Category: weekend

Lady Gaga & Greyson Chance

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What’s everyone up to this weekend? Anyone getting in the Christmas spirit or totally over it? I walked down an avenue block last night after picking up food and so many gorgeous lights and displays were up. I’m like a little kid–they make me SO happy. I live in a very diverse neighborhood and it’s interesting to see how each culture decorates for Christmas. There was a Puerto Rican parade today that went down my street, though, I don’t think it had anything to do with Xmas. 😉

I’m totally bumming around this weekend. Recovering from post-finishing a book hangover. Next book–COMEBACK–isn’t due until March, so I’ve got some time to chill. I intended to start working on a project today, but chose to read (Ruthless–Pretty Little Liars #10), Teen Vogue, Glamour and some other fun mags lying around.

(CHECK those shoes! I’d *never* be able to stand in them!)

Did anyone catch yesterday’s Ellen? Lady Gaga and Greyson Chance we on. First, I adore Greyson! Kate and I saw him the very first time he appeared on Ellen singing “Paparazzi.” She discovered him singing that on YouTube, brought him on, signed him to her record label and well, you probably know more than I do about him now. 😉 He’s such a cutie!

It came full circle for him because he got to meet the artist whose song he played that got HIM a record deal. 🙂

I loved Lady G’s “Marry the Night” performance. She also had some of the best one liners I’ve heard from her. I’ve always been insanely inspired by her work ethic. The song, too, is about making the choice to commit to your work or give up. She’s barely a year older than me and the girl works hard. She said, “People ask me when I’m gonna take a vacation. I’m like, ‘I didn’t get into signing to sit under a palm tree.'” That’s kind of how I feel about writing. I’m “married” to my work because I love it so much. I’m happy to work long hours (except when my wrist or arm hurt! Bleh!) and I want to put everything I have into what I’m doing. That’s for you guys–the readers–Team Canterwood.  

Here’s her performance if you want to watch. 🙂 Fill me in on what you’re all up to this weekend!

xoxo

"Love Is Never Ugly. . ." Beastly by Alex Film to film

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Beastly is out today! Anyone else dying to see it? I read Alex Flinn’s novel when it came out and loved the book. Kate looooves the trailer, but she hasn’t read the book yet. It’ll be interesting to see it with two POV’s–one who has read the book and one who hasn’t.

Anyone read it?

Anyone not read it and going to see the film?

The reviews, um, aren’t great. On Yahoo, the 7 critic reviews are a solid D+. The Boston Globe said, “Twilight knockoff is just way off: Beastly a fantasy that fizzles out.” Another review, from ReelViews, said the film would have been better suited for ABC Family or The Disney Channel. Is that a knock against two channels with some killer shows? Hello, Pretty Little Liars!

There are several other critics that say things along the same lines. But I’m not one to really pay attention to critic reviews. I mean, when Britney Spears’ Crossroads came out in 2002 (don’t throw rotten tomatoes at me! :)), I thought it was The. Best. Movie. Ever. I watched it a zillion times on DVD. I was fifteen, but still. Owning it–I loved that movie. And I’d watch it again. La, la, la . . .

(Sorry for the weird French version!)

I like critic’s reviews, don’t get me wrong, and they serve a purpose. But I highly value reader/viewer reviews even more. If you love a book or movie and a critic hates it, who cares? The main thing is that YOU enjoyed it.

I hope it’s the same case with me and Beastly. The book was unforgettable and I’m ignoring the reviews and am excited to see it. I’ll try not to compare it to the book–I know how those things work and how changes need to be made. But it’ll also make for interesting conversation about the changes that came about from the novel to the big screen with people who have and haven’t read the novel.

So, I said Yahoo had rounded up the critic’s reviews that gave the movie a D+. Well, the reviews from viewers are a B+. One of my fave review titles from a viewer is “Candy for the eyes, chocolate for the heart.” Um, sounds good to me! I’m hoping I’ll walk out saying, “Candy for the eyes, sparkles for everyone!” 🙂

I’m curious to see High School Music-er Vanessa Hudgens out of that role (I haven’t see her in anything else though I know she’s been in a couple of films) and I have not seen Alex Pettyfer before. Kate and I want to see I Am Number Four, though.

It’s especially interesting for us as writers because I Am Number Four is the first film to come from James Frey’s controversial packager, Full Fathom Five. If you’re a writer, or an aspiring one, and you haven’t read the linked article, “James Frey’s Fiction Factory”, by Suzanne Mozes, I highly suggest you do. I’m getting off track from Beastly, BUT the article about Full Fathom Five is a must read for any writer. This particular article came out last November and there are several new ones since. It serves as a warning, especially to new writers, about this company and if you see a poster, flyer, etc., at your college or university (there are some floating around NYC campuses, apparently), definitely approach the company about work for hire writing at your own risk.

