch up ...

Have a great weekend!

Friday Update 3/25/11

2011-03-25T09:54:00.001-04:00

Here's the latest ...

• I'm giving away an audiobook over on my Facebook author page. To enter, click here and "like" the page. The rest is self-explanatory.

• THE OTHER LIFE got a sweet shout-out in the Columbus Dispatch.

• And also in the industry trade, Shelf Awareness.

• If you've been on the fence about reading THE OTHER LIFE, please click here to read the prologue and first chapter. I hope it wins you over!

• A new interview was just posted a blog called In the Next Room. Some cool questions about chick lit, HBO and more.

• I'm going to stop here because I have too much work to do, and am just plain cranky over being the object of someone's misdirected right wing rage.

Enjoy your weekend ...

Is it Friday already? The 3/18/11 update ...

2011-03-18T14:43:00.004-04:00

Wow. Last Sunday my NPR interview aired and the response knocked me out. I got wonderful emails from friends, family and strangers. Tweeters, bloggers and other kind folks linked the NPR podcast all over the Internet. And it looks like sales got a big boost. On Sunday morning, THE OTHER LIFE's Amazon ranking was in the 38,000s; by late afternoon it was in the 500s.

Also, I was shocked to discover that Nook sales took off like a rocket. At one point in the day THE OTHER LIFE was the #1 ranked Nook on B&N's "Flying Off the Shelves" page!

Of course, the rest of the week was anticlimactic in comparison, but I'm still thrilled about the interview and the outcome. Huge thanks to NPR's Liane Hansen for the thoughtful, probing questions ... and for the chance to be on her acclaimed Weekend Edition show.

A few other highlights this week ...

• THE OTHER LIFE got an intense and outstanding review from BookPage, a popular industry publication. Here's a sample: "The choices in this novel are heartbreaking, and thoughtfully show the value of a mother’s support, guidance, steadfast love and sacrifices. How Quinn decides she’ll live at the novel’s close and with whom is never obvious, making for a riveting tale of love and choices." Read the rest here.

• I'm extremely grateful to the Robin Kall for the terrific interview on her Saturday morning radio program, Reading with Robin, broadcast on WHJJ in Rhode Island, and streaming live everywhere. Robin is smart, down-to-earth and a great champion of books. And she has a way of making you feel like an old friend right from the start. I really enjoyed our chat, and will post a link to the podcast when it's available.

• Warmth and thanks to Liz and Lisa at chicklitisnotdead.com for the fun feature, which included a suitably ridiculous photo of me. And a special shout-out to all the wonderful folks who entered the drawing for a free book!

• Hugs and thanks to my sweet and supportive friend, Jill Thomas, for posting a review of THE OTHER LIFE on her blog.

• LonelyFriday.org posted a review that I loved from start of finish. One of my faves! You can read it here.

• Some nice quotes this week. From The Midwest Book Review: "The Other Life" is an exciting and suspenseful novel of choosing ones path in life, highly recommended." And from the San Francisco Book Review: "This is a gripping tale about choices and self discovery."

• I also love this quote from a blog called Debbie's Book Bag: ""This was an amazing book! Ellen Meister has given readers a book that will touch them to their core ... great for book clubs, mothers and daughters and for those who have issues with their own choices in life. I recommend this one to my readers whole-heartedly. It's contemporary fiction at it's best!"

• I got some kind of a shout-out on the Indie Bestseller List. No, THE OTHER LIFE is not actually ON the list, but it's near it. Sweet to be a "favorite." Click here and scroll down.

• By now even I'm getting sick of myself, so I can only imagine how you must feel. Time to switch gears and give a few shouts for friends ...

   ♦ I don't read much nonfiction, but I'm DYING to read Laura Snyder's THE PHILOSOPHICAL BREAKFAST CLUB, which is getting outstanding reviews everywhere.

   ♦ Susan Henderson is the featured author at Smith Magazine. Click it and read those few sentences and you'll immediately understand why I adore her so.

   ♦ So thrilled that my pal Michael Palmer is burning up the bestseller lists (again!) with his newest thriller, A HEARTBEAT AWAY.

As heard on NPR ...

2011-03-14T06:23:00.000-04:00

Big day yesterday, as my NPR interview with Liane Hansen aired on The Morning Edition. I'm a huge NPR fan, so this was a dream come true.

If you missed it, click here to listen to the podcast.

Friday Update 3/11/11

2011-03-11T15:12:00.002-05:00

Whoa ... crazy schedule today. Here's a real fast Friday update:

• RADIO DAYS - It's a big radio weekend for me. Check it out ...

Sunday on NPR
I'm a huge NPR fan and I'm thrilled that you'll get to hear me answer Liane Hansen's probing questions about THE OTHER LIFE this Sunday morning on The Weekend Edition. Click here to find your local station and time.

Or, to hear the program online from 8am - 10am (Eastern time) click here to access a live stream from WNYC.

Saturday on WHJJ
I'm going to be interviewed live on the air by Robin Kall, host of Reading with Robin on WHJJ in Providence, RI. To listen online from anywhere, click here at 7:30 am Eastern time.

Right Now on Texas Public Radio
You can hear me talk about THE OTHER LIFE right now via podcast on Texas Public Radio.

• REVIEWS
Some great reviews of THE OTHER LIFE appeared this week, and I'm thrilled to share them ...

   Reviews from the Heart: 5 out of 5 stars!

   BookNAround "The themes of love and loss are well-drawn and realistic and the ending of the story is really quite perfectly written ... This book would be a fantastic choice for reading groups given its premise and all the issues Meister raises."

   That's What She Read "The Other Life is beautifully written, presenting Quinn's agony with care and accuracy. Ms. Meister does a great job ... "

• OTHER NEWS

Big thanks to The Book End Babes for making THE OTHER LIFE a March pick!

Very excited that my essay on writing appears on the Back Page Column of The San Francisco Book Review. Read it here.

Have a great weekend ... and please don't forget to tune into NPR on Sunday morning!

Essay in San Francisco Book Review

2011-03-08T13:47:00.001-05:00

Happy and honored that my essay about writing goals now appears on The Back Page of the San Francisco Book Review.

