Movie News!
Hey everyone!
I decided I must send out a quick newsletter because a friend told me she was hurt that I’d dropped her from my list and wondered how to get back on. That’s when you know it’s been too long since we connected.
BIG PIECE OF MOVIE NEWS!!!
An offer was made to turn Wife in the Fast Lane into a movie! Whoo Hoo, it’s true. I’m very excited about it. Now, it’s not all signed sealed and delivered yet, but it’s definitely in the works. Growing up Jewish, we were taught never to talk about good news until it’s all happened (lest you put a curse on the event), the classic example being we aren’t supposed to decorate our baby’s rooms until after the child is born. But as a student of Mama Gena’s School of Womanly Arts, I have seen firsthand how talking about your desires actually helps manifest them, so I am blabbing to you now. Anyway, I’ll keep you posted as to when you should look for your red carpet outfits, which I am sure will be in the not too distant future. Well, scratch that. Another thing I have seen firsthand is that it takes a long time for a movie to be made, but they do get made. I recently read the script for The Ivy Chronicles and I love, love, love it. You will too.
My Whirlwind Travels
Let’s see, when last we spoke, I had just turned in my new book, Holly Would Dream, after undertaking a back-breaking, research trip through Europe to be sure I’d gotten all the details right. The trip took me to Rome and then on a cruise on the Silver Whisper around the Italian Riviera. It was rough, but it had to be done. Many people think it’s easy being a writer, but the demands are endless, let me tell you.
On my return, I immediately packed for my annual trip to Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Arizona with Mom. You probably think I’m some sort of jet setter. Well, I’m not. Mom and I go every year as you might remember (I always write about it). But this year was extra special. You see, the prize for my Wife in the Fast Lane one-liner contest was a $2,000 gift certificate to Canyon Ranch. Elizabeth Blair, the winner, met me and Mom there. She brought her mother, Rita, along. We had lunch and so much fun visiting. I really wanted to show you a photo of the three of us together, which we took right before I stuck my hand into a cactus and had to be rushed to medical, but it’s not in a format that I can use to upload here so you’ll have to imagine. Beth is tall, with dark hair, stylish glasses and wide Julia Roberts smile. Her mom, Rita, is an adorable blond who just lost 65-pounds. Can you believe that? I still can’t get over such an amazing accomplishment. Anyway, they had a wonderful time together at the Ranch and I was so excited to finally meet Beth.
Me, Whining about Aging
One of the downsides of going to Canyon Ranch is that besides going to Medical to get cactus thorns pulled out of my hand, I go to Medical for blood work and other diagnostic tests. It always leaves me so Joni Mitchell blue. This year, I learned that my osteopenia had gotten worse so strength bearing exercises aren’t just recommended, they’re a must. I suppose it’s the universe’s way to get me to exercise and not just lament the fact that I have no time to do it. Sigh.
Aging has become a part time job. Can you relate to that? Seriously, I used to have one doctor in my Rolodex. Now I have eight in my Palm. There was a day when I used to laugh at Sally Field and her once a month Boniva commercial. Puh-leaze! I thought. Now that I’m taking the drug, I really do see the benefits of a once a month dose! It’s easy as 1-2-3. OMG, did I just say that? Last week I had to have a colonoscopy. Thankfully, I will spare you the details. The workouts take an hour a day, the fluffing up of the hair and skin - don’t get me started. Mark says I should let my hair go gray, but I think not. And do you know how much more effort it takes to eat right versus eating wrong? A lot!!! And choosing vitamins to take is so confusing.
Conversation with Mark last night:
Mark: Do you remember the name of city where the Ritz Carleton on the west coast of Florida is?
Me: No, I can’t remember it. But doesn’t what’s her name live near there?
Mark: Who?
Me: You know, what’s her name with the blond hair.
Mark: Oh, you mean the one who works at that law firm. What’s the name of the firm?
Me: Isn’t that the firm you used for that case?
Mark: Which case?
Me: You know, the case with the broker who, oh what did he do?
