Somebody passed this to me today, and I thought it was worthwhile to pass on.
Have you ever had a day when it just started out wrong and got worse? Or maybe it started out OK and went downhill from there. Yes, it’s a truism that we take ourselves with us wherever we go — and maybe we do contribute to the over-all sense of life we are experiencing.
But what if…what if…we could see what others are going through…what if…
Got it?
What if that made our day…what if when we reach out, our day changes and so does theirs.
I saw this movie today, and it was surprisingly funny. I hadn’t particularly wanted to go, but I was glad I did.
The entire audience laughed a lot. There were only a few really dumb things, and one character I could have written out, but the main character is so delightful and watchable and innocently kind that she is a pleasure to watch. And she holds many lessons.
There are a couple of questionable things for very young children and some bad language, but not a lot. My girls would love it, at 10 and 12. I think they can handle it.
Shelley (Anna Farris is charming in the part and makes the movie) is living the life of her dreams at the Playboy Mansion. She feels the mansion has given her the home she never had before. (The movie begins with a short montage of her early childhood spent in an orphanage, until she finally found acceptance and a sense of family. This is not dwelt upon, but you might need to be aware of it.)
Hugh Hefner plays himself in several cameos in the movie. It’s good to see his health has improved. I hadn’t realized he was in it.
When Hugh goes off for a time, immediately after Shelley’s 27th birthday party, she is presented with a letter from him giving her 2 hours to leave the premises as she is now ‘too old.’ 27 is now evidently 59 in Bunny years.
How she finds herself the housemother of what likely began as Zeta (Zeta Tau Alpha) but morphed into a close cousin in name, is part of the poignancy and fun. The girls in the house need to pledge 30 girls in order not to lose their charter. How she turns them into a viable sorority is a delight.
There is a typical sorority bitch that has shown up in several movies. (And there is a Bunny bitch too.) In a way this movie is like a female version of Sydney White, but we liked it better. (The theater rated it 3 out of 5.)
It’s easy to imagine Elle Woods living this life. (Colin Hanks plays her love interest.)
She’s definitely a likeable bimbo, and you can’t help but root for her. Many scenes touched my heart.
The Frog Prince is a modern day fairy tale. Because I liked Flirting with Forty so well, I had high expectations for this one.
In a mere 371 pages Holly goes from being a devastated, whiny, soon-to-be divorcee to a sense of personal empowerment. Shortly after Holly marries, she finds her husband evidently never loved her, but felt railroaded into marriage. And he chooses the venue of desire (or lack of) to make his point in a harsh way. Holly is unable to accept what a complete jerk he is. She calls him when she is low and demeans herself more than once, until he basically tells her not to get in touch with him again.
And she thought he was in love with her? I wondered if she was only a field for his homosexuality. She never considers that seriously. I would under the circumstances. Even though he ends up in another heterosexual relationship, I’m not convinced, and I think he would do something similar again with another woman. Not a good bet, for sure. OTOH, Holly was particularly needy. This would be an issue, except the new woman is even ‘needier’ and he is even more railroaded into marriage, though he is the one making the choice, evidently. Give me a break. He’s adult enough to say what he means without a sham marriage.
Meantime, Holly is challenged at work by her boss who ends up sabotaging her. But along the way Holly proves her meddle, makes modest friends, and determines that friendship might be better than having a lover.
In the end, she finds herself and gives a new definition to good girl. She’s good, but she’s no pushover. When she comes out on top, you think, ‘It’s about time!”
I’m not entirely sure that someone who is so far from being empowered could be empowered in a short period of time. Maybe. But in RL, it’s probably harder to move out beyond old habits.
It’s hard for me to relate to her, because I can’t imagine myself this whiny, though I have been devastated more than once in my life in other sorrows. Well, perhaps one person’s whine or rant is another’s deep sorrow. Maybe I was whiny too, but I doubt it. I was grieving, but so is she.
I give it a 2.5. It’s only fair to say there are a lot of positive comments about this book, but it seemed less adult to me than Flirting with Forty, not that I don’t like a good romp with the best of them. This tries to be serious, to have serious subjects, but the connecting points aren’t as well connected.
I enjoyed this book by Fern Michaels. It is only the second one I’ve read by her.
Central to the story are three sisters ranging in age upwards from 69. They were so funny to me, especially when they instigate a ‘kidnapping’ of sorts, which is really a rescue. I suppose what I like about them is that I want to be like them when I get to that point in life — feisty, involved, loving, fun to be around, engaged in what is going on around them, taking care of their families. I wasn’t enamored of the amount of drinking they did. And there is a brief mention of a child born and left to be raised in Japan.
Alongside their stories (and two brief forays into romance for two of them) is the story of their grown niece, interwoven with the stories of the historical nature of where they live, as well as those who live in their neighborhood.
Also central to the story is the subject of organ donation (which was done against the will of well-beloved character.) It ultimates in finding those who received the donations (by computer hacking) — and ultimately redemption.
