To participate, just leave a question in the comments section at the AUTHOR TALKS! site (and not here on my blog).
Here's the link: AUTHOR TALKS!
Thanks.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Ask me a question!
If you have a question about the writing or publishing process--or want to know more about me or my books--you can stop by a site called AUTHOR TALKS! Today and tomorrow I'm the featured guest and am happy to respond.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
My blog tour
Since my coast-to-coast tour of Long Island doesn't get me very far, I'm doing a big cyber tour for the THE SMART ONE. I'll continue to update this post as more appear, but here are some blogs and other sites where you can find me ...
Interviews
NEW: "The toothsome Kenny Waxman could be played by Matt Damon, Johnny Depp or the charismatic Edward Norton." Read more at Jackie Kessler.
"When you become the second billionaire through writing (after JK Rowling), what will you do with your life? Will you still write? Yes, I'll still write, but I'll be a diva! There'll be a giant star on my laptop and red carpet leading from my office to my minivan." Read more at Joanne Rendell
"As a young teenager, I loved to read and had very romantic notions about what it meant to be writer. Still, my self-image didn't leave room for me to even dream about becoming one myself." Read more at Murder by 4 (with Marta Stephens)
"When I got the idea to explore the ways in which we continue to define--and limit--ourselves by our childhood labels, I knew I had the beginnings of a novel I would want to read. And when I sat down and wrote an experimental chapter and my protagonist's voice emerged, I knew I had the beginning of a novel I wanted to write!" Read more at Maggie Marr
"I think Bev, the title character in THE SMART ONE, needs a lot of hours on an analyst’s couch. She thinks all her problems are due to her family’s unrealistic expectations. As she says on page one ... " Read more at Roberta Isleib
"I'm a morning person, and feel like I can do anything if I get a good jump on the day. So I wake up around 5 am--before the children rise--and get to work." Read more at Wendy Nelson Tokunaga
"But, I have to brag because I know Ellen from several venues. First of all we have the same agency representing our books. The Jane Rotrosen Agency. Different agents, both fabulous in their own rights, but same amazing agency. Ellen and I have e-chatted about how lucky we are to have such great agents behind us and our books." Read more at Amy Wallen
"My new novel, THE SMART ONE, is a sister story with a plot inspired by a real life crime that happened in my home town. And while I didn't intend to use the actual facts of the case in my fictional story, I wanted a good handle on what really happened, and so I telephoned the police detective who worked on the case and had an ... uh ... interesting conversation." Read more at Jess Riley
"This book has it all: great cover, faboo hook, gorgeous author (see web site link). It’s definitely on my list." Read more at Southern Comfort (Karin Gillespie)
"I became an Ellen Meister fan a couple of years ago when I first read her delightful debut novel Secret Confessions of the Applewood PTA, so it's a special treat to be part of her Girlfriends Cyber Circuit tour this week for her second novel, The Smart One." Read more at Marilyn Brant
"I know this sounds like a hedge, but I love all my characters. For me, an author's affection for his or her characters--and all their flaws--is what makes a book truly memorable. So I always aim for that." Read more at Judy Larsen
"Ellen Meister is not only one of my favorite authors, she's one of my favorite authors, and by that, I mean that she just totally rocks as a person. Sassy, fun, supportive. I love her." Read more at Allison Winn Scotch
Reviews
NEW: "On the contrary, The Smart One is a skillfully woven tale that seamlessly blends the genres of true crime, detective story and romance while exploring deeper issues such as sibling rivalry and competition amongst sisters." Read more at Dawn Allcot
NEW: "I have to confess that when I saw the bright “girly” cover and read the synopsis I thought, “oh, good, this will be a quick light read … I’ll dash off the review in no time!”. Well, The Smart One turns out to be a deeper read with real/true personalities dealing with real/true situations." Read more at SheIsTooFondofBooks
"Personally, I'd be pleased with a book like that. But Meister doesn't stop there. She gives us lucid, compellingly readable yet polished prose. She gives us beautiful symbolism and even slips in clever references to a beloved classic that she's updating. And, mostly, she doesn't give us characters so much as people. People who'll drive you nuts, and people you'll fall in love with. " Read more at Susan DiPlacido's Neon Fiction
