Category ~ Alesia
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To new beginnings!!
but the endings are too sad My mother always used to say that every ending is simply a new beginning. Of course, this is the same woman who also sniffed my refrigerator every time she came to visit me for...Posted by Alesia at 3:28 PM | Comments (3)
Unveiling . . . My Bad Habits
oh, the humiliation Sorry we've been somewhat MIA here at the LC lately; we're all going into summer with kids on vacation, deadlines breathing hot and heavy down our collective necks, and some mondo changes going on behind the scenes....Posted by Alesia at 11:24 AM | Comments (4)
Just say no . . . to bad commercials
screaming at the TV again So yesterday my SEVEN YEAR OLD daughter told me she thinks she needs to go on a diet. SEVEN FREAKING YEARS OLD. I told her that she is beautiful and her shape is exactly right...Posted by Alesia at 8:56 AM | Comments (23)
Decluttering my life
still drowning on deadline We're getting ready to move (again) across country (again) and I'm decluttering (again) before the movers come in July. I'm also on deadline (again)(still) and Navy Guy is out at sea (again). Which makes me a...Posted by Alesia at 10:05 AM | Comments (28)
Top Ten Ways You Know You're Stressed Out
drowning on deadline I'm drowning!! Can't quite get those pesky subplots to get in line!! I looked up from my 18th pot of coffee this morning and realized, bleary-eyed, that there were SIGNS that I'm overstressed. So here are my...Posted by Alesia at 10:07 AM | Comments (11)
Welcome Guest Chick Kimberly Llewellyn
I'm just home from RT and completely exhausted from meeting all the wonderful readers and booksellers (pics here) and so pleased to announce our special guest for May, my friend Kimberly Llewellyn!!! Not only is she brilliant and beautiful,...Posted by Alesia at 10:17 PM | Comments (9)
A time of tragedy
We at the LC would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who died in this week's senseless tragedy at Virginia Tech. Here in Virginia, I know we are all reeling in...Posted by Alesia at 9:06 AM | Comments (0)
A Plethora of P-words
from the queen of Procrastination Yes, I am the queen of lame, in fact if you look up "lame" you'll find my name and picture right there in your Webster's, but this is NOT the week for me to try...Posted by Alesia at 11:01 PM | Comments (7)
Happy thoughts
aka things that make me happy Dashing in for a quickie today, am on a mad deadline crunch, but I have been a blog slacker lately so wanted to show my deadbeat self and thought I'd be all cheery and...Posted by Alesia at 1:12 PM | Comments (6)
Just say NO to woo woo - or, maybe not?
'cause the woo woo might be GOOD Oh, boy, has it been crazy around here this week!! ATLANTIS RISING hit bestseller lists all over the place, at Waldenbooks, Borders, Barnes & Noble, and even the very elusive USA Today bestseller...Posted by Alesia at 1:02 PM | Comments (8)
The worst movie in the world
and other news Congratulations TeresaH! Navy Guy picked a number from 1 to 14 and it was 9, so you win the autographed totebag! Send me your mailing address at alesia@alesiaholliday.com and I'll send it along. I confess, I am...Posted by Alesia at 10:57 PM | Comments (11)
Welcome to the Dark Side!!
When my evil alter-ego takes over . . . First, I must apologize for falling down on my Healthy Choices challenge – I got hit with a tough personal loss in January and things rather fell apart. Blogging took a...Posted by Alesia at 6:46 PM | Comments (14)
Underneath it all -- my inner child
cotton candy happiness This blog has got to fall under the category of better late than never, since it's nearly midnight. But we've been out all evening at the Greatest Show on Earth - the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey...Posted by Alesia at 10:45 PM | Comments (4)
Oh, boy, the misery of a head cold
Times four We're all sick here. I'm sick. Princess is sick. Science Boy is sick. I've already called the school absence hotline to let them know we won't be showing our faces tomorrow. Even my brother Josh, who showed up...Posted by Alesia at 9:54 PM | Comments (4)
Gratitude
The new me - grateful It's week four of the new me campaign (oh, and I lost another 3.6 pounds last week, are we all keeping up with our healthy goals?), and this week I'm focusing on gratitude. Or, at...Posted by Alesia at 8:48 PM | Comments (4)
Marriage: endangered species?
IIt's wedding week! Here we are in wedding vows week at the LC, and I heard on the news yesterday that for the first time in our nation's history, more adult women are unmarried than married. It's a slight margin...Posted by Alesia at 3:36 PM | Comments (9)
The New Me, Part Two
It’s all about persistence, baby! Here we are again, at the beginning of week two of my LC Get Healthy Challenge. If you missed last week, catch up and join in the fun today! The new me is going to...Posted by Alesia at 8:29 AM | Comments (22)
It’s a New Year and a New Me
Two new me(s) Happy New Year! And welcome to BOTH of the new me(s)!! First off, I’m proud to announce that my dark side finally got to come out and play, and Alyssa (yes, she has her own name, it’s...Posted by Alesia at 6:00 AM | Comments (35)
Happy holidays!!
Wishing you much Peace and Joy Happy Holidays from all of us here at the LC and thank you for making our seasons bright. hugs, Alesia, Beth, Eileen, Lani, Michelle, and Whitney...Posted by Alesia at 6:51 AM | Comments (1)
The Cookietacular cookie exchange
Was that an ungreased pan? Okay, so I’ve admitted before that I’m no Betty Crockpot. But I’ve discovered a new invention that is heaven on earth for a mad stress baker like me – the Cookie Exchange. (Okay, so it’s...Posted by Alesia at 6:00 AM | Comments (11)
The Care and Feeding of Writers Week
When our Other Halves get revenge, er, a chance to speak up We're launching a special week here at the LC, when our guys get a chance to let loose and tell you what it's really like living with a...Posted by Alesia at 6:00 AM | Comments (24)
Public service 'nouncements
Exciting news! It's THAT kind of day, busy busy busy, swimming lessons started for the kids, holiday prep, book stuff, busy busy busy, but I wanted to take a moment to update you on two very important events: 1. Our...Posted by Alesia at 6:58 PM | Comments (0)
Book Club shout out!
