Big News for Dorothy Parker Fans

Next week, Penguin Classics is releasing two new especials on Dorothy Parker, and they are must reads for every Dorothy Parker fan.

THE LAST DAYS OF DOROTHY PARKER: The Extraordinary Lives of Dorothy Parker and Lillian Hellman and How Death Can Be Hell on Friendship
 Dorothy Parker biographer Marion Meade shares insight into the last days in the life of Dorothy Parker—the horrible and the hilarious—including her colorful friendship with Lillian Hellman, and the bizarre afterlife of Parker’s remains from a file cabinet on Wall Street to a small burial site by the NAACP office in Baltimore.
 Only $2.99 on Kindle, Nook, Kobo and iTunes

ALPINE GIGGLE WEEK: How Dorothy Parker Set Out to Write the Great American Novel and Ended Up in a TB Colony Atop an Alpine Peak 
A little known, rediscovered letter: an SOS from a woman trapped on a Swiss mountaintop in a TB colony with no idea how to escape—that woman being Dorothy Parker.
Only $1.99 on Kindle, Nook, Kobo and iTunes

No ereader? No problem.
You can download a free Kindle app on any device, including your computer. Click here.

MORE GREAT NEWS
I'll be moderating an online Q&A with Marion Meade on my Facebook page. It's your chance to find out everything you ever wanted to know about Dorothy Parker.
Date:  Tuesday, May 27, 8:00 pm ET
Place: facebook.com/DorothyParkerQuotes

Announcing DOROTHY PARKER DRANK HERE!

It's official. My new book--the prequel to Farewell, Dorothy Parker--will be published by Putnam on February 19! (I've been working on this a while, but it's exciting to know I'm in the queue. This is when it starts to feel real.)

I can't reveal too much about the story at this point, except to say that the ghost of Dorothy Parker is once again the main character, and that most of the action takes place at the Algonquin Hotel. Dorothy Parker Drank Here will be my fifth published novel.

If you haven't yet read Farewell, Dorothy Parker, I hope you'll want to remedy that soon. If you buy the trade paperback edition, you're guaranteed to get a signed copy, no matter where you order from. It's also available in ebook and audio versions. Here are some links:

Paperback: Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Books-A-Million • IndieBound • Walmart

Ebook: Kindle • Nook • Kobo • iTunes 

Audio: Amazon • Audible •B&N •  BAM • iTunes

Thanks!

_________________________________________
"I loved it ... Meister has caught the nuance and language of what I imagine to be the consummate Dorothy Parker."
                    —BookReporter.com 

"Delicious entertainment." 
                    —Cleveland Plain Dealer

 "In this funny yet tender homage to Dorothy Parker, [Meister] resurrects the iconic wit of the literary legend."
                    —Library Journal

"Meister skillfully translates the rapier-like wit of the Algonquin Round Table to modern-day New York ... [with] pathos, nuanced characters, plenty of rapid-fire one-liners, and a heart-rending denouement."
                    —Publishers Weekly

Does your mom like books?

"Delicious entertainment." —Cleveland Plain Dealer

In my humble opinion, autographed books make great Mother's Day gifts. And if your mom is a Dorothy Parker fan--or just likes a past-paced story with "pathos, nuanced characters, plenty of rapid-fire one-liners, and a heart-rending denouement" (Publishers Weekly)--I hope you'll consider buying her a copy of the trade paperback edition of FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER.

"A fun, spunky, tension-ridden but endearing tale ... absolutely delightful!"  —The Best Reviews

Since every printed copy of this edition has my signature, you are guaranteed to get an autographed copy, with a gold sticker on the cover, no matter where you order from. (Note that your order won't indicate that it's a signed book, but as long as you buy it in trade paperback, I promise it will arrive with my signature. Click here for deets.)

Mother's Day is just around the corner, but if you order now you'll definitely get it in time. Here are some links:

Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Books-A-Million • IndieBound • Penguin • Walmart


For more information, visit my website at ellenmeister.com. Thanks!