"Ellen Meister has slipped a murder mystery into what might have been a really good book on it’s own and it packs a one two punch. What is even better is the humor. Sarcastic and witty, the interactions of the characters often had me in stitches." Read more at Chew and Digest - Book Reviews
"Here I am thinking I’m reading a light “chic lit” once again and boom it’s deeper than that. After reading the book and recalling through events, I realized that the book wasn’t REALLY about the 20 year old murder but about the sisters themselves as individuals and as a family unit and their unconditional love and support for the other." Read more at The Book Faery Reviews
"Relationships. At its core, that is what Ellen Meister’s The Smart One is about. Through non-stop action and descriptive language that not only puts you in the scenes physically, but emotionally, Meister unravels a spellbinding story with wit and panache." Read more at Musings from the Mitten
"This book was fast paced and well written. Although the characters experienced tough (and sometimes unlikely) situations and spent time talking about a wide range of feelings, there was humor, wit and an honesty about life that kept it from ever becoming morose or gloomy." Read more at Mom is Just a Nickname
"Are we destined to live out our childhood labels? In Ellen Meister’s new book, The Smart One, three sisters battle to become more than their childhood identities." Read more at Reading and Reviewing by Christine Zibas
" The Smart One, a HarpersCollins release, is a bit chick lit, a bit funny and a bit mystery -- in short it is definitely worth checking out if any of these things are your thing." Read more at Erik Smetana
"I enjoyed following the fast-paced story line, made possible by Meister’s skilled and witty writing…" Read more at Virtual Wordsmith
"First off, let me just say that there is one section of dialogue in this book that had me laughing so hard that I was almost crying. I can’t remember the last time that a book did that for me, if ever." Read more at Gather review by Cybergwen
"If you're looking for a smart summer read, pick up The Smart One by Ellen Meister. This tale of three sisters who rise about their pre-assigned family roles in a time of crisis is engaging and witty." Read more at Gather review by Laura Cushing
"The Smart One by Ellen Meister is a book about three sisters and their struggle to live together despite their very contrasting differences. It is also a book filled with suspense and humor, and I personally had to giggle out loud quite a few times while reading this entertaining novel." Read more at Gather review by Frugal Mom
"Fascinating...gripping...an impressive achievment." Read more at Gather review by April H.
"I really enjoyed reading THE SMART ONE by Ellen Meister. I was able to get into it right from the beginning. What more could you ask for Drugs, sex and rock and roll, along with murder, and sibling Rivalry even though the three sisters are all adults now. I found it a good read from beginning to end." Read more at Gather review by Trudy P.
"A delightful read, this novel is filled with twists and turns. Nothing is quite as it seems and, although I am a murder mystery writer, I did not guess who the murderer was . . . or maybe I did." Read more at Gather review by Marge H.
"Every time I tried to put the book down, I wanted to read one more chapter or page to see if my guessing was getting any closer to the author's conclusion of the story but I was always letting her lead me down another primrose path. I accept that I was "reeled in" by Ellen Meister." Read more at Gather review by Donna Hammett Tooker
"I loved it, and encourage others to read this book." Read more at Gather review by Patty Mayonaise
"I'd like to tell you my favorite part of the novel, but doing so would ruin the very reason for reading it. I found this book a good read, and a quick read, finishing it in only 2 days." Read more at Gather review by Ashley B.
"The Smart One by Ellen Meister is a book about 3 sisters and each of them have a very distinctive character and they don’t really see eye to eye on most things anymore due to some circumstances." Read more at Reviewstream by eryana09
"Funny, funny, funny!" Read more at Shelfari by BeckyL
"Like Ellen herself, this book has a lot of heart and these characters will stick with you long after you have finished reading. Like sisters to you, they are forever." Read more at Myfanwy Collins
"... the novel is fast-paced and features great dialog." Read more at LIBRARY JOURNAL
"If you're looking for a smart, humorous story about families, look no further. THE SMART ONE by Ellen Meister is a down-to-earth story that made me wish I had a sister of my own!" Read more at ROMANCE READER AT HEART
Interviews
NEW: "The toothsome Kenny Waxman could be played by Matt Damon, Johnny Depp or the charismatic Edward Norton." Read more at Jackie Kessler.