If you’re like most writers, you spend a lot of time thinking about some elusive writing goal. Whether it’s landing a literary agent, finishing your memoir, publishing a novel or getting your first short story acceptance, it looms like a magnificent finish line. And beyond it, bliss.

Eight years ago, after months of soul-crushing rejections, I got the call writers dream about ...

Friday Update 3/4

2011-03-04T09:22:00.003-05:00

Big thanks to everyone who came to my Barnes & Noble/Carle Place event last night! Great crowd, and though I'm sorry some of you had to stand, I have to admit that SRO is kind of gratifying ... especially since I was worried that no one would show up.

Here's more news ...

• Looks like my NPR interview will air on Sunday, 3/13. More on that soon.

• Nice feature on Newsday.com yesterday. Click here to read the article. (Click here if you can't view it the entire story.)

• Huge thanks to the Girls Just Reading blog for the insightful and interesting interview questions! Please click here to read it.

• Savvy Verse & Wit posted this very thoughtful (and positive) review of THE OTHER LIFE.

• Also thrilled with this wonderful review from Raging Bibliomania.

• Sweet surprise--Sherryl Connelly of the New York Daily News did a roundup of books with a local setting and included THE OTHER LIFE:

click image for larger view

• I loved this feature about the cover art for THE OTHER LIFE on a B&N blog.

• Extra-special Goodreads review from JoAnn Jordan this week, in which she says, "[THE OTHER LIFE] is the most beautiful book I have read in years. " Read the rest here.

• In Colloquium, Janie Hickok Siess gives an impressively thoughtful and in-depth review of THE OTHER LIFE, saying "It is impossible to put the book down because the story is so unique and the issues Meister explores so multi-layered and fascinating you are compelled to keep reading to see what Quinn will do next .... ‎The exploration of Quinn Braverman's journey to that place of empowerment over her own life is an exhilarating and thoughtful one that lovers of women's fiction should not miss."

• Debbi Honorof did a wonderful interview with Jodi Picoult in the March issue of Long Island Woman. Check it out!

• Great local coverage in the Syosset Jericho Tribune! Huge thanks to all my friends and relatives who reached out after seeing this. Really appreciate the support. xo

• Overzealous spam filters seem to be snatching my emails from the inboxes of my subscribers, and I can't seem to find a way around that. Frustrating! But you can click here to see my latest newsletter.

Have a great weekend!

Friday Update 2/25

2011-02-25T06:50:00.007-05:00

Busy and emotional week here. My darling daughter has been away (sniff) since Sunday. Another family whisked her away on a Disney cruise and she's having the time of her life. When I say the house is quiet without her, I'm not exaggerating. It's like someone hit the mute button.

In other news ...

• Last Friday night was my book launch event for THE OTHER LIFE and I think it's safe to say it was a smashing success. Over 150 people came and it was standing room only. Huge thanks to Book Revue for hosting it, and to everyone who came and bought books. I promised a portion of my proceeds to NSSA (Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism) and I'll be making a nice fat check out today.

Special shout-out to Michael Sammis for rounding up the troops for the event!

• If you want to see the Q & A portion, check this out. The dorky opening is a little embarrassing, but I have to own it ...

• If you missed this event I would LOVE to see you at my next book talk at the Barnes & Noble in Carle Place. It's this Thursday, 3/3 at 7:30. Here's the ad they ran yesterday in Newsday:

• A bit of non-book fun on Wednesday night—my cousin Lisa Kudrow appeared at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria to discuss her brilliant show, THE COMEBACK, and we went to see it. She was smart and funny and so engaging. I adore her. Btw, the entire season is available on DVD. Hilarious ...

• Yesterday was a big day for me, as I went into the Bryant Park studio of NPR to record an interview about THE OTHER LIFE with Liane Hansen of the Weekend Edition. Her questions were intelligent and probing, and I felt good about my answers. I'm a huge NPR fan, so this qualifies as a dream come true. Hope to get an air date soon.

• Another fun thing yesterday was the happy surprise of discovering that Books-A-Million was promoting THE OTHER LIFE on their Facebook page.

• Woke up this morning to a Google alert about an article in the Syosset Jericho Tribune. Nice!

• Here's a very cool interview from The Book Doctors. I love the questions they asked about switching genres, handling rejection and more.

• Shout-out to Ethan for passing his permit test!!! Woooooooooot!

UPDATED TO ADD:
There are now signed copies of THE OTHER LIFE available in New York City at the Penn Plaza Borders and the Barnes & Noble on Fifth Ave. (bet. 45th & 46th), and on Long Island at Book Revue in Huntington and the Barnes & Noble stores in Carle Place, Manhasset and Huntington Station.

Friday Update 2/18/11

2011-02-18T08:02:00.001-05:00

Today's my big day--I have my book launch event at Book Revue, and if you're local I hope you'll come. It starts at 7, but for insiders like you there's a wine & cheese reception at 6:30.

I'm so keyed up I've been awake since 4 am, so I might collapse halfway through. But let's hope adrenaline keeps me going.

A lot of reviews, interviews and other things went live this week, so I have much to share. Here goes ...

• Susan Henderson's interview with me on The Nervous Breakdown went live about five minutes ago. She's a brilliant writer and reader, and asked truly provocative questions. I hope you'll read it!

• Whoosh! Pretty spectacular review in The New York Journal of Books.

• If you're not on my mailing list, here's what you missed yesterday.

• I was interviewed by Jennifer Haupt for Psychology Today, and she asked smart, probing questions. Take a look.

• It was a real honor that I got to blog for the Penguin site this week!

• From the Girls Just Reading blog: "If you are looking for a nice light read, this novel isn't it. If you are looking for a novel that will bring you to tears in the best way possible, this is it." Read more.

• Nice words from a reviewer who loved the book despite that (sniff) she didn't fall in love with my darling Quinn. "Meister has constructed an exquisite book, one which shows, rather than asks, the “what if” questions in one’s life ... a beautiful look at the love between mothers and their children, healing, loss, and unconditional love." Rundpine review.

• The Best Damn Creative Writing Blog gives the book a "Highly Recommended" and does a fab job with the summary. Read it here.

• Bookworm Baby gives THE OTHER LIFE 5 stars. More here.

• I really love this heartfelt review from Boston Book Bums.