Exciting news! Hey, Chicklets! I'm very pleased and honored to announce that my book, BLONDES HAVE MORE FELONS, is the featured December book club read at Jennifer Crusie's Cherry forums! We're planning to have tons of fun all month, and...Posted by Alesia at 7:57 AM | Comments (2)
More Thanksgiving fun
Frankly, I'm all turkeyed out After the miserable weekend of hospital visits and IVs and big, ugly needles last week, I am thrilled to report that we had a wonderful holiday! So I thought I'd share a few never-to-be-lived-down moments,...Posted by Alesia at 2:32 PM | Comments (17)
I Heart Nurses
They rock! So I spent the morning in the hospital having IV fluids and various multisyllabic medications pumped into my tired self. This was not a planned excursion, as you might guess. But I have to say, before succumbing to...Posted by Alesia at 7:06 PM | Comments (5)
It's my birthday
But I can't be 29 again Here I am, on my birthday, all alone and feeling slightly old. Sadly, I can't be 29 again this year, because Science Boy finally caught on: Princess: How old will you be, Mommy? Me:...Posted by Alesia at 8:18 AM | Comments (13)
I love you to pieces
lunatic mothering I think if you’ve spent any time at all around the LC, you know by now that humor writers tend to make . . . nontraditional . . . parenting choices. For example, having conversations like this: Science...Posted by Alesia at 9:33 AM | Comments (14)
Scary karaoke
and other frightening songs So, I will be the first to admit to a certain fascination with karaoke. There are the not-to-be-named (Lani) people brave enough to actually DO it: Who get big props from me, 'cause I sing with...Posted by Alesia at 8:45 AM | Comments (20)
Random thoughts
’cause it’s that kind of week I’m working hard on my Atlantis novella and getting ready to go to the New Jersey conference and gathering supplies for Science Boy to do his fourth grade book report on Eragon (he’s designing...Posted by Alesia at 7:53 AM | Comments (12)
Chat about the new TV season
Is it Must See TV or not so must see? The new fall TV lineup: Love it or Hate it? Or, worse, Madly Indifferent? Join the LC as we discuss our faves – and not so faves. And just a...Posted by Alesia at 6:00 AM | Comments (15)
I DID but I WOULDN’T NOW
NOT ON A BET Okay, first, the final wrap up from the Two Truths and a Lie contest! Here are the answers and not one of you got all 7 right, which shows how very tricky we at the LC...Posted by Alesia at 6:00 AM | Comments (8)
Two truths and a lie, THE SEQUEL
SECOND CHANCES WOW! I think I made last week’s fun little game WAY TOO HARD!!! Because, the truth is, so many of us here at the LC are so freaking odd that it’s hard to tell the difference between us!...Posted by Alesia at 6:00 AM | Comments (17)
Two truths and a lie
What do you REALLY know about the Lit Chicks? Now that we’ve had a long weekend to process the news we’ve all been waiting for – that Tom Cruise has apologized to Brooke Shields for his amazingly assholish, what the...Posted by Alesia at 9:05 AM | Comments (11)
I hate clutter
Deadline dementia So I’m on the way to the hotel with my cookies and case of Diet Coke to finish the BOOK THAT WOULD NOT BE FINISHED so I can turn it in Tuesday. Send good vibes my way. Also,...Posted by Alesia at 10:30 AM | Comments (17)
Between Fashion and Comfort
A scary limbo Okay, so I reached a point in my life where I have decided to mostly retire the 4-inch-heeled shoes. Yes, I know many of you (the smart ones) are wondering what kind of nutjob wears 4-inch heels...Posted by Alesia at 2:28 PM | Comments (12)
The end of the book
Brain tired We don't talk about writing much, here, in spite of the fact that all of us write books for a living. The LC is more a fun, chatty place to talk about ball pits, f%$*ing pools, and golf...Posted by Alesia at 7:57 AM | Comments (24)
AND HERE IT IS!!!!
I still can't believe it!!!! Thank you so much for all the congratulations and LC love!! I am just so unbelievably honored and it is such a privilege. Here I am with my brilliant editor and my amazing agent....Posted by Alesia at 8:54 AM | Comments (7)
More pics!!
From the party last night! Go here and see how much fun we had!...Posted by Alesia at 1:00 PM | Comments (3)
More pics and booksignings and RITA receptions, oh my
Here's the crazy Coke museum And the Lovely Eileen The horny flatulent polar bear and the lovely Cindy Holby having a Vanna moment: Lani and I just attended the RITA finalists reception and had a lovely champagne and chocolate strawberry...Posted by Alesia at 3:43 PM | Comments (1)
How is it FRIDAY already???
18 glasses of wine . . . ! It's just never a good idea to drink 18 glasses of wine. Life lesson for the day. Off to get large coffee soon. Yesterday was terrific good fun - involved the worst...Posted by Alesia at 7:24 AM | Comments (1)
The booksigning
And wow it was CRAZY!!! The plan was to get around and take pics of all the LC signing books, but it was a total madhouse! But I DID get pics of Barb/Caridad's VERY FIRST BOOKSIGNING EVER!!!!!! And I had...Posted by Alesia at 10:06 PM | Comments (2)
Atlanta - Day one of RWA - also ish
We're having fun now!!! This is the view outside of our room, all modern art-ish: I just returned from having a lovely massage to combat the neck and shoulder and back knots from the first four days. We all had...Posted by Alesia at 11:02 AM | Comments (5)
Can you say Hotlanta??
yippee!!! I'm here and it's hot and humid and FANTASTIC!! Can't wait for the rest of the LC to arrive but for now I'm having an amazing time at Suz Brockmann's wild and crazy reader weekend!! I laughed so hard...Posted by Alesia at 3:18 PM | Comments (1)
About dentists
Am I just a big baby? So I went to a new dentist today, which you do a lot when you’re married to a Navy Guy and move across the country every other week. It was a very high-tech, brightly...Posted by Alesia at 3:48 AM | Comments (7)
HOT TOPICS!!!
