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Behind the Book Reading from Violet by Design
Thursday, June 12, 7-9 PM
KGB Bar
85 West 4th Street
NYC
In honor of Violet by Design's release week, I'm going to be giving away these fine titles -- one each day -- as prizes for commenters who do as I ask. What will I ask of you? I'm not sure yet. But whatever it is will be so worth it! I mean, look at these gems!*
Get psyched!
*Just so you guys know, I only ever give away books on my blog that I've read and liked. I would never want to give you a dud!
Author Stephanie Kuehnert tagged me earlier this week, and also suggested that responding to the tag might be a way to share more about myself on this blog. I've ignored tags in the past (Sorry! I'm an introvert at heart!) but I decided Ms. Kuehnert has a point. So here we go.
Here are the rules:
1/ you link back to the person who tagged you.
Done!
2/ post these rules on your blog.
So far so good.
3/ share six unimportant things about yourself.
1. The book pictured? First one I remember "reading." I also used to call it my diary when I was three, and I'd scribble in it nightly. And by scribble, I mean make a mess with a pencil.
2. I don't love talking animals the way other people seem to. What was up with all the animal Superbowl commercials? I think it's freaky. But I do admit that this site is pretty adorable, in a weird way.
3. I desperately wanted to be in a high school musical. We had these grand productions at Chapel Hill High School, and my friend Kara frequently got a starring role (Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, Chava in Fiddler on the Roof, Minnie Faye in Hello Dolly!) Kara was a machine! I never even made the chorus. Sigh. But I'm still friends with Kara, and I forgive her for hogging the spotlight. Kidding, Kara! Years later, I can finally admit that the drama teacher was right: I can't sing, and I can't dance.
4. I really love to eat mac-n-cheese with Spam. It is de-licious. Judge if you must.
5. I was born in London because my dad was stationed there as a Captain in the Navy, so I have dual citizenship. That makes me a great catch, because if you marry me, the European Union is your oyster!
6. The first time I joined on of those BMG music services, I was about 13 years old. My friend Ruthie and I went through the catalog together and picked out our orders. I remember that mine included: Bob Dylan's Greatest Hits, Jesus Jones's Doubt, Natalie Cole's Unforgettable... With Love and Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation. So I've always been eclectic, and sort of cool, but really not.
4/ tag six random people at the end of your entry.
Miss Couturable (who can do this for the Sunday Six perhaps?)
Kwana (although she can totally ignore me, since she tagged me once and I didn't play!)
5/ let the tagged people know by leaving a comment on their blogs.
Okay.
I would also love to hear a few random things about anyone who wants to share. Now that I've revealed my musical-related angst and my affinity for questionable dinners, it's time to tell me some secrets, too! You may do so in the comments below. Thank you.
Thanks for all the fantastic links you guys posted as entries for last week's contest! I got to read an amazing essay about Kurt Cobain by author Stephanie Kuehnert, got to salivate over LA sandwich shops and a Chicago bakery, and got to watch hilarious videos on youtube, among many other online experiences thanks to you guys!
And the randomly chosen winner of a signed copy of Violet by Design (out next week!) is... Deirdre! Email me your address, D.
This week, you're playing for an autographed copy of the above-shown The Girl I Wanted to Be by the lovely and super-smart Sarah Grace McCandless. It's the story of 14-year-old Presley Moran, who has always looked up to her vivacious and charming Aunt Betsi, until the summer she discovers a few family secrets, and the girl she wanted to be slowly falls from her pedestal. It's funny and poignant, insightful and moving. And now you know why I'm not a book reviewer (I'm so bad at this!) but trust me: You'll like this one.
The Girl I Wanted to Be made me think about the girl crushes I've had, both celebrity and real-life. Two latest examples are Rihanna (I want her ever-changing haircuts... more on that in a future blog post) and, someone I met recently, the Lancome VP of Public Relations, Kerry Diamond, who is really nice and totally exudes chic-ness, and who once wrote a book with legendary makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin.
So there you have it. And my question to you is: Who is your girl crush? Celebrity, real life, historical figure--I want to hear! Comment below or on myspace, and you'll be entered to win SG's fabulous book!
Happy Wednesday.