"Magical fun." —Booklist

“[Meister] reveals the pathos behind the pith, and she instructs readers about the enduring legacy of a writer who produced not just ‘scathing reviews, clever jokes, quotable poetry, and insightful short stories’ but also championed social causes. Classic Parker zingers sprinkled throughout the novel add sparkle.” —Washington Post

"The plot was so swift and the prose so clean and clear, I had the book done in the space of an afternoon. I'd highly recommend this novel to those who enjoy stories of the Algonquin Round Table and Dorothy Parker's legendary wit ... Solid A." —Butterfly Books 

"You don't have to know who Dorothy Parker was to truly appreciate this wonderful novel ... an enjoyable fun read with depth to the characters and a lovely portrayal of the wit of Dorothy Parker herself." —Luxury Reading

Still time to grab a signed copy of FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER

"Meister skillfully translates the rapier-like wit of the Algonquin Round Table to modern-day New York ... [with] pathos, nuanced characters, plenty of rapid-fire one-liners, and a heart-rending denouement."—Publishers Weekly

Readers of this blog know that I spent several weeks signing the entire first printing of FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER in trade paperback. My publisher tells me there are still signed books left, but supplies are getting low. So if you'd like one, please order asap.

If you order it this month, I promise that you will receive one these signed, first printing collectibles with a gold sticker. (Your online order won't indicate that it's signed, but as long as you buy it in paperback, you're good.)

Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Books-A-Million • IndieBound • Penguin 

FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER is also in stores, so you can call your local bookstore to see if they have it in stock.

And if you want to read it right away on your e-reader, you can do that, too.

Kindle • Nook • Kobo • iTunes • Sony Reader

“I don't care what is written about me so long as it isn't true.” - Dorothy Parker

“Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read.” - Groucho Marx

_______________________________________________________

 "Hooray for Ellen Meister! In a miracle of fine writing with Farewell, Dorothy Parker, a novel of infinite charm, she has brought the inimitable, witty and acerbic Dorothy Parker back to gin swilling life." —BookTrib

"Meister honors Dorothy Parker, her still-fresh political convictions, and her body of witty, insightful work in this very nice literary romp ... I loved it ... Meister has caught the nuance and language of what I imagine to be the consummate Dorothy Parker."—BookReporter.com 

 "In this funny yet tender homage to Dorothy Parker, [Meister] resurrects the iconic wit of the literary legend." —Library Journal 

“[Meister] reveals the pathos behind the pith, and she instructs readers about the enduring legacy of a writer who produced not just ‘scathing reviews, clever jokes, quotable poetry, and insightful short stories’ but also championed social causes. Classic Parker zingers sprinkled throughout the novel add sparkle.” —Washington Post 

"Meister skillfully translates the rapier-like wit of the Algonquin Round Table to modern-day New York ... [with] pathos, nuanced characters, plenty of rapid-fire one-liners, and a heart-rending denouement."—Publishers Weekly

One of the year's ten best essays!

I was very proud that the Wall Street Journal chose my Speakeasy essay about Dorothy Parker as one of the years's 10 best.

Check it out.

Something different for Valentine's Day ...

___________________________

"Park yourself in a comfy chair, suspend disbelief and get ready for some delicious entertainment delivered by Ellen Meister’s Farewell, Dorothy Parker." 
—Cleveland Plain Dealer
____________________________

If your sweetheart is a reader, I hope you'll consider buying one of these signed, collectible edition copies of Farewell, Dorothy Parker. I personally autographed every single copy of the trade paperback edition first printing. So no matter where you purchase it from--your local bookstore or online--you are guaranteed to get a signed book with a gold sticker on the cover.

Note that when you order it online there won't be any indication that it's autographed. But I promise you, from the bottom of my cramped fingers, that it is. Here are links for ordering this trade paperback online:

Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Books-A-Million • IndieBound • Penguin 

___________________________________________________
Farewell, Dorothy Parker
When it comes to movie reviews, critic Violet Epps is a powerhouse voice. But that’s only because she’s learned to channel her literary hero Dorothy Parker, the most celebrated and scathing wit of the twentieth century. If only Violet could summon that kind of strength in her personal life.