It is a story of love, affirmation and good will, with a tidy ending, perhaps tidier than real life would be, but evidencing forgiveness.
I think I enjoyed it as much for the older women and their relationship to each other as anything. In some ways they reminded me of a beloved grandmother. While there are difficult subjects tackled, they are tackled in a light way. Sort of like the substance of whipped cream. Not real satisfying, but an attempt to be deeper than the average romance novel.
I’m happy to share this online interview with Jane Porter. She was gracious to spend some time with us. I think you’ll agree that she is a voice we’d like to hear more of.
Jane, I so much enjoyed your book Flirting with 40, and I’m really looking forward to it being a movie! Thanks so much for joining us today.
I understand you have options on another book(s)? I have a friend who has had options also. It’s quite exciting to see it come to fruition on screen. Did you write the script or have any say in the script?
Hi Karin, thanks for inviting me! It’s a pleasure to chat with you. I didn’t write the script. Sony contracted a scriptwriter for the job and she did it beautifully. I was lucky enough to get a peek at it while it was in progress and it was really cool to be included, even briefly, in the process.
The whole book-to-movie experience is great. I spent a week on the set in Hawaii and had a lot of fun. I got to be an extra in beach scenes on two different days, and then wear a headset and sit behind the director and listen in as they filmed. I have to say that it’s been a bit surreal having a movie made of my book, especially starring Heather Locklear.
Were you able to give any input into the casting?
I was asked for suggestions so I got my readers who hang out on my board to help me. We had lots of fun coming up with possibilities but in the end, it was really up to the studio. I n the end it was great that Heather could take the role as she’s a Lifetime viewer favorite.
How did you find yourself writing in the genre that you write in? How did you become an author?
I wrote my first story in pre-school. I was four or five and I’ve written stories ever since. My father was a professor and he wrote-and my mother loved literature and was already reading to us-so writing seemed natural to me. I thought all kids sat down and made up stories, and growing up my favorite books featured girls who wrote as well like Jo from Little Women or Laura from the Little House on the Prairie.
I chose to write stories that appeal to women - that are about women and real life because it’s a topic that fascinates me the most. I love women. I think we women have to be compassionate towards each other, but also ourselves and being a teacher, I just found it easy to write stories that encourage and support each other.
What is your favorite type of romance to read? Is it the same as what you write?
I love historical and paranormal romances! I was on a Mary Balogh binge for a few months, and because I go on binges I’ll read as much as I can by a particular author and then rotate authors to get a new style. Some of my favorite authors this past year include JR Ward, Loretta Chase, Mary Balogh, and Anna Campbell. Outside romance I read everything I can by Marian Keyes, although Watermelon is probably still my favorite. One of my favorite books I’ve read this year is Seeing Me Naked by Liza Palmer. It’s wonderful and I highly recommend it.
I notice that you have a book title contest. That’s fun! Have you done this before? I often wondered whether it was the author that titles a book or the printing house.
They are fun! I’ve done them before and it’s always interesting to see what titles everyone comes up with for the same story. Unfortunately as an author, I don’t really have much say in the title but the publisher asks for input and that’s my purpose for hosting the title contest. I want ideas and suggestions and I send them all to my editor once they come in and after that, it’s out of my hands. Marketing has the final say on titles because they know exactly what has better chances o selling the book.
How do you decide character names?
Sometimes the names just pop into my head as I think of the story and I know it’s the right one. Other times, it takes some time and inventive research to find the right name to fit the right character.
What advice do you have for others who are interested in writing?
As with anything, don’t give up. Don’t accept defeat. Keep learning, keep applying what you learn about the craft, about the world, about you to the story. Writing is a muscle and requires muscle. Learning to write well takes time. It’s like hitting the gym to build a bicep. You only get a better, stronger muscle by working it. Well, the same is true for writing. Of course good writers make it look easier than it is so don’t be discouraged if you have to write and rewrite.
What are some challenges in writing romance? Any particular genre of romance more difficult to pull off? What kind of research do you do, if any? Is there anything you wish you’ve seen in a romance novel — and are you writing it for us?
I love writing romance and find it very rewarding as love really does make the world go round. I don’t know if one genre is harder than another to pull off. I’m fascinated by them all and enjoy researching for my Harlequin Presents. I tend to read lots of historical accounts, biographies, travel logues, travel books, cook books, and magazine articles when outlining and planning a new book. I want to know as much as I can about a country and culture and the conflicts between men and women in that culture. Obviously a sheikh from Dubai will have a different way on interacting with women than an American or an Italian. The climate is different in every country, as are the foods and customs and I don’t just want to write a ‘romance’, I want to write a rich layered fantasy that seduces the reader and the senses.
I prefer personally to read a more emotional, intense romance. I love deep conflict and angst and sensual love scenes but those love scenes must come out of the character’s emotion and conflict, not just stuck on top. Great writers are writing these books and I’m just lucky I’m able to read them!
Do you ever get writer’s block? If so, how do you handle it? What do you find difficult, if anything, about writing? And what do you like the best?