Dish with the LC We’re starting something a little different here at the LC today that we'll do every so often – our own version of dish on the interesting, maybe controversial, sometimes maddening things going on in the world...Posted by Alesia at 7:27 AM | Comments (14)
Independence Day
SEVEN WAYS TO LOSE YOUR LOVER WAHOO!!! Happy 4th, everyone (and sorry about the whole Revolution thing, Michelle )!! I’m THRILLED to announce that this is also BOOK RELEASE WEEK!!! SEVEN WAYS TO LOSE YOUR LOVER is in your local...Posted by Alesia at 12:11 PM | Comments (14)
They're creepy and they're kooky
On a three-hour tour I can't help it -- I 'm a pop culture junkie. I ADORE TV and movies and a whole heap of commercial fiction in my novels. (Yeah, yeah, I read that other stuff, too, tons of...Posted by Alesia at 12:25 PM | Comments (18)
Happy Father's Day!!!
To all the fathers out there - today is YOUR DAY!!! Today, I hope you: Took a break from lawn mowing duties, and pretended not to notice if your wife tried to mow the lawn for you but she didn't...Posted by Alesia at 8:45 PM | Comments (3)
Comfort food
gross things we eat, courtesy of childhood First: the winners!! My mini-contest in honor of the new anthology, WELCOME TO WISTERIA LANE, which includes several essays written by the Literary Chicks, provided many wonderful ideas for making life at home...Posted by Alesia at 11:33 AM | Comments (21)
Desperate Housewives
and the things that make life easier In honor of the new anthology, WELCOME TO WISTERIA LANE, which includes several essays written by the Literary Chicks, and also because – hey! – it’s Sunday and I’m heading to the pool...Posted by Alesia at 11:02 AM | Comments (22)
Introducing Guest Chick Caridad Ferrer!!
or, as we call her, "Barb" We ADORE Barb/Caridad, having known her since she was a teensy little writer struggling to make a living selling stuffed armadillos to tourists on the streets in Texas . . . No, wait. Wrong...Posted by Alesia at 6:00 AM | Comments (5)
A picture's worth a thousand words
or at least some blackmail money Okay, not to name any names, but Marianne as the Goth Fairy and Cindy as Legolas were just TOO CUTE!!! And, yes, finally the picture of me with RED hair. What do you think??...Posted by Alesia at 8:47 PM | Comments (11)
Play that funky music, white boy
It's raining men Prepare to DIE of jealousy: I'm sitting on the beach in Daytona Beach, watching the sun rise as I drink my coffee (and, yes, I already worked out at 6, to have that "I lifted a car"...Posted by Alesia at 9:57 AM | Comments (12)
The comeback body
I lifted 9,204 pounds today Okay, here it is, the ugly truth: The metabolism slooooooows way down when you are, as I am, way past the dark side of thirty. And when you sit on your rapidly-spreading butt for much...Posted by Alesia at 10:26 AM | Comments (25)
Whiplash and other sucky things
FREAKING tired of people RAMMING into me with their FREAKING CARS I'm sitting here with a sore neck, because last night - for the TENTH FREAKING TIME IN MY LIFE - somebody rearended me with their car. Surely, I've used...Posted by Alesia at 9:51 AM | Comments (5)
The glamourous writer's life
My brain is melting So I know we don't bore you with the blah blah details of the writing life very often, but I have to say that my brain is melting and I wanted to tell you why. This...Posted by Alesia at 10:59 PM | Comments (8)
Ingratitude
My kids are spoiled So it was spring break last week at our house, (but we didn't go away since we're heading off to Chicago together next week for me to speak at Chicago North's Spring Fling conference and for...Posted by Alesia at 9:04 AM | Comments (13)
Googling myself
The dark side of the internet Overheard at our house just after my recent release of BLONDES HAVE MORE FELONS: Navy Guy: Whatcha doing? Me: I’m Googling myself. NG: You’ll go blind. Me: NG: Can I watch? I have to...Posted by Alesia at 9:59 AM | Comments (12)
"But I changed your oil"
The battle of the clueless I knew what I was getting into, after all. Not only is Navy Guy a . . . well . . . Navy Guy, but he’s an electrical engineer. This is not your touchy-feely combination....Posted by Alesia at 9:45 AM | Comments (14)
The Anti-Lonely Hearts Club
No, I won't marry you I''m not trying to be difficult, really I'm not. We blog about brides, and I talk about grooms. We talk about lonely hearts, and I talk about marriage proposals. :) It's just that my wonderful...Posted by Alesia at 2:17 PM | Comments (16)
Let's not forget about Grooms
Ten years and counting Everybody in my house is/was sick for the past two weeks, including me, so I've dragged myself home from the doctor's (cough syrup with codeine! yeehaw! NOW we're talking!) to the computer so I can talk...Posted by Alesia at 12:55 PM | Comments (5)
Me and the FBI
Because all a girl needs is a good pair of shoes and an FBI file To celebrate crime and felons week, and especially TODAY, which is the ACTUAL RELEASE DAY for BLONDES HAVE MORE FELONS!!!! [Yes, feel free to stand...Posted by Alesia at 11:15 AM | Comments (10)
Introducing the FABULOUS Susan McBride!!!
Mystery Chick Extraordinaire! It is my enormous privilege and pleasure to introduce one of the SWEETEST and MOST TALENTED people on the PLANET, the lovely Susan McBride!! (Seriously, she looks like a freaking supermodel, but she's so unbelievably nice, you...Posted by Alesia at 7:19 AM | Comments (8)
I'm not that innocent
Song lyrics from hell Deep in the book that will be turned in this week - so just checking in to say I hate Britney Spears. I mean, not personally, I'm sure she's a lovely girl, but she has been...Posted by Alesia at 8:15 AM | Comments (24)
And they call it Puppy Love
Googly-eyed over a puppy Like Beth, I'm fairly upload-challenged, so I'm just going to show you my new puppy, Peanut, like this, and this and point out that she is the cutest puppy on the PLANET. At least, the cutest...Posted by Alesia at 10:54 AM | Comments (12)
Natural Disasters
The sleepover birthday party My skull is still reverberating with the shrieks of a hundred or so (or at least six) six and seven-year-old girls, and it’s nine hours after they went home. I may have developed a twitch. Somebody...Posted by Alesia at 7:46 PM | Comments (6)
AND THE WINNERS ARE!!!!!!!