• S. Krishna's Books said, "The Other Life was an engaging read that will leave readers reflecting on their own lives." See the review here.

• The Lost Entwife says, "I devoured this book, and "The Other Life will make a fantastic book club read and will be on my mind quite a bit in the upcoming days." Read more here.

• Holly Weiss says, "The Other Life is fascinating, original and intriguing. Exploring the complexities of mother/daughter dynamics, the book examines the consequences when that love is put to the ultimate test. If you are longing for invigorating, relevant writing over a broad emotional plane, you will love this book. Be prepared to be touched deeply." You can read the rest of her wonderful review here.

• Lots of love from my darling friend Robin Slick this week. Here's her generous blog entry.

• Speaking of brilliant friends, Susan DiPlacido posted a review so beautiful I nearly wept.

• Yesterday I got to blog for the Girlfriends Book Club and wrote a post called THE CALL or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Being in Suspense.

• Nice shout-out today in Newsday with a picture of the book cover. Sweet! The visual isn't online, so if you have the paper, check out page B4.

• One last thing and (gasp!) it's not about me. My pal Michael Palmer's gorgeous new thriller, A HEARTBEAT AWAY is now in stores. I know it's going to tear up the bestseller lists. Don't miss it!

It's pub date and I have HUGE news!

2011-02-17T06:03:00.000-05:00

Today is the official publication date for THE OTHER LIFE and my agent said I can let the cat out of the bag, so here goes ...

THE OTHER LIFE has been optioned by HBO for a TV series!

I found this out over the summer and was gobsmacked. This is the best news I ever got.

Understand that this is an option, which means it could be a while before I find out if the show will actually be produced, but I am over the moon!

Of course, I hope you'll want to read the book first ... maybe even buy your copy today. (Those early sales make all the difference!) You can find it at your favorite bookstore ... or online.
Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Book Revue • Books-A-Million • Borders • Indie Bound • Powells

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

2011-02-14T14:18:00.001-05:00

I hope you're having a wonderful day, whether you celebrate Valentine's Day or not. Here are two special links I hope you enjoy.

This is my Valentine to you, readers, posted on the Penguin blog. I do hope you'll click in ... and maybe even share it with your friends.

And here's a Valentine's Day gift I got today from the wonderful author Susan McBride, who gave some special love to THE OTHER LIFE on Good Day St. Louis today:

Friday Update 2/11/11

2011-02-11T09:29:00.000-05:00

A friend just posted on my Facebook wall, reminding me to BREATHE. Good advice, as I woke up today in a giddy frenzy, trying to remember all the last minutes details for the launch of the THE OTHER LIFE.

Here's the latest ....

• Thrilled with this new review over at BOOKFINDS, which says, "This is a powerful, moving and emotional story that is going to be a great read for book clubs." Woot!

• If you're in the NY/LI area, I hope you'll come to my launch event at Book Revue next Friday, February 18. Details here.

• I have my outfit for the book launch all picked out, but am in desperate search for the perfect boots to go with it. Crapped out at Marshall's yesterday. DSW here I come ...

• If you can't make it to one of my book events, I hope you'll visit your local bookstore at the end of next week, or pre-order right now. (Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Book Revue • Books-A-Million • Borders • Indie Bound • Powells) Either way, I'm happy to send you a signed bookplate. Just drop me an email and remember to include:
1. Who to make it out to
2. Where to send it

Have a great weekend!!

Friday Update 2/4

2011-02-04T09:27:00.003-05:00

It's pre-pub crunch time, as I'm frantically scheduling interviews, writing guest blogs and answering questions. I'm not complaining, of course, but if I'm slow to return a phone call or an email, you'll know why.

Here's what happening ...

• Dream come true for an NPR junkie: Yesterday I got the exciting news that I'm going to be interviewed by Liane Hansen for the Weekend Edition ... heard on almost 600 radio stations across the U.S. and around the globe. I'm thrilled! More news when I get the schedule.

• Also excited about local coverage, as my hometown newspaper reached out for an interview.

• The American Booksellers Association posted the new Great Reads Indie Next list, their recommendations for independent bookstores. I'm honored that THE OTHER LIFE is on the list. (Thanks to Lisa McMann for the heads up!)

• The Unbridled Editor posted a new book review that says "The Other Life sweeps you away." Read the rest here.

• Big thanks to Jill Thomas for the fun and fabulous interview! Click here to read about my favorite curse word and more.

• A certain wonderkid is turning 19 this week. This is the same young man who made his mama a book trailer. (Want to make his day? Watch it on his YouTube channel and leave a comment) Happy birthday, darling Max!

• What I'm reading: HOMER AND LANGLEY by the extraordinary E.L. Doctorow.

• Delighted to send a free signed bookplate to anyone in the U.S. who pre-ordered THE OTHER LIFE. Just shoot me an email and tell me:
1. Who to make it out to
and
2. Where to send it

• Watch Who Do You Think You Are? tonight on NBC ... featuring Vanessa Williams, produced by my cousin Lisa Kudrow.

• I've decided I believe in hell after all, only it's not a fiery inferno, but a cruel, relentless, neverending loop of snowstorm after snowstorm after snowstorm, punctuated only by tire-eating potholes. Get ... me ... out ... of ... here ...

Enjoy your weekend.

Friday Update 1/28

2011-01-28T06:24:00.000-05:00

But Enough About Me. Let's Talk About My Book.

I think that was once a cartoon caption in The New Yorker. If not, it should have been. At any rate, with three weeks until the publication of THE OTHER LIFE, things are going to get a little self-indulgent around here. I hope you'll forgive me--there's a lot riding on this, and it's push time. Also, people are being very kind about posting reviews and interviews, and I want to be sure I acknowledge that generosity with links.

Fortunately, I finished FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER this week and sent it off to my editor (yippee!), so now I can focus on promoting THE OTHER LIFE. Let's get started ...

• Author Holly Weiss posted a review that brought me to my knees. You can read the whole thing here.

• The February issue of Long Island Woman Magazine has a lovely feature about me, written by award-winning journalist Debbi Honorof. Here's a direct link to the article.

• Author/editor/friend/fellow Zoetroper Michelle Garren Flye interviewed me as part of series she's running on choosing character names. Click here.