Oh, PS-Next week, in honor of release week (did I mention Violet by Design comes out March 4th? Oh, I did. Sorry.), I'll be giving away a book EVERY DAY. That's five books total I'm giving away, if you're the counting sort. I'll announce the schedule on Friday so you can see what you stand to win. I love contests, can you tell?
First, I want to thank you guys so much for taking the time to weigh in here and on myspace with your thoughts on my blog -- I really appreciate all the insight! I definitely want to put a little more about me into my posts. Honestly, most of the reason I didn't is because I was thinking, Who would possibly care about the details of my life?, so thanks for letting me know that you do! It's not really "me" to talk about a ton of personal stuff, so it'll just be a balance of what feels right and interesting. I also think my love for brevity and visuals might come from the magazine work I do, where everything has to be way boiled down and pithy, with visuals. Phew! Great talk.
Anyway, I wanted to share this ellegirl.com interview I did with model Selena Breed, who was with me at the Violet by Design and Lancome party (she's one of their spokesmodels, and that's us on the left). She is truly fun, cool, smart and a total inspiration for girls interested in the modeling world -- she's all about being grounded and self-confident before you put yourself in front of all the people in Fashion who will judge you on your looks. (And her first job was as the poster girl for one of those school-picture companies -- how cute!)
I wanted to be a model when I was about 10. I even made my mom take me to an agency, where they told me I had "good cheekbones." I held onto that compliment for years (okay, I obviously still treasure it), even though the meeting went nowhere. My modeling bug faded around age 12 anyway, but I think all girls get bit by it at some point, right? Anyone else?
There'll be a couple more installments of Selena interviews soon, but this is the first. Let me know what you think here or on ellegirl.com.
PS-You can also sign up to read excerpts from Violet by Design on your phone with ELLEgirl mobile. Cool!
First, I just really have to say that Keri Russell had my favorite look last night at the Oscars. This photo doesn't really do it justice--the color and fabric looked more vivid on TV. And no, the dripping-with-sparkle necklace didn't hurt, but I really do love the simplicity of her Nina Ricci gown. Pretty! So who do you think had the best red carpet style?
Glamour girls aside, I have a few questions for anyone who reads my blog. One reader, we'll call her "M," actually wrote a paper for English class about this blog! Yay! So flattering. She was mostly positive, but she did bring up some interesting, possibly negative points, and gave me permission to quote her on one:
M wrote: "Her audience is not feeling as connected to Melissa as some of the other author blogs. Other authors discuss their lives."
My question: Do you guys really want to hear more about my life? M is right--I don't write much about the day to day, but mainly that's because I'm not sure you'd care about the chronicles of heating up a Weight Watchers meal for lunch and then working on a story for Glamour before watching a little Oprah. So tell me: Would you like to know more? Do you think I'm an impersonal blogger? Do your favorite bloggers really let you into their lives?
Let me know--I'm truly curious. I really do adore it when you guys post comments (the current contest to show links has been so much fun--I love all the things you've sent that I never would have seen otherwise!).
And thanks to M for making me really think about what I'm blogging!
I love my block in the snow!
And playing Rock Band on a Saturday with friends is pretty much heaven.
What else are weekends for?
I am heartened by this news. I can't be without Tammy Taylor and Tim Riggins, so cross your fingers. And that tagline? Best Ever.
How cool is this countdown graphic that The Book Muncher made for me? I love it! Thank you, Book Muncher!
This week's contest will be to win an early copy of Violet by Design (release date is... well, look left! Soon!). This sequel follows Violet around the world as she walks international runways and struggles with body insecurity and ever-confusing first love. So to win the book, you must either sign up for my newsletter (purple box at left, if you're not the commenting type), or respond to this question:
Show me something online that you've enjoyed in the last week or so! Could be a blog post that interested you, a youtube video that made you laugh, a dress you just had to have on bluefly.com... What was it?
For me, today, it was this article from New York magazine about French Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld, The Anti-Anna, who never wears jeans (though she notes that they suit her), who says that "all the girl who work at French Vogue are very skinny and beautiful" and who isn't afraid to make a transvestite her cover model. Love her or not, you can't tell me she bores you!
So what fascinated you online this week? (I want to peek!)
Good luck!
PS-Oh! Forgot to give it up for the winner of last week's contest. First of all, I loved all your swoon-worthy mentions just in time for V-Day last week! Thank you! 45 entered, and the winner is: Mitzy! Email me your address, Mitzy! There's a review copy of Not Anything by Carmen Rodrigues ready to go out to you!