"When you become the second billionaire through writing (after JK Rowling), what will you do with your life? Will you still write? Yes, I'll still write, but I'll be a diva! There'll be a giant star on my laptop and red carpet leading from my office to my minivan." Read more at Joanne Rendell
"As a young teenager, I loved to read and had very romantic notions about what it meant to be writer. Still, my self-image didn't leave room for me to even dream about becoming one myself." Read more at Murder by 4 (with Marta Stephens)
"When I got the idea to explore the ways in which we continue to define--and limit--ourselves by our childhood labels, I knew I had the beginnings of a novel I would want to read. And when I sat down and wrote an experimental chapter and my protagonist's voice emerged, I knew I had the beginning of a novel I wanted to write!" Read more at Maggie Marr
"I think Bev, the title character in THE SMART ONE, needs a lot of hours on an analyst’s couch. She thinks all her problems are due to her family’s unrealistic expectations. As she says on page one ... " Read more at Roberta Isleib
"I'm a morning person, and feel like I can do anything if I get a good jump on the day. So I wake up around 5 am--before the children rise--and get to work." Read more at Wendy Nelson Tokunaga
"But, I have to brag because I know Ellen from several venues. First of all we have the same agency representing our books. The Jane Rotrosen Agency. Different agents, both fabulous in their own rights, but same amazing agency. Ellen and I have e-chatted about how lucky we are to have such great agents behind us and our books." Read more at Amy Wallen
"My new novel, THE SMART ONE, is a sister story with a plot inspired by a real life crime that happened in my home town. And while I didn't intend to use the actual facts of the case in my fictional story, I wanted a good handle on what really happened, and so I telephoned the police detective who worked on the case and had an ... uh ... interesting conversation." Read more at Jess Riley
"This book has it all: great cover, faboo hook, gorgeous author (see web site link). It’s definitely on my list." Read more at Southern Comfort (Karin Gillespie)
"I became an Ellen Meister fan a couple of years ago when I first read her delightful debut novel Secret Confessions of the Applewood PTA, so it's a special treat to be part of her Girlfriends Cyber Circuit tour this week for her second novel, The Smart One." Read more at Marilyn Brant
"I know this sounds like a hedge, but I love all my characters. For me, an author's affection for his or her characters--and all their flaws--is what makes a book truly memorable. So I always aim for that." Read more at Judy Larsen
"Ellen Meister is not only one of my favorite authors, she's one of my favorite authors, and by that, I mean that she just totally rocks as a person. Sassy, fun, supportive. I love her." Read more at Allison Winn Scotch
"Would you like to close with a novel you highly recommend and why? Ellen: Absolutely! One of the funniest and most poignant books to come out this summer is DEAR NEIGHBOR, DROP DEAD, by Saralee Rosenberg. I haven't yet met a single person who didn't fall in love with this book!" Read more at Kelly Para
Reviews
NEW: "On the contrary, The Smart One is a skillfully woven tale that seamlessly blends the genres of true crime, detective story and romance while exploring deeper issues such as sibling rivalry and competition amongst sisters." Read more at Dawn Allcot
NEW: "I have to confess that when I saw the bright “girly” cover and read the synopsis I thought, “oh, good, this will be a quick light read … I’ll dash off the review in no time!”. Well, The Smart One turns out to be a deeper read with real/true personalities dealing with real/true situations." Read more at SheIsTooFondofBooks
"Personally, I'd be pleased with a book like that. But Meister doesn't stop there. She gives us lucid, compellingly readable yet polished prose. She gives us beautiful symbolism and even slips in clever references to a beloved classic that she's updating. And, mostly, she doesn't give us characters so much as people. People who'll drive you nuts, and people you'll fall in love with. " Read more at Susan DiPlacido's Neon Fiction
"Ellen Meister has slipped a murder mystery into what might have been a really good book on it’s own and it packs a one two punch. What is even better is the humor. Sarcastic and witty, the interactions of the characters often had me in stitches." Read more at Chew and Digest - Book Reviews
"Here I am thinking I’m reading a light “chic lit” once again and boom it’s deeper than that. After reading the book and recalling through events, I realized that the book wasn’t REALLY about the 20 year old murder but about the sisters themselves as individuals and as a family unit and their unconditional love and support for the other." Read more at The Book Faery Reviews
"Relationships. At its core, that is what Ellen Meister’s The Smart One is about. Through non-stop action and descriptive language that not only puts you in the scenes physically, but emotionally, Meister unravels a spellbinding story with wit and panache." Read more at Musings from the Mitten