• Writer Bonnie R. Paulson posted a wonderful review of THE OTHER LIFE plus a really fun interview. I'm so grateful! Please click here to read it.

• The wonderful Shonell Bacon featured THE OTHER LIFE and my comments on her All The Blog's a Page "What is a good book?" series. Here's the link.

• If you're not coming to one of my book events, I hope you'll consider pre-ordering THE OTHER LIFE. Here are some handy links: Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Book Revue • Books-A-Million • Borders • Indie Bound • Powells

Thanks for reading and clicking! Have a great weekend.

Friday Update 1/21

2011-01-21T14:45:00.000-05:00

Another crazy Friday here. The big news is that THE OTHER LIFE was selected by the American Booksellers Association for their Indie Next Great Reads list. This is a huge honor and I'm thrilled!

Speaking of independent bookstores, the launch event for THE OTHER LIFE will be at the famous Long Island indie, BOOK REVUE. They put a big sign in the window about it, and a few friends snapped cellphone pics and sent them along. This one is from my buddy Keith Friedlander. (Click image for larger view.)

The BOOK REVUE event is on Friday, February 18, at 7 pm.

I'm also happy to announce that I'm doing a book talk and signing at the big, beautiful BARNES & NOBLE in Carle Place, New York. It's on Thursday, March 3, at 7:30 pm. Click here for details.

As long as I'm in a click-happy mood, here are a few more things I hope you'll check out:

• If you're not on my official newsletter mailing list, please click here to sign up. Very important: you have to click through when you get the confirmation email. If you don't see it within a few seconds, check your spam filter.

• At my publisher's request, I started a fan page on Facebook. I need as many "likes" as I can get, so if you have two seconds to spare, please give me a click. Thanks so much!!

• My friend Liz Michalski has a gorgeous website announcing her gorgeous debut novel, EVENFALL. Please check it out!

Have a great weekend!

Hello, Central? Get me Boca Raton!

2011-01-20T07:40:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, when I was trying to find my way through a tricky paragraph I was writing, my cellphone rang and the caller ID showed that it was my dad. But when I answered, no one was there. So I called back. It rang and rang.

Frustrated, I called the land line, and my mother answered.

"Is Dad trying to reach me?" I asked.

"He got a new cellphone and he's trying to figure out how to use it," she said. "He's driving me crazy. Do me a favor and call him again."

So I did and listened. One ring. (He must be trying to figure out which button to press.) Two rings. (Still hasn't found it.) Three rings. (Seriously, Dad?) Four rings.

He picked up at last, and I listened for his voice. But all I heard was my mother in the background. "Now say hello, for god's sake!"

The phone went dead. A few minutes later, my mother called back. "I suppose you're going to blog about this," she said.

I couldn't deny it. I was laughing too hard.

Friday Update 1/14/11

2011-01-14T14:55:00.000-05:00

Just when I think my schedule can't get any crazier, I'm hit with an avalanche of work. But okay, here's a quick update on the latest ...

• At my publisher's suggestion, I started a Facebook fan page. I hope you'll click in and give it a "like." Thanks!

• Big meeting at Putnam yesterday, where I got to meet the whole team. What an impressive group!

• I was hoping they would have an actual hardcover copy of THE OTHER LIFE for me, and they did! It's so beautiful I nearly cried ...

• Delightful lunch today with lit pals Brenda Janowtiz, Susan Henderson, Carol Hoenig, Debbi Honorof, Saralee Rosenberg and Vivian Swift.

• Back to work for me. Have a great weekend!

Guest blog at The Lit Coach

2011-01-10T14:58:00.000-05:00

Erin Reel, The Lit Coach, invited me to guest blog on the topic of artistic integrity. Please pop over and check it out. Thanks!

Friday Update 1/7/11

2011-01-07T09:44:00.001-05:00

• Big week for me here, as I finished my first complete draft of FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER. I edit relentlessly as I go along, so it's a pretty tight draft, and I'm happy with it. After I hear from my beta readers, I'll take one last pass at it before sending it to my editor.

• Speaking of Dorothy Parker, I created a fan page for her on Facebook. Would love it if you gave it a like click. Thanks!

• Is it possible my baby boy is turning 16 tomorrow? How did this happen so fast? I'm feeling all achy and nostalgic.

• My brother's book on commercial real estate is out, and here's what CNBC's Larry Kudlow had to say about it: “Stephen Meister has a profound understanding of the world of real estate. Anyone who doesn’t read his book will be operating without the benefit of Meister’s penetrating insights. His book casts a bright light into many of the dark corners of our real estate economy and untangles complex governmental issues. Now he has put his vast knowledge into a readable, cogent, and exciting book. I strongly recommend it.”

He got another blurb from someone else you might have heard of, Donald Trump: “Stephen Meister has written an insightful and comprehensive book that explains what happened during the financial crisis and offers possible solutions to what we’re facing now. CRERR is a fast, concise read, and it’s recommended reading - no matter what your business may be.”

Click here for ordering info.

• Tonight we're taking the kids to a Broadway show and I'm a little panicky about the weather. Fingers crossed.

Have a great weekend!

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T12:14:00.000-05:00

Sorry I haven't been keeping up with my Friday updates. Perhaps I need to make that one of my New Year's resolutions.

At any rate, please accept my sincerest thanks for sticking with me all year and for reading this blog. Best wishes for peace, joy, health, happiness and success in 2011!

I leave you with this book trailer, created for me by my wonderkid. I couldn't be prouder ...

THE OTHER LIFE by Ellen Meister from Ellen Meister on Vimeo.

Friday Update 12/17

2010-12-17T09:36:00.000-05:00

Busy busy busy! Have my in-laws as houseguests right now, and this weekend we're celebrating my father-in-law's 90th birthday. How cool is that!

Makes me so happy when everyone gets together for a special celebration.

Also, happy birthday to my mom in Florida, whose actual birthday is today!!!!!!!!!!

Meanwhile, I'm working as hard as I can on FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER and on prepping for the release of THE OTHER LIFE. But of course, all that has to be squeezed in between laundry and carpooling and cooking and housekeeping and homework-helping.

Also ...