And so on. This is what aging is like, people!!! It isn’t pretty. It is time consuming. And it’s very confusing. Okay, now I’m spent. I think I’ll go drink one of my eight twelve-ounce glasses of water the doctor said I should drink.
The Hardest Part of Writing
I’m back. Now that Holly is turned in, I’m at that point in the writing process where I have to decide what my next book will be. I think that is the hardest point of all because it’s such a big decision. Whatever story you commit yourself to, you’ll be working on for the next two years (maybe more), so it has to be something you are absolutely in love with. Right now, I’m putting all my ideas on a pad and I’ll pick one to go with in the next few weeks.
The second hardest part of the writing process (to me). I tend to write my story until it’s done, not worrying about the quality of my first draft. That way, I know what the story will be, and I can then go back and really work on the characters, the descriptions, the plot points that don’t quite work, etc. This is the process that works for me. But the problem is, when I read my “shitty first draft” (that is actually a technical term writers use), I get scared that I’ll never be able to make it better. But then, of course, I make it better. Still, it’s a frightening time in the writing process. Why am I telling you this? Because, should you become a writer, or actually in any endeavor, it is good to understand where the scary points are so you can push through them and know that it will all work out despite your trepidations. Okay, life lesson over!
Books I Recommend
Finally, I have a wonderful book to recommend. One of my favorite books of all time was Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follet. It was written ages ago and if you haven’t read it, you’re in for a treat. He just wrote a sequel - World Without End. I finished it last night and loved it. But beware, you won’t be able to put either book down.
On the spiritual side, I’m reading Creating Money - Keys to Abundance, by Sanaya Roman and Duane Packer. I know that title doesn’t sound spiritual, but it is. I’m finding it very inspiring.
For those of you interested in Mama Gena’s work (I know, I talk about it a lot), check out her book Mama Gena’s School of Womanly Arts. It’s not a substitute for the course itself, but it’ll really get you thinking about how to add more pleasure in your life and how to manifest your desires using your power as a woman. If you’re a man, this is a good book to give to the woman in your life.
As for other books, I tried to read The Manny, but couldn’t get past chapter 4 so I don’t recommend this if you’re looking for some good chic lit. My friend, Tatiana (who has a wonderful book coming out end of next summer called Gilding Lily) lent me The Infidelity Pact by Carrie Karasyov, and that was really fun. I also enjoyed Getting Rid of Matthew by Jane Fallon.
Chocolate I HIGHLY Recommend
Last but not least, for your holiday gifts, check out Southnfrance.com for the BEST chocolate bon bons you can buy. These are all made by hand with the most delicious ingredients. They have wonderful flavors like chocolate chip cookie dough, peanut buttah, coconut, and more. This is a small company owned by Pascal Siegler (from France) and Charlene Dupray (from the South - hence the name). Seriously, I am a huge chocolate lover and these bon bons are TO DIE FOR!!! Plus, they’re reasonably priced, which is a bonus, because they are so good they really should cost a lot more. Check out their website. It is a lot of fun and Charlene is a wonderful blogger.
Anyway, great to catch up with you again. Enjoy the Fall,
Hugs and Feathers,
Karen
I enjoyed your blog especially the conversation with Mark. I actually heard myself laugh out loud, something I would like to do more often.I’ve been on your site for over an hour now. I bought “Wife in the Fast Lane”, read it and loved it! I have,”The Ivy Chronicles,” in my posession and am looking forward to reading it today. I’m at my daughter’s and on her computer. I was supposed to get my grandson off the bus at 12:30pm but things changed and I am now able to read all about your books and happy life. I am so excited to hear about the books being made into movies. I can hardly wait! So happy to have discovered your books but not in time for the contest. I liked what you said,”…talking about your desires helps to bring them into being. The tongue is a creative force for good or not so good. I have been learning this. I hope and I pray that it is becoming heart knowledge rather than just head knowledge. Thank you for reinforcing this thought. I needed to hear that today in just the way you said it–so simple. I know writing things down is a good thing too–” The Artist’s Way” by Julie ?.
Sincerely, Nancy
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Nancy Christine Bennett, November 29 2007