Alesia, who would like to thank her director, and her fabulous cast and crew . . . OUCH. Oh. Right. The rest of the Chicks just poked me (quite rudely, I felt. I mean, really, OUCH! ALL RIGHT ALREADY!!!) So,...Posted by Alesia at 8:41 PM | Comments (13)
My life as an evil villain
Alesia, practicing her evil laugh One of my good friends, Beverly Brandt (who knows me far too well, I’m guessing), gave me the book HOW TO BE AN EVIL VILLAIN for Christmas. This is perhaps one of my favorite presents,...Posted by Alesia at 2:15 PM | Comments (10)
And the winner is . . .
Alesia, live from the red carpet (or, you know, the brown couch For this week, I thought I’d do a “Bad Decision Tuesday” – like the unbelievable hideousness of the decision to actually publish a book like this . But...Posted by Alesia at 2:46 PM | Comments (8)
The unbearable lateness of being
Late for the gym! So I was sorting through my closet this morning (yes, I’m on serious deadline, of course I’m cleaning out closets), and I realized I have three different wardrobes. Or, put another way, one wardrobe, divided into...Posted by Alesia at 10:10 AM | Comments (17)
Introducing Beth Kendrick!!
I'm just happy to be here! I am thrilled to announce that it is my privilege to introduce the third of our lovely new Literary Chicks, Beth Kendrick!! Beth and I gave a talk last year at a major national...Posted by Alesia at 11:18 PM | Comments (15)
Just when you thought you’d escaped . . .
From Alesia, who needs to buy champagne . . . from yet another self-absorbed list of “what I did in 2005” [nope, not going to do that!] or another wishful-thinking list of “what I resolve for 2006” [nope, no more...Posted by Alesia at 12:17 PM | Comments (6)
THINK SIX!!!
From Alesia, surrounded by ornaments I'm in the midst of packing away a ridiculous amount of Christmas decorations and taking care of a very sick little girl, but I had to pop in to say a word about the magical...Posted by Alesia at 11:01 AM | Comments (4)
TRACKING SANTA!!!
I'm snarking an extra post here at the Literary Chicks because I know many of our readers will be travelling for the holidays - please be safe!! And, before you go, I simply MUST point out one of our favorite...Posted by Alesia at 2:20 PM | Comments (4)
This space for rent
From Alesia, sick to DEATH of spam I’m sad to announce that I will no longer be part of the Literary Chicks blog, even though it has been a truly wonderful and amazing experience. You see, I’ve won the Nigerian...Posted by Alesia at 8:51 AM | Comments (14)
On not being a cowboy
From Alesia, feeling fine Today the lovely and talented Miss Graham, who is not only a terrific first-grade teacher, but the Great and Final Word on All Things Educational in Princess’s mind and conversation (and when your child first begins...Posted by Alesia at 12:16 PM | Comments (2)
Ho ho ho
From Alesia, feeling Grinchy It has started: the official "I am worn out and likely to stay there until New Year's Day" theme of the month. We just spent FOUR HOURS running errands. Errands that should have taken two hours,...Posted by Alesia at 8:18 PM | Comments (6)
Raunchy puppets
From Alesia, still shaking her head Just when you think your sides can't hurt any more, you have a scene of raunchy puppets singing a song about the joy of internet porn. I'm so not kidding. I went to see...Posted by Lani at 8:05 AM | Comments (6)
The winners and NYC!
From Alesia, packing at the last minute, as usual Okay, my random number picker says 7, 11, 8, 2, and 14, so will May, Kathy, Michele, Brianna, and Sheri please e-mail me at alesia@alesiaholliday.com with your snail mail addresses so...Posted by Alesia at 8:17 PM | Comments (0)
Happy December!! and Prizes . . .
Bah, humbug Well, we made it (almost) through another year, and now it's holiday season, time to spend with our loved ones, baking cookies, wrapping presents, and doing more work than is humanly possible including: rushing through the mall like...Posted by Alesia at 2:11 PM | Comments (20)
The Queen of Procrastination
From Alesia I have a three-page-long list of things to do, and yet so far? I’ve crossed off five items. “Do nails” being one of them. I’m either pathetic, or I’m the Queen of Procrastination. So, borrowing a tiara from...Posted by Alesia at 1:36 PM | Comments (1)
I’m going to pound you into the ground
From Alesia, on sisters and brothers I don’t have any sisters (I have two brothers), but I’ve been a sister for a long, long time, so I’m approaching this topic fresh from the perspective of a woman who studied two...Posted by Alesia at 3:05 PM | Comments (0)
Ex and the Married Girl
From Alesia, who LOVES Lani’s new book!! Wow! The holiday season and first grade talent shows and blown-up computers in Rotterdam all equal a slow week at The Literary Chicks! And I feel especially guilty because this is the week...Posted by Alesia at 4:08 PM | Comments (2)
Birthdays
From Alesia, older than dirt So my birthday was Wednesday, which always brings on the kind of contemplative navel-gazing that I generally try to avoid at all cost (well, since the short-lived belly-button piercing experiment – I got pregnant shortly...Posted by Alesia at 2:57 PM | Comments (4)
The Naked Truth about Motherhood
From Alesia, laughing again Here it is, Friday night, and my hot, glamourous evening consisted of popcorn, Halloween candy, and a showing of Chicken Little in a theater filled with what seemed like KAJILLIONS of very loud children. Mine were...Posted by Alesia at 7:23 PM | Comments (1)
TIME TO GET NAKED!!!!