If you're on my mailing list, you should have gotten my thrlling subscriber-only news today. If not, click to sign up and be sure to watch for the confirmation email. If you don't see it within seconds, check your spam filter.

Thanks and have a great weekend!
xo

The Friday Update That Wasn't

2010-12-10T14:02:00.000-05:00

Suffering a cold and feeling a little too under the weather to blog today. But please click into my latest post at the Girlfriends Book Club blog. And leave a comment there if you want the chance to win a prize.
xo

The better-late-than-never Friday Update

2010-12-03T18:37:00.001-05:00

Shame! I didn't post a Friday update last week and here it is 6:30 pm and I'm just getting around to posting today's.

I guess I've been pretty busy, but I can't remember what I did this week. Mostly running around with the kids, I guess, shopping, organizing, helping with homework and writing. I had houseguests last week, so I had a lot of catching up to do. The week went by in about three seconds.

And the little one's been sick the past two days, unfortunately. Seems like just a bad cold with a fever.

The good news is that I'm making progress with FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER, and got some wonderful research help from Long Islander writer/attorney Tony Iovino.

Speaking of FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER, I went into Manhattan today to scope out the Algonquin again for one of the final scenes. Also had lunch with my fab editor, Rachel Kahan.

One last bit of publishing news--Putnam put a wonderful ad for THE OTHER LIFE in Shelf Awareness, a very big trade pub.

Dinner's in the oven, so I have to run. But if you're not a member of my El's Angels blog and would like to help me out by placing a call to your local library and asking them to order THE OTHER LIFE for their collection, please click here. You could win a pretty nifty t-shirt. Thanks!

Have a great weekend!

WINNERS!!

2010-12-01T07:51:00.000-05:00

Big thanks to everyone who signed up for my mailing list and who helped promote it. The two t-shirt winners, chosen at random, are:

Carlos of Stockton, California

and

Adele

Can't wait to get your shirts in the mail to you!

101 things I'm thankful for

2010-11-25T09:15:00.001-05:00

In random order ...

1. Fat novels with great characters
2. Spellcheck
3. Spring
4. Coffee
5. Crescent moons
6. My kids
7. Mobile email
8. Van Gogh
9. Disposable pans
10. Dogs
11. Elastic waistbands
12. The Portable Dorothy Parker
13. HBO
14. Ethan's smile
15. My book contract
16. Chocolate-covered halvah
17. Libraries
18. My parents
19. Cardigans
20. Online friends
21. Offline friends
22. Beatles songs
23. Diet Coke
24. Fan Mail
25. Emma's voice
26. Erasers
27. My denim jacket
28. Modern Family
29. The daily Cryptoquote
30. Discount coupons
31. Dimmer switches
32. The DVR
33. Compliments
34. Air conditioning
35. Modern medicine
36. Max's memory
37. My GPS
38. Lunch with friends
39. Red wine
40. Lactaid
41. The sunlight at Jones Beach
42. Blurbs
43. Art Museums
44. Back rubs
45. Air Travel
46. Everyday heroes
47. Readers
48. Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert
49. Birthday cake
50. Reading glasses
51. Gorgeous sentences
52. Good hair days
53. Modern hygiene
54. Enthusiasm
55. Generosity
56. Digital photography
57. Annie Hall (still)
58. Mike's hugs
59. Autosave
60. Veterans
61. The First Amendment
62. WiFi
63. Bookstores
64. Hot showers
65. My laser printer
66. Power naps
67. My netbook
68. Nassau Suffolk Services for the Autistic
69. Cotton
70. American soldiers
71. Search engines
72. Push-up bras
73. Reasonableness
74. The sunrise
75. Potato latkes
76. Online banking
77. Sarcasm
78. Backyard barbecues
79. Luggage wheels
80. Antibiotics
81. Scrabble
82. Chocolate Truffles
83. The Marx Brothers
84. Signed books
85. Summer nights
86. Seinfeld reruns
87. The Atlantic Ocean
88. Meeting authors
89. Fresh starts
90. The Internet
91. Family dinners
92. NPR
93. Hope
94. Heating pads
95. Laughter
96. Reunions
97. Thai food
98. Hearing from old friends
99. Indoor plumbing
100. Love
101. Blog readers

Friday Update 11/19

2010-11-19T10:00:00.001-05:00

Things seems pretty quiet on the publishing front this week. I guess the industry is getting ready for Thanksgiving hibernation. On my end, it was mostly work, work, work, getting pages written on FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER and gearing up for the launch of THE OTHER LIFE. And yesterday was my birthday, which I celebrated quietly with the family ... just the way I like it.

So, just a few reminders ...

• If you haven't signed up for my newsletter mailing list, I hope you'll do so now ... especially since you could win a pretty cool t-shirt. See the blog entry below for details.

• If you're a writer in the New York/Long Island area, I hope consider coming to PITCHAPALOOZA at Book Revue on 12/2. I think it's going to be a blast.

• The laundry's been piling up this week ... and so have the emails. So if you're waiting to hear from me on something, my apologies. I'm trying hard to catch up!

• Did a little fall cleaning on my website, so check it out if you have a chance.

• Have you bookmarked and/or subscribed to THE GIRLFRIENDS BOOK CLUB blog? It's a joint effort of a big group of women authors, and I think you'll like it.

• Big-shout and thanks to my Facebook, Twitter and CafeMom friends for the birthday wishes!

Have a great weekend ...

T-shirt giveaway!

2010-11-17T08:57:00.003-05:00

click image for larger view

The pub date for THE OTHER LIFE is getting close, and I'm doing a special giveaway to boost my mailing list ...

Click here to sign up for it and you will automatically be entered in a drawing for this very cool t-shirt. (Note that I have them available in both men's and women's styles.)

FYI, you'll get a confirmation email after you sign up, and you have to click through when you get that. If you don't see it within seconds, check your spam filter. (Also, be sure to use this link, and not the feedburner widget on this blog--that's a different list.)

Go for it!
Note that I send out very few mailings and don't share my list with anyone, so you have nothing to lose. Besides you could unsubscribe at any time. (But I hope you don't!)

If you're already on my mailing list ...
I didn't forget about you! Just link this blog entry on any site, or send it to friends in an email, and leave a comment below letting me know what you did. That's it ... you'll be entered in a t-shirt drawing, too!