I'm blogging over at Teen Fiction Cafe today, so come visit. Here's a hint about what we're discussing.
Leave me a comment over there, and tune in tomorrow to find out who won last week's Win-It Wednesday contest (You can still enter today to win Not Anything if you like!).
Some residents of The Plaza Hotel in Manhattan are saying it's a bit lonely there. One couple even watches the crowds at the Apple store below for entertainment. Poor things. Note to anyone who lives there and needs company: I am a witty cocktail party conversationalist and a gracious overnight guest. Promise.
(I've always wanted to be Eloise.)
Last weekend, I went skiing in Colorado for the first time--it was amazing how wide the trails were, how warm the sun felt as it glinted and sparkled on the powdery snow. It made me think of a book I was close to finishing, Undercover by Beth Kephart. It's a lovely, poetic novel about Elisa, an unlikely Cyrano who pens love notes for the boys in her grade to give to other girls. Undercover reads like a lyrical dream, each chapter leading you more deeply into Elisa's world of yellow flag leaves and moons as big as orchestras. It's a gorgeous book about human and mother nature both.
And Beth's blog, which I've mentioned before, reads like poetry every day. (Plus, she finds the coolest photos to go with her prose!)
Happy Friday, everyone.
I have to say that I'm sad that the Polaroid is disappearing. The fashion industry uses these instant cameras for pretty much everything, and there's just something about the sound of a Polaroid, the shape of that photo border, the moody colors in the pictures... sigh. I have a camera, so I'm buying up stores of film and will treasure each shot!
Also, I'll miss Isaac designing for Target. I have a "garden dress" he did two years ago that I still get compliments on. As far as I'm concerned, he's the king of the simple summer party dress -- and since they cost so little you don't even mind picnicking in them and risking grass stains. Farewell, Isaac! I'm sad to see you move on, but I do understand that when Tim Gunn and Liz Claiborne call, you must answer.
Anything you guys are nostalgic for these days?
The winners of the three gift bags from the Lancome party are... The Bionic Woman, Sammi and britx333x! Email me those addresses, ladies. Congratulations!
This week, I'm excited to be offering up a galley of Not Anything by Carmen Rodrigues. It just came out last week, and I got to read an early copy (that's what a galley is--it doesn't have the real cover, but the inside is all there). It's a lovely, lovely debut novel. Here's my official word on it: "Any girl who's ever fumbled her way through changing friendships, first love and real loss will find a friend in Susie Shannon." So if you want to win this book, just sign up for the newsletter (in the purple box at left) or comment below and tell me what book, movie or song simply makes you swoon.
For me, it was always the scene in Pretty in Pink when Blane walks up to Andie at the prom, kisses her cheek, and says, "I love you... always." OMD's "If You Leave" is playing in the background, and my knees just go weak! Happy Birthday to Molly Ringwald soon, btw. Can you believe this girl about to turn 40?
This one's for you, Mol.
Last Fashion Week post, I promise. Can you tell that I don't get out much? Usually, I sit in an overstuffed pink chair in my yoga pants, typing away... but when I do step out, I like to dwell on it for days. Especially because I got to wear this accessory of accessories:
Whee! And okay, my photos kinda suck so I'm just gonna post my favorite one big: The cutest quartet of models outside the backstage entry. Look at those lips! I may have to adopt that bright pop of color like the MJ models and my friend Jolene rock. I wonder if I can pull it off.
Now, I'll attempt a patchwork of the rest of the photos I took. I was experimenting with "night" photos and zooming. Obviously, photography is not my thing, but you can click on each if you want to see any in its larger form. Shots to look for include: MJ and Fergie chatting it up--yes!, too-cool boy models, my gorgeous designer friend Laura (who was in 7th grade home ec with me but has obviously way surpassed my stitching skills), and the interesting way models remember how their outfits are styled--by hanging posterboard!
So what do you guys think? (You can see the full collection shot by real photographers here). Lots of black with shocks of color, big backpacks, glorious bows, plaids and houndstooth and ponytails with headbands (I still love that look).
Don't forget to enter to win the Violet/Lancome gift bag. I'll post next week with the winner!