From Alesia, celebrating Release Day! The Naked Truth, What do "being Pygmalioned" and evil fortune cookies of death have in common? Today is that happiest of writer days, Book Release Day. This is the day that you get to relax,...Posted by Alesia at 10:48 AM | Comments (1)
A Tribute to Grace and Courage
From Alesia, with the greatest respect Rosa Parks, the black seamstress whose refusal to give her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama, bus to a white man sparked a revolution in American race relations, died on Monday at age 92. She...Posted by Alesia at 10:08 AM | Comments (0)
Flirting with Exhaustion
I finally finished the 480 pages of my first legal thriller yesterday at six pm, after yanking out the middle and redoing it. Then I had to get up at 6 a.m. to go help out in a classroom filled...Posted by Alesia at 8:49 PM | Comments (1)
Flirting with Disaster
From Alesia, who always has to do things the hard way I killed someone, and it’s really causing problems. Well, actually, I killed two people, but the guy I murdered was really crucial to the flow and pattern. But the...Posted by Alesia at 10:08 AM | Comments (1)
What’s your SECRET OBSESSION?
From Alesia, curious Still deadlining, but THE END IS NEAR. Literally. The part where I get to type “The End” is near. Okay, actually, I already hit that point, but the part where I’m done with rewriting the middle of...Posted by Alesia at 9:38 AM | Comments (2)
It's an upgrade thing
From Alesia, in need of upgrades My birthday is quickly approaching, and I tend to approach this time of year the way other people look at New Year's Day. A time for resolutions and life changes. A time for deep...Posted by Alesia at 9:18 AM | Comments (0)
So today I was rude to a clown
From Alesia, who also hates mimes And before you say anything about DEADLINE STRESS or PMS or my obvious need for VALIUM, let me just point out that there is something creepy about clowns. SERIOUSLY creepy. Do you think it's...Posted by Alesia at 6:52 PM | Comments (4)
In which I confess my secret supernatural fetish
From Alesia, the pop culture hound Still deadlining. But I have to pop in to say that lots of friends have been discussing their favorite episodes/characters in the Buffy/Angel Whedon-iverse, and it’s prompting me to admit that I’ve always had...Posted by Alesia at 5:46 PM | Comments (0)
Must love TV
From Alesia, the pop culture hound Okay, here’s the thing. I ADORE TV. When my lawyer friends were telling me how their newly-toddling children would never see a minute of commercial TV, and displaying their DVDs of BEETHOVEN FOR YOUR...Posted by Alesia at 9:59 AM | Comments (7)
Jewels in our mouths
From Alesia To sink into the mires of the mundane, it has been a damn hard week to write comedy. I wish I had Lani’s gift for bad jokes, but my humor tends to run to the dark and twisted...Posted by Alesia at 9:04 AM | Comments (1)
And yet more tragedy
From Alesia It seems like so many of our posts this year have been about tragedy. Today, just going through the motions of the routines of life seems muffled by the overlayer of sadness and the dark mirror of horrendous...Posted by Alesia at 1:15 PM | Comments (0)
Another Lit Chick in a motel . . .
From Alesia, finally in Virginia Beach So three out of three Literary Chicks have been in motels over the past week (assuming Michelle isn't staying with friends or camping out near the Little Mermaid), and none of us are having...Posted by Alesia at 5:46 PM | Comments (2)
On the road again . . .
From Alesia, packing the car in Florida It's more than just a Willie Nelson song!! I'm headed off in an hour for the 820-mile drive to my mothers to get my children. I haven't seen them in NEARLY THREE WEEKS...Posted by Alesia at 9:26 AM | Comments (0)
83 more auction items up!!
Autographed books, more fun goodies - it's crazy!! Look HEREfor all the details! hugs, Alesia, 36 hours away from the 820-mile drive . ....Posted by Alesia at 2:05 PM | Comments (1)
Size doesn't matter . . .
At least in this one instance. We've received several letters asking how big Marianne's PO box is, in terms of sending packages. Marianne just called and said that size doesn't matter! :) As is usual, if the box you send...Posted by Alesia at 12:37 PM | Comments (0)
Book drive list link
If you're wondering about sending books to Marianne to rebuild her library, check out the list here . Thanks again!! hugs, Alesia...Posted by Alesia at 2:06 PM | Comments (0)
Thanks and We're set!
Thanks to everyone who graciously donated to the auction! We're good to go now, so please donate directly to Marianne at: Marianne Mancusi P.O. Box 8003 Boston, MASS 02114 You can see what's left of her house here, or find...Posted by Alesia at 8:22 PM | Comments (0)
Update on Marianne help
Marianne is still having problems with her phone and can't access her phone numbers, and has intermittent access to e-mail. She was renting a cottage and did not have renter's insurance, so now all of her things are gone. She...Posted by Alesia at 11:43 AM | Comments (0)
A Writer’s Tragedy – please help!
From Alesia In the midst of packing and frantically finishing the book and sending out celebratory e-mails to so many of my friends, including THE AMAZING RITA-WINNING LANI!!!!, I received terrible news. A dear friend of the Literary Chicks, Marianne...Posted by Alesia at 3:32 PM | Comments (4)
Reno Day 4
Must run again - but here is the lovely Ruth Kaufman posing with NEXT books!! More to come . . ....Posted by Alesia at 5:39 PM | Comments (0)
Pics?? Maybe??? Hopefully???
Here I am at the signing, if I figured this camera thing out!! More pics to come when camera batteries recharge! More pics to come of classic car museum reception tonight . . . also check here for more...Posted by Alesia at 8:23 PM | Comments (0)
Reno Day 3 - it's OFFICIAL!!
From Alesia, contemplating blackjack The lovely and talented Barbara Ferrer is now officially a pubbed author!! Two-book deal with MTV books/Simon & Schuster! We at the Literary Chicks are SO happy for her and her well-deserved success!! And I am...Posted by Alesia at 6:23 PM | Comments (0)
Reno Rocks!!
Lani has a new ADORABLE hairdo - and she's a redhead!!! Totally cute and trendy!! Lost my usual 10 bucks in the slot machines so gambling need for the week fulfilled. :) Two people I know got book offers DURING...Posted by Alesia at 11:41 AM | Comments (0)
Countdown to Reno!