Hurry!
This offer is good through November 30, 2010. Hope you'll sign up today! Click here.

Friday Update 11/12

2010-11-12T10:35:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday! I've been busy working on FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER and trying to get my ducks in a row for the launch of THE OTHER LIFE. Here's the latest ...

• Got my ARCs (advance review copies) for THE OTHER LIFE on Tuesday! This is the part where it starts to feel real, so I'm pretty damned excited, especially since they look magnificent. A huge shout-out to the very talented Lisa Amoroso, who designed the jacket, and Meighan Cavanaugh, who designed the book. And of course, to my sage and savvy editor, Rachel Kahan, who directs the whole thing.

• Here's something fun for all my local writer friends--on Thursday, December 2, there's a fabulous event at Book Revue called PITCHAPALOOZA! It's like American Idol for aspiring authors. You get one minute to pitch your book idea to a panel of judges. I'll be one of them, playing the role of either Simon or Paula. Or maybe Randy, dawg. Click here for more info.

• Did a book talk this week to the ladies at my temple's sisterhood. Great group, and I got to chance to do my first public reading from THE OTHER LIFE.

• The sisterhood event coincided with my wedding anniversary, so Mike and I celebrated the Sunday prior at Jonathan's Ristorante in Huntington. One of our favorite places.

• FYI, Maria Geraci has a wonderful new book coming out next month, and I hope you'll check it out. It's called THE BOYFRIEND OF THE MONTH CLUB. Also, I think she's going to be doing a really good giveaway on her blog soon, so be sure to bookmark it.

Have a great weekend!

Friday Update 11/5

2010-11-05T08:12:00.004-04:00

Some news and highlights ...

• The big news is that the pub date for THE OTHER LIFE was pushed to February 17. It was done for all the right reasons, though of course I'm kind of disappointed that it's delayed yet again. But that's my impatience. It's really a better slot for the book.

• Naturally, that means the launch party/book talk had to be moved. Big thanks to Julianne at Book Revue for being so understanding and letting me switch the date to February 18. Hope you can join me! Click here to see the online invite.

• Today I'm going to place an order for promotional t-shirts for the book, designed and paid for by yours truly. The picture shows the unisex version, but I'll be making women's shirts as well. (click image for larger view).

FYI, I recommend the company, ooShirts, to anyone who needs Custom Shirts.

• If you read my blog yesterday, you know that the MILK & INK anthology is now available for purchase, and makes a great gift for moms or any reader on your holiday list. You can get it from amazon.com or Outskirts Press.

• According to my editor, the bound galleys of THE OTHER LIFE have arrived. Haven't seen my copies yet but I'm stoked.

• Also excited to learn that the book will be entered in the Amazon Vine program.

• Huge thanks and shout-out to all the friends who tweeted and blogged about THE OTHER LIFE this week, including Anita Beall, Eros-Alegra Clarke, Myfanwy Collins, Susan DiPlacido, DragonRiderMD, Cliff Garstang, Liz Michalski and Jill Thomas. (If I missed anyone, please let me know!)

• And one final shout-out to Rik Kellerman of Ten Tigers Kung Fu Academy for helping me fill in the gaps in my work-in-progress, FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER.

Announcing THE MILK & INK ANTHOLOGY!

2010-11-04T15:09:00.003-04:00

Friends, a few months ago I was honored and thrilled to be invited to submit a story to a brand new motherhood anthology called Milk & Ink (edited by Eros-Alegra Clarke, Jordan Rosenfeld, Nina Perez and Tomi L. Wiley). The contributor list is truly impressive and best of all, the proceeds go to an important cause called Mama Hope. Here's a snippet from the press materials ...

Milk & Ink is here now! This anthology of stories, essays and poems by writing mothers celebrates the intensity of being both mother and writer. It also will inspire all to recognize the power of living true to your passions and life purpose.

Milk &\ Ink focuses on the experience of motherhood, but it also speaks to everyone: fathers, daughters, and sons. This anthology, not only in its stories, but in its creation and promotion, seeks to acknowledge the need we have for one another.

Proceeds of the project will be donated to Mama Hope, which supports women and children in Africa in a variety of projects.To purchase copies you may visit one of the following links:

Amazon.com

Outskirts Press

I think you'll love this book. And I know it'll make a great holiday gift for any reader on your list.

A little help from my friends?

2010-11-01T05:37:00.000-04:00

As it gets close to pub date for THE OTHER LIFE, I'm asking friends to help spread the word, and in return I'm offering prizes. I just awarded someone the signed manuscript, and this week's giveaway is a copy of E.L. Doctorow's BILLY BATHGATE, signed by the author.

Click here to read more and get involved.

Thanks!

Friday Update 10/29/10

2010-10-29T10:14:00.001-04:00

This and that ...

• I'm not doing NaNoWriMo, but I am trying to finish up my work-in-progress, FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER, so my updates may be quick these next few weeks. Sending good luck wishes to all my writer friends who are taking the plunge!

• Very happy to announce that I've got the plot pretty well worked out. So now I just have to write, write, write. About 90 pages to go.

• Soon I'll be tweaking the design of my website, but for now I'm updating it with new information, including helpful links on my media page.

• Last chance to sign up for my El's Angels blog and be eligible to win a signed copy of THE OTHER LIFE in manuscript form.

• If you're a writer, please click here to read an exquisite essay by my pal Susan Henderson, Does Publishing a Book Make You a Writer?

• Worthy of your attention: Melissa Senate's new book, THE LOVE GODDESS' COOKING SCHOOL, is now in stores and it looks like a fantastic read. I'm really looking forward to this one!

• Special shout-out to Stephen DeAngelis for putting on a hell of a show last Saturday!

• Still hoping for some pre-order activity for THE OTHER LIFE. (hint hint) See the links on the right. →

Have a spooky weekend!
xo

You're invited!

2010-10-24T13:20:00.002-04:00

Friday Update 10/22

2010-10-22T10:13:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday! Today I'm posting a few links I hope you'll click ...

• If you're on my mailing list, you should have received a newsletter from me this week. If not, click here to see the online version.