"This book was fast paced and well written. Although the characters experienced tough (and sometimes unlikely) situations and spent time talking about a wide range of feelings, there was humor, wit and an honesty about life that kept it from ever becoming morose or gloomy." Read more at Mom is Just a Nickname
"Are we destined to live out our childhood labels? In Ellen Meister’s new book, The Smart One, three sisters battle to become more than their childhood identities." Read more at Reading and Reviewing by Christine Zibas
" The Smart One, a HarpersCollins release, is a bit chick lit, a bit funny and a bit mystery -- in short it is definitely worth checking out if any of these things are your thing." Read more at Erik Smetana
"I enjoyed following the fast-paced story line, made possible by Meister’s skilled and witty writing…" Read more at Virtual Wordsmith
"First off, let me just say that there is one section of dialogue in this book that had me laughing so hard that I was almost crying. I can’t remember the last time that a book did that for me, if ever." Read more at Gather review by Cybergwen
"If you're looking for a smart summer read, pick up The Smart One by Ellen Meister. This tale of three sisters who rise about their pre-assigned family roles in a time of crisis is engaging and witty." Read more at Gather review by Laura Cushing
"The Smart One by Ellen Meister is a book about three sisters and their struggle to live together despite their very contrasting differences. It is also a book filled with suspense and humor, and I personally had to giggle out loud quite a few times while reading this entertaining novel." Read more at Gather review by Frugal Mom
"Fascinating...gripping...an impressive achievment." Read more at Gather review by April H.
"I really enjoyed reading THE SMART ONE by Ellen Meister. I was able to get into it right from the beginning. What more could you ask for Drugs, sex and rock and roll, along with murder, and sibling Rivalry even though the three sisters are all adults now. I found it a good read from beginning to end." Read more at Gather review by Trudy P.
"A delightful read, this novel is filled with twists and turns. Nothing is quite as it seems and, although I am a murder mystery writer, I did not guess who the murderer was . . . or maybe I did." Read more at Gather review by Marge H.
"Every time I tried to put the book down, I wanted to read one more chapter or page to see if my guessing was getting any closer to the author's conclusion of the story but I was always letting her lead me down another primrose path. I accept that I was "reeled in" by Ellen Meister." Read more at Gather review by Donna Hammett Tooker
"I loved it, and encourage others to read this book." Read more at Gather review by Patty Mayonaise
"I'd like to tell you my favorite part of the novel, but doing so would ruin the very reason for reading it. I found this book a good read, and a quick read, finishing it in only 2 days." Read more at Gather review by Ashley B.
"The Smart One by Ellen Meister is a book about 3 sisters and each of them have a very distinctive character and they don’t really see eye to eye on most things anymore due to some circumstances." Read more at Reviewstream by eryana09
"Funny, funny, funny!" Read more at Shelfari by BeckyL
"Like Ellen herself, this book has a lot of heart and these characters will stick with you long after you have finished reading. Like sisters to you, they are forever." Read more at Myfanwy Collins
"... the novel is fast-paced and features great dialog." Read more at LIBRARY JOURNAL
"If you're looking for a smart, humorous story about families, look no further. THE SMART ONE by Ellen Meister is a down-to-earth story that made me wish I had a sister of my own!" Read more at ROMANCE READER AT HEART
THE SMART ONE. Bev Bloomrosen, the middle of three sisters, has always been envious of her siblings. While her older sister, Clare, has gotten by on her looks and her younger sister, Joey, has everyone on edge with her wild past, everyone has always had high expectations for Bev. At 35 Bev has turned to teaching and is considering leaving New York for a job in Las Vegas. She agrees to spend the summer at her parents’ house while they frolic in Florida with their next-door neighbors and to help facilitate the sale of the neighbors’ house. Things get complicated when Kenny, the next-door neighbors’ handsome son who Bev has always carried a torch for, shows up, considering a move home. Bev is just as smitten as before, but despite the fact that Kenny seems interested, she can’t get over the fact that he slept with Joey when they were teens. Add a murder mystery to this tale of sibling rivalry for a perfect beach read.— Kristine Huntley, BOOKLIST
Friday, August 15, 2008
Book Revue: Recap and Photos
Last night was the big Book Revue event where Saralee Rosenberg and I discussed our new books, DEAR NEIGHBOR, DROP DEAD and THE SMART ONE. It did not rain during this event. It did not storm. Rather, the skies opened and all the seas of the Earth poured forth upon the North Shore of Long Island with wrath and fury. There were no drops of water, but great sheets that would make Niagara Falls blush with envy.