Yay! Finally a couple of photos from the lovely Lancome and Violet By Design events this weekend. (Tomorrow: Marc by Marc photos--promise.)
There's me with Lancome spokesmodel Selena Breed (who's not only stunning, but also really funny and smart and into mini-cupcake icing) and celebrity makeup artist Daniel Martin (a genius who spent five minutes on my face and made me look very glam but very me at the same time--hard to do!). Then there's me with Whitney from America's Next Top Model--how cool is it that she showed up?
The crowd was so much fun--everyone got their makeup done and I got lots of book signing requests! These are official Penguin photos, but I'll post some fun friend photos soon in a fun montage (I'm not the best at patchworking photos together on the blog, but I'm learning!).
Now, check out the gift bag swag (I snagged this shot from Miss Whoever-You-Are--thanks!)
I scored three extra gift bags just for you blog readers, and I'll be giving them away in the next week! They each include the February issue of Vogue, a copy of Violet on the Runway and Lancome Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover (which I've been using, and loving, since Saturday--it doesn't hurt your eyes, which is key).
To enter, sign up for my newsletter in the purple box at left (it's for book news, really, so it'll just be a few notes a year). Or, If you've already signed up for the newsletter, you can just leave me a comment about anything that comes to mind--that counts too! Sign up or comment by next Wednesday, when I'll pick three winners who'll get gift bags. Sound fair?
PS-There's also a current contest for any bloggers who are doing reading challenges (Young Adult Challenge, First in a Series Challenge, or A-Z Reading Challenge) to win a copy of Violet on the Runway. Visit Thoughts of Joy to enter!
PPS-The Page Flipper also has a contest going on to win an entire pack of books, so head over there, too!
Not to get all Hannah Montana, but I'm in a good mood. Yesterday, I did a lot of homey stuff in Brooklyn, like working on some writing and making a turkey stew in my undeniably adorable apron from Jessie Steele.
And today, at 4pm, I'll be at the Marc by Marc Jacobs show, thanks to my awesome friend Laura. Best of both worlds? YES.
Sometimes I really have to stop and appreciate the happy things I'm doing instead of worrying about the paper recycling piling up in the corner and the two months worth of magazines that I haven't read yet and the stack of dishes left in the sink from the aforementioned turkey stew.
What are you guys up to this week? What's your "best of both worlds" moment?
I'm still feeling the urge to honor Fashion Week. It's all-pervasive in New York City, and I must acknowledge it.
If you are at all intrigued by the modeling world (or if you just appreciate clean, smart writing) you really owe it to yourself to check out "Tatiana" and her latest brilliant blog from Jezebel's Modelslips series: "I'm a Model; The least I can do is wear the clothes."
And remember, all you dreamers, I did long ago write a little ditty about how to get into fashion editorial, and you can find it right here.
But honestly, could you wear heels like these? Even for a minute? I couldn't. Maybe that's why I'm a writer and not a Fabulous One.
So my question for you is: Do you have anything in your closet that makes you sacrifice comfort for fashion? Oooh, what is it?
PS-Party pics coming--I promise!
My friend Julia told me that "Tatiana," Jezebel's wondrous Fashion Week anonymodel, reminded her of Violet, and I could not be more flattered.
Judging by her first post, Tatiana is awesome. As the girls from J-bel says, "She's smart! She's thin! And she's BEHOLDEN TO NO ONE."
Read this entry and enter her monitor-my-measurements, "very vain," tortured hair world. You know you love it.
PS-Lancome/Violet party photos soon. It was F-U-N! Thanks to everyone who came. I'll be giving away a couple gift bags on Wednesday.
V. excited about this weekend's parties, but I've said enough about those! Oh, I'm also happy about that big football game on Sunday, which I think of as an excuse to eat a ton of my friend Phil's gourmet food.
But what I can't hold in any longer is my love for Mortified, and I'm so glad that I can share it in video form now that they've got these thrilling performances up:
// The Mortified Shoebox Show //
Watch it, love it, laugh at it, and if you can get to a show, live it. I may even post some of my own mortifying diary entries on this blog one day, a la Megan McCafferty's retroblog. Sweet.
PS-My favorite video might be "I Hate Drake" -- warning: curse word alert!
PPS-Yes, Fashion Week has begun, but let's not forget that Newsweek is predicting The Rise of the Real People. Yay!