From Alesia, frantically packing Next week is a huge event in the life of romance/women’s fiction/chick lit writers – the annual conference of Romance Writers of America. It’s in Reno, Nevada, this year, and 2 out of 3 chicks will...Posted by Alesia at 10:16 PM | Comments (0)
Willy Johnny Depp-a-Wonka
From Alesia, reeling Okay, I didn’t expect much, but I have to admit I howled with laughter during the new incarnation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Like the original, you have to imagine that the entire experience is EXACTLY...Posted by Alesia at 6:05 PM | Comments (0)
I. Don’t. Care.
From Alesia, fresh from a bomb threat I don’t care. I admit it. My name is Alesia Holliday, and I don’t care a lick about all this furor over which authors write what. Or the hot “taken seriously” debate. Nope....Posted by Alesia at 11:02 AM | Comments (0)
NICE GIRLS FINISH FIRST
From Alesia, from sunny Florida A little back story for RELEASE DAY!!!! It's my 7th book, but only my 2nd full-length novel (for grownups) and I'm so excited! So one day I was thinking about today’s woman, as I often...Posted by Alesia at 10:00 AM | Comments (0)
Thank you to our troops and their families
From Alesia, from sunny Florida We’re doing a little holiday weekend thing (plus I’m frantically revising), so for the July 4th weekend (sorry, Michelle! ), I wanted to say thank you to our troops. No matter your political leanings, please...Posted by Alesia at 10:37 AM | Comments (4)
Winners and books and what do you wish you’d written?
From Alesia, from sunny Florida Thanks to everybody who wrote to help me celebrate the countdown to my new book! Jennifer Jacula of Alberta Canada and Maureen Emmons (of somewhere in e-mail range) are the two winners of an autographed...Posted by Alesia at 12:43 PM | Comments (6)
Books, books, books!!! And white sand!
From Alesia, from sunny Florida Even though it’s my sixth book in print, I am sitting here looking at the beautiful copies I just received of NICE GIRLS FINISH FIRST in awe. I don’t think I’ll ever get over the...Posted by Alesia at 1:56 PM | Comments (1)
Jury duty
From Alesia, from sunny Florida So Navy Guy got called for jury duty and had to report Monday. He grumbled about it a bit but I, as a person who has worked with many, many juries in my trial lawyer...Posted by Alesia at 10:16 PM | Comments (0)
Roller coasters and spoiled food
From Alesia, refrigerator-less I’ve had one of those “Good news, Bad news” kind of weeks. The ones where you feel like your eyeballs are going to burst from the sheer velocity of the ups and downs. A lot of it...Posted by Alesia at 10:55 AM | Comments (0)
Insonmia
From Alesia, sleepy I’ve always wondered what it is that allows some people to sleep whenever they put their heads down. Like Navy Guy, although I know that he was trained by time on submarines – sort of: Sleep or...Posted by Alesia at 5:51 PM | Comments (5)
So I never learned to swim until I was 23 . . .
From Alesia, drenched with chlorine It didn’t seem urgent, and my parents were not the ‘sign the kids up for lessons’ type of parents. (For anything, actually, so I can’t play tennis, ride a horse, dance the ballet, or anything...Posted by Alesia at 4:10 PM | Comments (0)
The countdown is on!
From Alesia, in rainy Florida How did that happen? I looked up and suddenly it’s only ONE MONTH until the release of my second chick lit novel, NICE GIRLS FINISH FIRST!!! It’s getting lots of rave reviews over at Barnesandnoble.com,...Posted by Alesia at 6:58 PM | Comments (0)
Literary agents and Boy Scout camp and stress, oh my!
From Alesia, back hard at work Taking a brief break from rewriting the ending of a book from something that sucked hugely to something that actually . . . um, makes SENSE in the story, to write about stress from...Posted by Alesia at 6:07 PM | Comments (0)
Writer’s retreat
Alesia, packing again I'm leaving for Mendocino tomorrow for 9 whole days for a writers' retreat. I've never done this before, and I'm really looking forward to a week of discussing writing and working (and, let's admit it, no laundry!)....Posted by Alesia at 8:51 AM
Reviews and reviewers!
Alesia, still recovering from the 2nd grade talent show I ADORE reviewers! Especially, to be honest, the ones who say nice things about me!! They are all brilliant and possessed of unmitigated good taste. A good friend of mine, Julie...Posted by Alesia at 9:08 AM
Fairness and ninjas and princesses, oh my!
Alesia, remembering that it’s Friday the 13th So I mentioned that it was darling son’s birthday Monday. The problem with birthdays, of course, is that (unless you did the twins or triplets thing) it’s rare that all of your children’s...Posted by Alesia at 8:42 PM
Competitive Mothering
Alesia, launching motherhood week Since we had so much fun with Shame Week, we at the lit chicks have decided to do a few more Theme Weeks. First up, for obvious reasons, is Motherhood week. All three of us are...Posted by Alesia at 1:42 PM
Virtual Sex!!
Alesia, on final days of avalanche mode. . . Okay, it’s really virtual blogging, not sex, but I got your attention, didn’t I?? I’m starting a new, fun trend on my blog days – I’m going to periodically invite guest...Posted by Alesia at 8:56 AM
Holy Convention, Batman!!
Alesia, jet-lagged from St. Louis and dancing till 3 a.m. Popping in on a Monday so we can give our lovely guest chick time to recuperate from the conference to let you know I’m just home from the RT convention...Posted by Alesia at 9:34 AM
Charity anthology available!!