You might expect the event to have been a washout under these circumstances, but I'm proud to say that about sixty brave souls showed up, and for this I'm immensely grateful.
So to all the folks who came, thank you! To all those who ventured out and found the roadways too flooded to pass, or who couldn't make it past the front door, thank you, too! I know you were there in spirit.
I also want to thank Debbi Honorof for moderating, Julianne of Book Revue for putting everything together and staying so upbeat, Jen Slattery for introducing me to Saralee and for braving the storm, my husband, Mike, for helping with everything and wearing a smile throughout, Saralee's husband, Lee, for doing the same, Taryn for taking the pictures and helping to set up, Alex for helping so much and for being so gracious when I spaced out like a crack fiend with Alzheimer's.
To see a slideshow from the event, click here.
Good news for anyone who wanted to be there but couldn't: Saralee and I are doing two more Long Island events in the coming weeks. Fingers crossed for drier weather! Hope you can join us ...
- Tuesday, August 19, 7pm
Book chat by Saralee Rosenberg & Ellen Meister
Barnes & Noble - Country Glen Center
Carle Place, NY
516.741.9850 - Saturday, August 23, 2pm
Book chat by Ellen Meister & Saralee Rosenberg
Barnes & Noble - Smith Haven Mall
Lake Grove, NY
631.724.0341
Monday, August 11, 2008
HOTTER THAN HELL By Jackie Kessler
I always enjoy blogging about new releases from my Girlfriends Cyber Circuit pals, but I'm especially happy when I get to promote Jackie Kessler. She's one of the few members I've had the pleasure of meeting in person ... and she's sharp and generous and funny in such a sly way it just about knocked me off my chair. (I swear it was Jackie and not the vodka gimlet.)
So it didn't surprise me when her career took off like a rocket. This woman is immensely talented!
I'm also glad to see they gave her such a sizzling cover for her new book, HOTTER THAN HELL. Check it out:
Put that image together with the book's description and you've got a sure winner:
In HELL’S BELLES and THE ROAD TO HELL, Jackie Kessler brought readers into an unforgettable Underworld populated by alluring demons and sexy devils. Now Daunuan, the most irresistible incubus of all, is facing one Hell of a challenge...
So whose soul do you have to damn to get a promotion around here?
Daunuan was never the ambitious type. There's so much to love about his job just the way it is—mind-blowing sexual prowess, the power to seduce any human, excellent dental plan. But now Pan, the King of Lust, has offered to make Daun his right-hand incubus—a position other demons would give their left horn for. All he has to do is entice a soul destined for heaven into a damnable act of lust. Should take, oh, seven minutes, tops.
Then he meets his target, Virginia Reed. She’s cute. Funny. Smart. Unfathomably resistant to his charms. He can’t understand it. But Daun has centuries of seduction to his credit. He’s the best there is. Sooner or later he’ll transform this polar icecap of a female into a pool of molten desire, and every instinct tells him she’ll be worth the effort.
Meanwhile, he has to deal with a plague of rogue demons Hell-bent on taking him down, sent by an unknown enemy with a serious grudge. And one other problem: the dawning realization that he’s falling in love—that unholiest of four-letter words—with the woman he’s about to doom for all eternity...
