Friday, February 25, 2011

Friday Update 2/25

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 nightmy 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, February 18, 2011

Friday Update 2/18/11

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!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

It's pub date and I have HUGE news!

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

Monday, February 14, 2011

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

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, February 11, 2011

Friday Update 2/11/11

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, February 04, 2011

Friday Update 2/4

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.