Alesia, in rush travel & deadline mode. . . Hello, all. I'm part of an anthology with several very talented paranormal authors (I know; I don't know why they invited me, either! ) for which we each donated a chapter...Posted by Alesia at 1:48 PM
Friday musings from Freedom Central
Alesia, with the house all to herself mwah ha ha . . . Navy Guy just took the kidlets off to the cub scout camp-o-rama, where they can run around and scream with a zillion other kids to their hearts’...Posted by Alesia at 7:11 PM
No Shame Week, a Sequel
Alesia, preparing to go into deadline lurk mode . . . Ah ha, no shame week. What can I possibly talk about? I only have the best possible taste in all areas of life (snicker) . . . except, maybe...Posted by Alesia at 10:23 AM
Happy Tax Day and assorted rambling
Alesia, contemplating the IRS . . . I always wondered which of the little girls and boys in my second-grade class were working hard on their homework, dreaming of the day that they could grow up and work for the...Posted by Alesia at 2:56 PM
Blogging and meanness and lawsuits, oh my!!
Alesia, tired of meanness . . . Can’t we all just get along? In my (admittedly simplistic) view of the world, you get bad karma spearing right back at you times three when you’re mean and catty and vicious to...Posted by Alesia at 5:03 PM
Synopses, Red Hair, and A Secret of Publishing
Alesia, now a redhead . . . I hate writing synopses. Plus, I’m not particularly good at it. Also, and this is a big one, my books NEVER, EVER TURN OUT LIKE THE SYNOPSIS. EVER. There, I’ve confessed it. So,...Posted by Alesia at 4:07 PM
Locked out of the house
Alesia, older and wiser . . . My darling daughter’s new favorite trick is to lock doors. Preferably, locking and closing doors when nobody is in the room. This morning, she locked the door between the garage and the kitchen,...Posted by Alesia at 7:39 PM
Happy April Fool’s Day!!
Alesia, on her way to yet another conference In the spirit of April Fool’s Day (and because - let’s be honest - I’m still not packed and have to leave in 2 hours for the First Coast Romance Writer’s Conference,...Posted by Alesia at 1:13 PM
Wedding anniversaries and Karma
Alesia, celebrating 9 years of marriage Tomorrow is my ninth wedding anniversary. Nine whole years. Before Navy Guy, my longest relationship was with my dog. PJ’s in doggie heaven, now, but the marriage is going strong. Here’s the thing –...Posted by Alesia at 11:00 PM | Comments (0)
Blogging and Mommy Guilt
Alesia, from "Where's my freaking suitcase" central... OK, I missed Tuesday because I'm in that scary child thing known as "Mommy has to go to New York, so I must get so sick I must go to doctor and be...Posted by Alesia at 6:01 PM | Comments (1)
Friday Writer’s Corner
Alesia, from copyedits central... I’m in the middle of that very exciting period of every writer’s life known as COPYEDIT HELL. Yes, even I, an admittedly anal former lawyer, get pages back from my publisher all marked up with RED...Posted by Alesia at 1:56 PM | Comments (1)
Friday Writer’s Corner
Alesia, from warm and rainy Florida... Friday writer's corner goes on vacation as I take the day to drive to the west coast of Florida and give a talk to the Tampa Bay Librarians' Assocation Meeting with the talented Kathy...Posted by Alesia at 10:50 PM | Comments (0)
The Oscars
Alesia, from warm and rainy Florida... I love the Academy Awards. I adore everything about it. I’m a total movie junkie, and this is the belle of the ball when it comes to award shows. I love the fashion watching,...Posted by Alesia at 5:49 PM | Comments (0)
The Classics
Alesia, from warm and rainy Florida... I’ve been re-reading the classics lately and thinking about how well some books translate into whatever generation reads them. As I sat up until two in the morning one night last week, reading Cyrano...Posted by Alesia at 9:48 AM | Comments (1)
Friday Writer’s Corner
Alesia, from her writing computer... The Sound and the Fury Readers and other writers often ask about the plotting. How do you do it? Are you an outline or a ‘pantser’ [a sort of short-hand for one who writes with...Posted by Alesia at 6:21 PM | Comments (0)
Let’s talk movies . . .
Alesia, from FREEDOM central... So did you hear the one about the writer who survived writing the book that almost killed her . . . I’m DONE!! I wrote THE END and did my final edits and sent the book...Posted by Alesia at 9:37 AM | Comments (6)
Friday Writer’s Corner on Saturday
Alesia, from her writing computer... Happy almost Valentine’s Day! If you’re in the mood to find out your Valentine’s Day Style (ok, this quiz is really for my teen and tween readers, but come on, be a little silly!), check...Posted by Alesia at 9:09 PM | Comments (0)
Friday Writer’s Corner
Alesia, from her writing computer... I recently read a statistic that said another new blog goes live every 4.7 seconds. That’s a LOT of WORDS. Seriously, it feels like an awful lot of ‘Hey, look at me’ to me sometimes...Posted by Alesia at 11:06 AM | Comments (2)
The end and the beginning!!
Alesia, with a NEW BOOK OUT!! And I mean that in a great way!! Four more days and I’ll be finally shipping NICE GIRLS FINISH FIRST off to my long-suffering and very patient editor. Four hurricanes, surgery, 3 different children’s...Posted by Alesia at 8:23 AM | Comments (3)
Birthdays and Nursing Bras
Alesia, from birthday party central... Today is my darling daughter’s fifth birthday. Since she is, in my totally unbiased opinion, the most beautiful and special five-year old on the planet, I would post a picture of her in her birthday...Posted by Alesia at 10:28 AM | Comments (7)
Marketing demographics and other myths
Alesia, loving life... The traditional marketing wisdom for chick lit is that it’s only read by single women in the 20-35 year old category. Well, guess what? I just got a reader letter from a 63 year old woman!!!! It...Posted by Alesia at 11:58 AM | Comments (8)
Readers ROCK!!!!!
Alesia, home from a FAB weekend... What a fantastic weekend!!! I went to a writer’s conference and then to my first ever readers’ conference, and my head is spinning with excitement and new ideas! I have to say I’ve never...Posted by Alesia at 7:43 PM | Comments (0)
Innies and Outies
Alesia, from Frantic Packing central... Okay, it’s the day I leave for 2 conferences in 4 days, so it must be . . . time to do laundry. Sigh. If I were even the LEAST bit ORGANIZED when I’m on...Posted by Alesia at 9:53 AM | Comments (2)
Wow! It’s 2005!