Violet visits the Algonquin Hotel in an attempt to find inspiration from the hallowed dining room, where Dorothy Parker and so many other famous writers of the 1920s traded barbs, but she gets more than she bargained for when Parker’s feisty spirit rematerializes. An irreverent ghost with problems of her own—including a refusal to cross over to the afterlife—Mrs. Parker helps Violet face her fears, becoming in turn mentor and tormentor…and ultimately, friend.

Snow day surprise

Paperback reprints of hardcover books don't often get newspaper reviews, so I was delighted to get a Google alert about this piece in the Cleveland Plain Dealer ...

You can read the rest here.

Note that signed paperbacks are still available:
Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Books-A-Million • IndieBound • Penguin 

You can also read it right away on any ereader:
Kindle • Nook • Kobo • iTunes • Sony Reader

Signed copies of Farewell, Dorothy Parker are still available!

___________________________

"Meister skillfully translates the rapier-like wit of the Algonquin Round Table to modern-day New York ... [with] pathos, nuanced characters, plenty of rapid-fire one-liners, and a heart-rending denouement." —Publishers Weekly
____________________________

Good news for anyone who wants a signed copy of Farewell, Dorothy Parker. I personally autographed every single copy of the trade paperback edition first printing. So no matter where you purchase it from--your local bookstore or online--you are guaranteed to get a signed book with a gold sticker on the cover.

Note that when you order it online there won't be any indication that it's autographed. But I promise you, from the bottom of my cramped fingers, that it is. Here are links for ordering this first edition trade paperback online:

Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Books-A-Million • IndieBound • Penguin 

Also note that you can start reading it right away on any ereader, though I haven't quite figured out how to sign those. Still, here are links for downloading: Kindle • Nook • Kobo • iTunes • Sony Reader

 "Meister honors Dorothy Parker, her still-fresh political convictions, and her body of witty, insightful work in this very nice literary romp ... I loved it ... Meister has caught the nuance and language of what I imagine to be the consummate Dorothy Parker." —BookReporter.com 

 "In this funny yet tender homage to Dorothy Parker, [Meister] resurrects the iconic wit of the literary legend." —Library Journal 

"Magical fun." —Booklist 

 "The plot is tightly constructed and just when we are settling in for a predictable turn, it weaves left or right, giving the story yet one more twist .... The result is a charming book, especially for lovers of Ms. Parker, who get to spend some quality time with her." —Neworld Review 

 "Meister captured Parker’s sarcasm, wit, and self deprecating voice extremely well. The book is well-written ... a fast-moving story." —Westchester Guardian 

"A fun, spunky, tension-ridden but endearing tale ... absolutely delightful!" —The Best Reviews

“[Meister] reveals the pathos behind the pith, and she instructs readers about the enduring legacy of a writer who produced not just ‘scathing reviews, clever jokes, quotable poetry, and insightful short stories’ but also championed social causes. Classic Parker zingers sprinkled throughout the novel add sparkle.” —Washington Post

 "Hooray for Ellen Meister! In a miracle of fine writing with Farewell, Dorothy Parker, a novel of infinite charm, she has brought the inimitable, witty and acerbic Dorothy Parker back to gin swilling life." —BookTrib

Long Island Writers: Let's Work Together!

I'm excited to tell you about two creative writing classes I'm teaching at Hofstra Continuing Ed in the coming semester. 

Writing Aloud is a brand new course, and I think it's going to be a lot of fun for anyone who wants the experience of reading their work to a live audience.

Description:The spoken story is as old as the campfire, but how many writers actually get to perform their written pieces before an audience? In this class, you'll learn to hone a short piece to work as a lively, gripping and entertaining 3-minute story for a live audience. You will workshop your stories in a supportive classroom setting, and after the final session you'll have the opportunity to take the microphone at GATHER ROUND, a Hofstra live performance attended by your peers. 