BACK to the blog topic! (Geeze–ramble much?!) Today’s a big day for Alex, so go congratulate her! If you see Beastly or have read the book, come back and chat about it. I’d love to hear your take. I’ll be on the computer a lot this weekend and I’ll be checking comments and responding as I’m able.

TGIF, everyone!

xo

Weekend work

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Got some work to do today. The upcoming week is going to be *busy!* I’ve got a sekrit phone call tomorrow, a book club/dinner on Tuesday and a bunch of work in between.

Most important, I’m gearing up for my B&N signing next Wednesday. There will be TWO huge surprises that night! Two very, very big and veeeerry secret surprises that you must be there for. Eeeek! 🙂 🙂

Happy Sunday!

Happy Saturday!

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Happy weekend, Team Canterwood!

So sorry the blog has been quiet! My BFF has been in the hospital and feeling pretty awful, so it has been girl-time. We’ve been watching THE RICHES (adult content, please note), LAGUNA BEACH, GLEE, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, THE HILLS and a bunch of other fun stuff on DVD.

I just sorted through 600+ emails from you all and THANK YOU. I will respond as I’m able to and please know I read and appreciate every email. I love hearing from you! 🙂

The winner of the giveaway from Amanda Marrone is JOANNAH. I emailed you, girl, so look for that. 🙂

Off to work for a while. Hope you guys have a wonderful weekend!

xoxo

Saturday randomness

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So glad it’s finally Saturday!

Thanks so much to everyone who ReTweeted about Operation Teen Book Drop and participated. I left 10 signed copies of Canterwood books around my neighborhood with supercute Aladdin postcards inside. It would be sooo cool if someone reading my blog was someone who found a copy! 🙂

My to-do list was waaay out of control and I’m tackling it bit by bit today. I’ve got a ton of writing to do and my apartment is kind of (read: REALLY) a disaster. Plus, Fresh Direct is coming today which means I’ll have part of my usual order–3 cases (24 cans each!) of Diet Coke. Y-U-M. Plus, I got a 12 pack of Diet Coke with lime. Felt like mixing it up a bit.

I’ve got a full week left at home before heading to Oklahoma with Kate for a conference the week after. Soo. . . that means I need to do laundry next week. Or tomorrow. Yeah, ASAP. 🙂

Also, waiting on something superfun in the mail. I saw these shirts at Target online and got Kate to agree to wear the Team Jacob shirt when we go see ECLIPSE. There will be photographic proof of us in our shirts. I heart them!


So, I’m going to try opening the comments again with the rule that there CANNOT be any HOME SWEET DRAMA spoilers or I’ll have to delete your comment. Tell me what you’re doing this weekend! 🙂

weekend wrapup

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Where did the weekend go, seriously? *scratches head*

Mine was busy with fun things, a little bit of work and hanging with BFF while we went to Macy’s and got our nails done. It was kind of an we’re (including R)-all-waiting-for-Monday couple of days. R was actually the one who convinced me to replace my ridic sneakers. So, Kate and I went to Macy’s and petted shoes we couldn’t afford if we combined our bank accounts. But we did find some killer heels and sneakers for K and two preeettty pairs of walking/exercising shoes for me. Kate and I decided we’re going to start walking around our park soon (under the strict ruling that I’m somehow supposed to protect her from ALL nature.) and I sooo needed shoes. Pink and gray and pink and white Pumas. I heart them!

We hopped the train back home and later got our nails done. Now, this is soo picture worthy. I got mine done in honor of ALICE IN WONDERLAND in a shade called “Mad as a Hatter” by OPI.

Yes, it is an explosion of sparkles. Love. Love.

Must start writing now though I’m super distracted, so “working” might mean cleaning or mindless organizing. Or rewriting my to-do list for this INSANE month. But it’s insane in a good way because it’s something I’m really excited about–going to Florida (hello, 75 degrees!!) and presenting at a conference. Plus, BFF’s coming and we’re going to have fun. 🙂

Happy Monday!

Rival Revenge out in the wild :)

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It’s soo cool that some of you have already found copies of RIVAL REVENGE. Yaay! I need to get to my local B&N and check to see if it’s there. Maybe I could sneak a vlog from inside the store…or end up getting thrown out. LOL. I could try.

Next week, I’ll put up a post for you guys to chat about RR if you want.

I’m working all weekend on CITY SECRETS, so happy weekend, girlies! 🙂

And the title for book 9 is…

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I didn’t even know that the 9th Canterwood book was up on Amazon (no cover yet), but a supercool reader just sent me an e-mail saying it was there and she was excited. So, the ninth book is called CITY SECRETS and it comes out on July 10, 2010. Yay!

Also, the blog template is the process of getting a makeover. I love it!

Happy weekend!