• Very soon I'll be giving away a signed copy of THE OTHER LIFE in manuscript form. If you'd like to be a book angel for me and have the chance to win, please click here and sign up for my El's Angels blog! Just be SURE you click through when you get the confirmation email, or you won't be signed up. If you don't get the confirmation email within a minute or two, check your spam filter.

• My dear pal Saralee Rosenberg posted a Girlfriend's Book Club blog entry, along with a familiar photo. Do check it out!

• A few days ago I blogged on that same site regarding my philosophy on posting negative reviews.

• L. McKenna Donovan has been running a wonderful blog program about overcoming the negative scripts writers fall victim to. She featured input from several writers, including yours truly. Today is the final installment.

• A bit of news: it's rumored a certain very talented celebrity might be reading the audio version of THE OTHER LIFE! More on that soon.

• In case you don't know, THE OTHER LIFE is now available for pre-order, and some of the online bookstores are offering deep discounts. See the links on the right.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Friday Update 10-15-10

2010-10-15T09:00:00.000-04:00

Goodness, I haven't posted a true weekly update since 9/24. Too long. Here's what I've been busy with ...

• My daughter's Bat Mitzvah, first and foremost. As you may know, it requires massive planning. Like, rocket launch planning. I'm usually pretty good at this kind of thing, and get all my ducks in a row ahead of time. But boyo, I was behind on everything. That left me scrambling like a lunatic the last few weeks. And then, of course, both the Bat Mitzvah girl and one of her brothers got sick two days before the big event, which made the bottom drop out of everything.

Still, it all came off without a hitch. And my daughter was magnificent, if I do say so myself.

• Truly love the fact that so many of her friends aren't Jewish and it was their first Bat Mitzvah. It made the event that much more special. I got a kick out of the cards, too. Amidst the Bat Mitzvah cards were three Happy Birthday cards, one Bar Mitzvah card and one Best Wishes on Your Confirmation card.

• Big shout-out to my bro and s-i-l for throwing a glorious brunch the next day.

• In case you missed my last update, I got a final approved book jacket for THE OTHER LIFE, and I am wildly in love with it.

• Exciting news--my publisher sold audio rights to a wonderful company called Tantor Audio!

• One of the world's best bookstores, BOOK REVUE in Huntington, will be hosting the launch event for THE OTHER LIFE on Friday, January 21, at 7pm. You're invited, natch!

• Really enjoying the fact that every date this month is symmetrical. Yes, I am that geeky.

• A wonderful website called readinggroupguides.com is giving away an advance review copy of THE OTHER LIFE. Check it out.

• I recently updated my PublishersMarketplace page. Click it!

• Gearing up to send my first newsletter in a long, long time. Are you on my mailing list?

• Check out this quick and savvy blog post from my agent, Andrea Cirillo, on what Hollywood is looking for.

• Writer L. McKenna Donovan is blogging about how writers can overcome their "negative scripts." Good stuff!

Thanks for clicking. Have a great weekend!

THE OTHER LIFE!!!

2010-10-08T17:06:00.001-04:00

I'm so thrilled with my beautiful cover!

(click image for larger view)

Friday 10/8/10

2010-10-08T06:40:00.000-04:00

Sorry I missed posting an update last week. It's been nuts here.

Tomorrow is the big day--my daughter's Bat Mitzvah. The kid is prepped and I've done everything I can do. Now I just wait and see what else God or fate or the caterer will throw at me. Right now I'm just hoping the Bat Mitzvah girl and her brother are healthy enough to get through it, as they both got sick two days ago.

Send me strength, will you?

xo

My Dinner with Doctorow

2010-09-30T09:36:00.006-04:00

I've made a show of my crush on George Clooney, but the truth is that I haven't gotten truly weak in the knees over a movie star since I was a tender young thing and Paul Newman walked by me on West 57th Street close enough to touch. So I guess you could say I'm not particularly starstruck.

Unless, of course, you're talking about authors. These are my matinée idols, my rock stars, my heroes, and always have been. In fact, even when I young enough to get all stupid over Paul Newman, I was even more enthralled by an author I had just started reading, Richard Yates. Talk about weak in the knees. Yates's prose made me swoon.

I worked for his literary agent back then, and was fortunate enough to speak with Yates on the phone a number of times, and even got an autographed copy of LIARS IN LOVE. As you can imagine, it is my most prized possession.

(click image for larger view)

In the years since, I've been blessed with the opportunity meet and even befriend some of my favorite authors. Happy to say I still haven't become jaded. Indeed, the more distinguished a writer is, the more breathless I am about the idea of face time.

So you can imagine how excited I was to get the following email from my cousin Richard a few months ago:

We had the Oratorio Society auction this evening.  

Lois and I bought 3 places at a dinner for 8 people at the home of Helen and Edgar (E.L.) Doctorow.  


We were hoping you would be interested in joining us for the evening.  It is scheduled for Wednesday, 29 September 2010, time to be announced.  


Let me know if that would work for you.

Work for me? Dinner with E.L. Doctorow? I almost fell off my chair.

So of course I eagerly accepted. But I worried about the encounter. Would I babble in nervousness, as I often do? Would I embarrass myself and my dear cousin?

Last night was the dinner, and I'm happy to say it was a wonderfully charming evening. Doctorow's wife, Helen, was so gracious she put me right at ease. We talked a bit about politics, a bit about writing, and a bit about WQXR. Toward the end of the evening, Edgar Doctorow asked me if I would like to do a reading at NYU, and Helen said that I'm a lively kid. I took it as a warm compliment!

So I guess I managed to get through it without making a fool of myself, even when Edgar made a passing reference to a late friend of his who had suggested the best way to present his work on stage. The friend's name? Paul Newman.

Friday Update 9/24/10

2010-09-24T09:04:00.003-04:00

I'm in the last frantic weeks before my daughter's bat mitzvah, so this is going to be quick ...

• Early this week my editor sent along press kit copy for THE OTHER LIFE, and I was thrilled with the writing and the way they positioned the book. Those folks at Putnam do a great job!

• Also happy to announce that the gorgeous and magical cover I love has been approved. They're just making some final tweaks, so I should be able to post a picture soon.