Sundays, 3/16 - 5/4, 10 am - noon Click to register 

(GATHER ROUND is on Friday, May 9, at 7 pm. Admission is free, and you can invite family and friends. Only writers who are enrolled in the class may read at the event.)

  

I'll also be teaching my Fiction Writers Workshop again. This is an intensive class for intermediate and advanced writers who want to make progress on a novel or short stories.
Description: Whether you're writing short stories for submission or working on that novel you've always wanted to finish, this hands-on workshop gives you the opportunity to get invaluable input. This confidence-building class offers solid advice on how to improve your structure, characterization, pacing, grammar, dramatic tension and voice. You'll get the chance to read your pages aloud and exchange gentle critiques with fellow writers.  

Sundays, 1/26 - 3/9, 10 am - noon Click here to register

Enrollment is limited for both classes, so if you're interested, please be sure to sign up as soon as possible.

On Fine Blogs Everywhere

Hey, friends. In honor of the newly released paperback edition of Farewell, Dorothy Parker, I'm at fine blogs everywhere. Today you can find me over at the Huffington Post and the GBC blog ...

Signed copies of FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER are now in bookstores!

The trade paperback edition of FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER is officially out in the world.Since I signed every copy of the first printing, you should be able to find one in a bookstore near you.

Here it is on the New Arrivals table at my local Barnes & Noble:

If you see or buy a signed copy, I'd love to hear from you! Thanks.

Signing!

Big thanks to my wonderkid for taking these pics and creating a gif!

In case you're wondering that I'm doing in with all those markers and papers, I'll explain ...

You probably already know that Farewell, Dorothy Parker came out in hardcover a few months ago. But it's also coming out in trade paperback (with a brand new beautiful cover!) on December 3. I asked my publisher if there was any way I could sign every copy of the first printing, and the next thing I knew they shipped me cartons and cartons of unbound pages. (That stack you see represents only a small fraction of the pages I signed.)

I went through several dozen Sharpies, but I'm all done, and the books are currently being bound.

Note that EVERY COPY OF THE FIRST PRINTING IS A SIGNED BOOK. You can reserve one right now by ordering from any bookseller, including:

Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Books-A-Million • IndieBound • Walmart

The publication date is December 3, which means you'll have it in time for the holidays. Also note that it's not a mass market paperback, but a collectible trade paperback edition.

Thanks! I hope you love it.

__________________________________________________

"Hooray for Ellen Meister! In a miracle of fine writing with Farewell, Dorothy Parker, a novel of infinite charm, she has brought the inimitable, witty and acerbic Dorothy Parker back to gin swilling life." —BookTrib            

Several dozen Sharpies later ...

It was one of those Be Careful What You Wish For moments.

When my publisher told me that FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER would be published in paperback in early December, I asked if there was any way I could sign each copy of the first printing, so that everyone who pre-ordered would be guaranteed to get an autographed book.

A few weeks later, the cartons started showing up at my door, and each one contained thousands and thousands of blank pages. My job was to sign every last one, then ship them back to the printer to be bound into the book.

Can you say writer's cramp?

But it's okay, because I'm all done, and the feeling is starting to return to my fingertips.

If you haven't yet read FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER, I hope you're eager to see what all the fuss is about. This book was a true labor of love—almost a lifetime in the making—and I'm excited to share it with you. I also hope you'll want to own an autographed copy. And if you're interested in giving it as a gift, rest assured it will arrive in time for the holidays.

To lock-in your autographed copy, please pre-order today. You are guaranteed to get a signed copy no matter where you order from, but please don't delay. Here are some links:

Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Books-A-Million • IndieBound • Walmart


New cover!

The paperback edition has a brand new beautiful cover and includes a readers' guide for book clubs!

Plus, this is not an ordinary mass market paperback, but a collectible trade paperback edition, beautifully printed. I hope you'll order yours today and ensure that you get a signed copy.