HOTTER THAN HELL: Book 3 in the Hell on Earth series by Jackie Kessler (Kensington/Zebra Books, August 5, 2008)
No surprise to learn the book's getting tons of attention and praise. Here are a few samples:
"Jackie Kessler is firmly on my list of favorite authors. Hotter Than Hell is edgy and filled with hot temptation--in the form of an incubus so sexy, daring, and delicious that you'll be offering him your own soul. Fast paced and clever, Kessler's writing shines."
—
"Kessler has outdone herself by giving readers a glorious book three of her deliciously sinful series, Hell on Earth. Daunuan's sexy supernatural antics make sparks fly, and if you're not careful you'll singe your fingers as the pages speed by. It's packed with quirky characters, a spicy, fast-paced plot and witty dialogue. Be prepared for a demonic treat that's hotter than hell."
— Romantic Times, 4.5 stars (top pick for August 2008)
"Sexy and bold"
—Publishers Weekly
"Hotter Than Hell blew me away....Jackie Kessler writes the kind of stories that grab you by the throat and don't let you go until the last page is read."
— Night Owl Romance (reviewer top pick)
"Ms. Kessler really has outdone herself this time around and has given readers a real treat with a book that is not only heartfelt and engaging but one that is also a sensuous and adventurous tale. Kessler clearly is staking her claim in the urban fantasy genre as an author that is here to stay--and we're only too glad to have her."
—ParaNormalRomance (staff top pick for July 2008)
"Make sure you get your hands on this book."
— Literary Escapism
"Jackie Kessler's new book, HOTTER THAN HELL is a definite scorcher....Ms. Kessler is truly the goddess of paranormal romance and I recommend her to everyone."
— Dark Angel Reviews (recommended read)
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Book Launch Party ... the recap
Last night was the book launch party for The Smart One and it was everything I had dreamed! About 75 people came and I think my little book talk went over pretty well. My only regret is that when I introduced some of my writer friends in the audience, I neglected one of the nicest and most talented, Don Capone, and I feel terrible about that! So please everyone rush over and buy a copy of his book to make up for my mistake. You won't regret it. Into the Sunset is a wild, funny ride.
Huge thanks to everyone who came! You made it such a special night. Here are some pictures:
NEW: Click here for easy slideshow viewing.
Huge thanks to everyone who came! You made it such a special night. Here are some pictures:
NEW: Click here for easy slideshow viewing.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Syosset Borders
Hope you can join me for my big book launch party at the Syosset Borders this Friday, August 8, at 7 pm.
I went to the store last night and was thrilled to see they're all set with a great poster in the window and a display right by the front door.
I was also happy to see that my local newspaper gave the event some great front page cover. Click here to view it.
I'm doing another big Long Island event the following Thursday, August 14, at 7pm, at Book Revue in Huntington. This one is going to be a big joint party and book chat with Saralee Rosenberg.
Here's a the full list of my upcoming Long Island appearances, but please check my website for updates:
I went to the store last night and was thrilled to see they're all set with a great poster in the window and a display right by the front door.
I was also happy to see that my local newspaper gave the event some great front page cover. Click here to view it.
I'm doing another big Long Island event the following Thursday, August 14, at 7pm, at Book Revue in Huntington. This one is going to be a big joint party and book chat with Saralee Rosenberg.
Here's a the full list of my upcoming Long Island appearances, but please check my website for updates:
- Friday, August 8, 7pm
THE SMART ONE Book Launch
Borders Syosset
425 Jericho Turnpike
516.496.3934 - Sunday, August 10, 11:30am - 1:00pm
Writers on the Vine
Palmer Vineyards
Aquebogue, NY
631.722.9463 - Thursday, August 14, 7pm
Summer Suburbanistas:
Book talk by Ellen Meister & Saralee Rosenberg
Book Revue
Huntington, NY
631.271.1442 - Tuesday, August 19, 7pm
Book chat by Saralee Rosenberg & Ellen Meister
Barnes & Noble - Country Glen Center
Carle Place, NY
516.741.9850 - Saturday, August 23, 2pm
Book chat by Ellen Meister & Saralee Rosenberg
Barnes & Noble - Smith Haven Mall
Lake Grove, NY
631.724.0341 - Tuesday, September 16, 10:30am
Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library
1125 Broadway, Hewlett, NY
516.374.1967
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