• Went to the book launch event for Susan Henderson's UP FROM THE BLUE this week and it was terrific. Sue read the first chapter of the book and the audience was so gripped no one breathed until she finished.

• Marilyn Brant's new book, FRIDAY MORNINGS AT NINE, is coming out 10/1 and it looks like a winner. If I have time, I'll post an interview with her next week. In the meantime, please check out her website.

• Wonderful post from my pal Saralee Rosenberg on the Girlfriends Book Club blog. Check it out ... you'll thank me!

• Was really knocked off my chair Monday by a Brian Doyle poem that appeared in the New York Times Metropolitan Diary column. Click here, and scroll down to ON 155TH STREET, IN THE BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN.

More soon. Have a great weekend!

UP FROM THE BLUE By Susan Henderson

2010-09-22T17:05:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was pub date for Susan Henderson's debut novel, UP FROM THE BLUE, and I was fortunate enough to attend her launch event at Book Revue (one of my all-time favorite bookstores!). I had already read it, but just hearing the first chapter again took my breath away. Honestly, this is the best novel I've read in a long, long time and I implore you to run out and buy a copy. Here's the blurb I wrote for it:

"Brilliant! UP FROM THE BLUE felt like a gorgeous gift to my heart. Susan Henderson has a genius for exposing the exquisite flaws and beautiful frailties of her characters with such tenderness the reader can't help but be uplifted. Yes, it's that sublime. I fell in love with Tillie, I fell in love with this book. You will, too." -- Ellen Meister, author of THE OTHER LIFE and THE SMART ONE

You can buy it today at your favorite chain or independent bookstore. To purchase online, visit amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, borders.com, wordbrooklyn.com or any cyber bookseller. For more information, visit Sue's website at LitPark.com.

Friday Update 9/17/10

2010-09-17T08:37:00.005-04:00

• It's been a long haul on the book jacket for THE OTHER LIFE, and it looks like it's finally coming to an end. Last week my editor sent along a design we all loved. It's beautiful and magical and everything I could have hoped for. Alas, I can't show it to you yet as we're still waiting to hear if the sales department thinks it works. Stay tuned. I'm hoping I can post it here next week.

• Getting more and more excited about the book as pub date draws near. This week my editor sent me press release copy and it was pretty stupendous. A shout-out to the smart, talented folks at Penguin Putnam who put such great creative energy into it!

• On a personal note, things are still blazing along at breakneck speed as we hurtle toward the date of my daughter's Bat Mitzvah. I'm so busy and anxious I got myself a little sick, but am on the mend. Also, I'm trying to remind myself to enjoy this trip!

• Happy to say I've managed to stay on schedule with my writing goals. Hit page 200 on FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER this week, which is just where I wanted to be. The scene I'm finishing up is the one I consider the end of Act II. Fyi, the "acts" are invisible divisions, used only as a device to help me structure the story.

• Susan Henderson's brilliant debut novel, UP FROM THE BLUE, comes out next week, and I'll be joining her for the launch party at Book Revue in Huntington on Tuesday, September 21, at 7pm. If you're on Long Island, you shouldn't miss this! Click here for more info.

• Click to hear my 14-second homage to Dorothy Parker on virtualpoetryreading.com

Wishing my Jewish friends an easy fast ... and a great weekend to all!

Friday Update 9/9/10

2010-09-10T07:51:00.000-04:00

L'Shana Tovah! For those of you don't know, it's the Jewish New Year, and we're celebrating of arrival of 5771.

Speaking of things Jewish, I'm in the home stretch with plans for my daughter's Bat Mitzvah next month, which leaves me little time for anything else. Indeed, my To Do list is putting me in an absolute panic.

So not much time for this update or anything else. Besides, no real career news to report. Still holding steady and waiting for official word on something I'm bursting to announce. Also waiting for new cover art for THE OTHER LIFE. (By the way, the book is now listed on amazon.com with a product description.)

But ... proud to say that despite my schedule, I've been managing to hit my writing goals these past few weeks, which feels like a miracle. Of course the house is a mess, the laundry is piling up, phone calls are going unreturned, emails unanswered, and my anxiety level is not pretty.

Long, slow breaths, right?

Have a great weekend ...

T-shirts!

2010-09-07T11:15:00.000-04:00

Found a great site for ordering t-shirts and I wanted to share. I'm ordering my daughter's bat mitzvah tees from this company, and will go back if I decide to order promotional t-shirts for THE OTHER LIFE ...

ooSHIRTS.com

Friday Update 9/3/10

2010-09-03T08:47:00.002-04:00

Big news! Well, big to me. The kids went back to school this week.

Some other highlights and cool links ...

• Amidst the insanity of getting ready for school and gearing up for my daughter's impending bat mitzvah, I had to take someone to the hospital for a scheduled treatment. It was a medication drip that takes two hours to complete. The nurse came back repeatedly to check the pump and make adjustments. "You're in the home stretch now," she said at one point. "Just a little while longer." About a half hour later I noticed that the medicine bag looked full. Guess what? SHE NEVER STARTED THE DRIP. He had been receiving a slow drip of saline for all those hours and we had to start from scratch.

Can you say "incompetent"?

But as maddening as it was to waste all those precious hours, at least it wasn't dangerous. It really drove home how easy it is to be the victim of medical mistakes.

• A couple of great links for my writer friends. Here, author April Henry addresses writing for teens vs. adults, and here, agent Nathan Bransford succinctly explains "high concept."

• A very generous new writer friend, Jill Thomas, posted a rave review of THE SMART ONE this week. Thanks, Jill!

• Another big thanks to all who visited and left comments on my first Girlfriends Book Club blog entry.

• Despite my hectic schedule, I'm back on track with FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER, and made some good progress this week. I actually had a couple of storyline epiphanies and am excited to get it all written. Love being back in the writing groove!

• Speaking of FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER, a very special shout-out to my darling and brilliant friend Myfanwy Collins for reading my chapters and offering such sage editorial advice. Everyone should be lucky enough to have such a smart and wonderful friend!

• Aside to Project Runway fans ... Mondo got robbed. We all know the judges chose Michael C. for the back room drama, don't we?

That's it for now. To my fellow East Coasters ... nail your tushes to the ground and have a safe weekend! And happy Labor Day wishes to all.