Alesia, from gadget central... It must be time for books and more books!! One due any day (yes, I’m frantically finishing up on my deadline – actually poured orange juice instead of cream in my coffee yesterday, just after calling...Posted by Alesia at 9:44 AM | Comments (3)
Vengeful 4 year olds and the Holliday spirit
Alesia, from Santa central... OK, the holiday spirit of giving and generosity has hit its peak at the Holliday house (and don’t make any stupid jokes about Happy Hollidays – been there, done that. Although I heard about a poor...Posted by Alesia at 1:32 PM | Comments (1)
Chick Lit Super Stars!!!
Alesia, still from deadline central... Just a note to pop in and say HUGE CONGRATS to our very own Michelle Cunnah and Lani Diane Rich for their award nominations!! CALL WAITING and TIME OFF FOR GOOD BEHAVIOR are both nominated...Posted by Alesia at 6:28 PM | Comments (3)
Deadlines and jingle bells . . .
Alesia, from freaking out central... There’s nothing like having a 3-week case of the flu to wreck a girl’s plans for a relaxed holiday. NICE GIRLS FINISH FIRST is now due the first week of January, effectively putting all my...Posted by Alesia at 5:07 PM | Comments (0)
On being blasted by random web surfers . . .
Alesia, from bemusement central... So I open my reader mail and have one from a guy in Texas, who is kind enough to leave his entire signature line on the note (name, company, address, phone, fax, etc.). He works in...Posted by Alesia at 9:45 PM | Comments (2)
On being thankful
Alesia, from pumpkin pie central... Hi all. I've been MIA because first my daughter was miserably sick for AN ENTIRE WEEK, and then she gave it to me. As par for the course, it magnified in me, and for 9...Posted by Alesia at 2:55 PM | Comments (1)
Stretching literary muscles
Alesia, from yet another deadline central... I’m writing a character in my new book, NICE GIRLS FINISH FIRST, who is giving me fits. Literally. I mean, there’s twitching. It’s just not pretty. Why? Because she’s genuinely nice. Brianna is the...Posted by Alesia at 6:52 PM | Comments (1)
Birthday presents
Alesia, from birthday party central... OK, birthday cake is calorie free, right? It’s like a law? If not, it should be. Hey, I’ve lost 9 ½ pounds, so I deserve a little birthday cake!! So Navy Guy proved again that...Posted by Alesia at 10:12 PM | Comments (5)
Election Day Hangover
Alesia, from sick daughter central... I’m so tired and sick you’d think it was from a cheap drunk mixing whiskey and vodka. Sadly, I was stone cold sober all night. I do it to myself every four years – stay...Posted by Alesia at 11:20 AM | Comments (1)
Galleys: the love/hate relationship
Alesia, from Halloween party central... I hate galleys. No, I’m not talking about the tiny kitchen on a boat kind of galleys, although I probably wouldn’t like those much, either, given that I’m claustrophobic and get a little carsick. So...Posted by Alesia at 1:08 PM | Comments (1)
Bestseller lists and petting zoos
Alesia, from Fall Festival central... So, my agent told me that I hit my first bestseller list with SHOP ‘TIL YULE DROP. I jumped around the house, hooraying and dancing a bit, and then finally broke down and called the...Posted by Alesia at 11:34 AM | Comments (0)
Door-to-Door Art Sales and Quadzilla
Alesia, from aching muscles central... Life in Florida gets weirder and weirder, even without the specter and memory of the Dreaded Hanging Chads: We have door-to-door art sales. Also, and I say this in all seriousness, I can hardly lift...Posted by Alesia at 5:53 PM | Comments (2)
Merry Christmas!! um, early.
Alesia, from weird Publisher Time Warp land... So here it is, early October, and my new . . . Christmas book . . . is out. LOL!! Yes, in the weird world of retail, now is the time to start...Posted by Alesia at 10:29 PM | Comments (1)
I HEART NY!!!!
Alesia, from New York... So, I hate to be a gushing tourist, but I love this city. I flew in Tuesday to do a little socializing with my editors and a lot of fun stuff with friends and it’s fabulous,...Posted by Alesia at 10:15 AM | Comments (1)
Mother Nature's Temper Tantrums
Alesia, from hurricane freakin' central... All righty, then. Four hurricanes in a month. I've pretty much had enough of this. And - let me say this right upfront -- I have no right to complain. Zero. The worst damage I...Posted by Alesia at 10:15 PM | Comments (2)
I broke down and joined a gym
Alesia, writing from Hurricane Central... From Alesia, the out of shape: I've always belonged to gyms, 'cause then I have no excuse for not working out. But now that I'm writing full time (and just starting out!), I thought I'd...Posted by Alesia at 9:36 AM | Comments (1)
On dinner parties
Live from Alesia, surrounded by dirty dishes and leftovers -- Why is it that having a house full of people over for dinner always seems like a good idea right up until the day of the party?...Posted by Alesia at 11:07 PM | Comments (0)
just when you thought it was safe to go back in the kitchen . .
or that food couldn't get any scarier than the 3 week old cheesepuffs you had for lunch on deadline, there's this: Recipe Cards from the 70s Snappy mackerel, anyone?? Yum, yum! alesia, cringing...Posted by Alesia at 12:53 PM | Comments (2)
Hello from hurricane central
and I'm not just talking about the inside of my house, post-deadline, this time!! (Oh, did I mention - more than 100 times - that the Book is Done?) I finally finished my second teen chick lit book, SUPER 16,...Posted by Alesia at 11:36 AM | Comments (0)
Lani, Lani, Lani & authors for dinner (um, not in the cannibalistic way)
How many times must I tell you? No more borrowing my tank tops and no more pretending you're in my pictures. Dear Readers: Heard a funny the other day. Someone said, "When I read a good book, it feels as...Posted by Alesia at 2:37 PM | Comments (7)
Hello from Alesia!
Late as usual! :) I see that Lani and Michelle have already told you loads about themselves and I'm popping in to say that I promise, promise, Promise to write a long, dishy post as soon as The Book That...Posted by Alesia at 10:28 PM | Comments (0)