Thank you from the bottom of my blistered fingers!
Ellen

Farewell, Dorothy Parker coming soon in paperback!

Big news on the horizon for the trade paperback edition of FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER, which hits stores on December 3. It's available for pre-order right now from your favorite booksellers, including:
Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Books-A-Million • IndieBound • Walmart

Happy Birthday, Dorothy Parker!

America's most audacious wit would have been 120 years old today.

If you're not already a follower of the Dorothy Parker page on Facebook, please pop over and help celebrate the birthday of this literary treasure!

https://www.facebook.com/DorothyParkerQuotes

Would you like a free, personalized bookplate?

A lot of folks who couldn't get to one of my book tour events for FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER have asked how they can get a signed, personalized copy of the book. So I'm now offering free signed bookplates to anyone in the U.S. who has purchased the book.


These are self-adhesive stickers than can go right into the front of your book. You can also use them if you're planning to give the book to someone as a gift.

To request your bookplate, just fill out this form and if you have a U.S. address, I'll pay the postage. Please note that I hope to be able to accommodate everyone, but I have a limited supply and requests will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Thank you so much for buying FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER. This book was a labor of love and I'm so excited to share it with you. I hope you enjoy it!

 CLICK HERE TO REQUEST YOUR BOOKPLATE

Farewell, Dorothy Parker can be purchased at your local bookstore or from any online bookseller, including:

Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Books-A-Million • IndieBound • Penguin 

Live Video Book Chat!

When: THURSDAY, MAY 9, 5:30 PM ET / 2:30 PM PT

Where: YOUR HOUSE (or office or wherever you connect online)

Exciting news! I'm partnering with Booktalk Nation and Shindig for a live video chat to discuss Farewell, Dorothy Parker. To attend, all you need is an Internet connection.

My interviewer is historian/author Kevin Fitzpatrick, who founded the Dorothy Parker Society. You're free to sit and watch anonymously just like any online show ... or, you can join via Skype and ask your own live questions. 

To sign up for this event, click here. You'll receive an e-mail with the URL. It's all surprisingly easy. 

The event also offers you the chance to purchase a copy of Farewell, Dorothy Parker personally inscribed to you (or to a gift recipient). You can place an order for yours here. The Dolphin Bookshop will ship the book directly to your door.

I look forward to seeing you! 

FREE EVENT. RESERVE YOUR SPACE TODAY!

Dorothy Parker: The Antidote to Political Correctness

Very proud that the Wall Street Journal is running my essay today. I hope you'll  check it out.

The Antidote to Political Correctness: Commentary

Free Bookplates for Mother's Day!

If you are giving or receiving FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER as a Mother's Day gift, I'd be delighted to personalize your book with a free bookplate.*

Just purchase FDP at your local bookstore or from any online bookseller, such as Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Books-A-Million • IndieBound. Then send me an email at ellen (at) ellenmeister (dot) com. Please be sure to include:

1. The name of the person receiving the book.

2. The address I should send the bookplate to. (One small favor--please type the address exactly as it should appear on the envelope, including line breaks. I'm doing this independent of my publisher, and there's no staff here but little old me, copying and pasting.)

FYI, bookplates are self-adhesive stickers that go right into the front of the book.

FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER has been a true labor of love--almost a lifetime in the making--and if your mother likes a witty, poignant and engaging read, I think this will be a great gift for her. Visit ellenmeister.com for more information.

Talking about FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER on NPR:
* U.S. addresses only.

Announcement!

I'm thrilled to announce that my publisher has asked me to resurrect Dorothy Parker again for a brand new novel! I can't give away too much, but it will be a contemporary story that takes place at the Algonquin Hotel. Here's the announcement as it appeared in Publishers Marketplace:

I loved the challenge of capturing the voice and the spirit of America's most audacious wit in FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER, and I'm thrilled that I have the opportunity to do it again ... a dream come true times two!