I don’t believe in writer’s block. I see difficulties in writing related more to craft or knowledge, or sometimes physical fatigue. Sometimes I make a mistake writing a story which leads me to a dead-end. I won’t know I’ve taken a wrong turn until I can’t seem to move the story forward, or if I’ve begun to make a series of wrong decisions. Then I just end up in a muddle and I won’t write for awhile until I figure out where I went wrong.
The most difficult part of writing for me is the time alone, and also the wear and tear on the body from sitting in one place so long and typing like mad for hours. I have to be sure to get lots of exercise when I’m writing hard as the days tend to be long and it’s easy to get carpal tunnel like symptons in my wrist and elbow.
Was it difficult to get published? How did you find your agent?
It was hard. Lots of hard work – but totally worth it. It took me fifteen years to sell my first book. I had over twelve rejected manuscripts before I finally sold my first book in January 2000. I actually write for two publishers–very different stuff–and since January 2000 I have written and sold 30 novels. It’s been an a lot of work but I’m living my dream. I’m read around the world. I’m published in over twenty-five countries and nineteen languages. I even have Sony and Lifetime making a movie out of one of my books (Flirting with Forty). This is why I didn’t quit. I wanted to see if I could do it. I wanted to know I could achieve it. I wanted to prove that anything is possible.
Do you work on deadlines now? How long does it usually take you to write a book?
Yes. I think every writer’s life revolves around deadlines. We just have to develop a system to handle them as works best for us.
I try to plan in advance as much as possible and then block out time. If I know I’m on deadline for a book, the last 4-6 weeks will be grueling with 10-18 hour days at the computer so before and after I block out dedicated mom time, time where I don’t need the sitter over, and I plan a fun trip or weekend activity with the boys. Same thing for my social life. Once I’ve been freed from my deadline, I try to catch up with girl friends and have coffees and lunch as when I’m writing hardcore I literally only leave my house to take kids to school and sport events. When the pressure is on me, everything falls away but work and kids.
What about bedroom scenes? What makes a good one? (I know I’ve been turned away from books where it was crude.)
These can be tricky and I can read things I can’t write, but I’m writing fewer love scenes than I used to. I think we all know what sex is and in a book where there isn’t a lot of emotion a love scene reminds me of a game of Twister–right hand on yellow dot, left foot on blue–so for me, the love scene must not just be about physical desire and physical pleasure but the emotional, psychological and spiritual connection between the two.
How do you define love?
Love validates the self. Love makes one feel important and valued and real. Which is why I like to write about all kinds of love in my books–not just romance, but love between friends, sisters, parents and children. Love really does make the world go round.
What do you hope your readers will gain from your books?
As I touched on above , I write about women, for women. If we want the world different for our daughters we have to be the ones to demand change and although I have boys not girls, I want the world different for all the little girls coming after me. I want to be strong, powerful, courageous and encourage children to be the same. We should teach our girls to be brave and encourage them to face discrimination and talk about what makes us hurt and what makes us hope and make sure that we’re part of the decision making. It’s important girls understand that life’s hard, sometimes very hard, but it’s also gorgeous and fascinating, challenging, rewarding and complex and that there will be times life is going to smack you and hurt you and knock you to your knees but you can get up. Falling down won’t break you. Falling down is just part of getting stronger and smarter and more compassionate. Falling and failing happen to all of us. And this is why I write. I want women to know what it’s taken my forty years to figure out–that life is only as good as you give, and you have to fight hard for what you want, including fighting for happiness. We all deserve love, joy, freedom, peace and respect. We all deserve the good stuff but the good stuff doesn’t just fall into our laps. We’re going to have to work for it.
What do you do to relax and get away from writing? I’m sure you find ideas all around you! Is there something that really gets you away from it all?
When not writing, I read, and travel. Love to travel, be with my kids, love new places and new experiences. I am always looking for a new adventure!
What are your hopes for the future?
More books, more time with friends, more travel, and hopefully, one more baby.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? When can we expect your next book?
I’m so glad you invited me to join you. This has been great fun. I always have lots of contests and conversations over on my website, www.janeporter.com, including info on my next book which is a July ‘09 release from 5 Spot. For the Harlequin fans, I’ll have another book out late in 2009 as well.
Thank you, Jane, for being here.
Jane has offered us a signed copy of Odd Mom Out, her September book which is the first of the two connected novels set in Bellevue. If you’d like to be included in this contest, leave a message here, and we will include you in this contest.
I came across this interesting woman, Ruth Hamilton, yesterday, and now I can’t remember where. Perhaps you’ve looked at my various links and seen the link to the oldest blogger — well Ruth was even older — 109, imagine! And embracing new technology!
If you want to see and listen to a woman, born in 1898, who was the first women elected to the legislature in New Hampshire, who was one of the first women to have a radio talk show, who taught diction to movie stars, have fun perusing this site for more of her.
I’m always on the look out for people who lead interesting lives as they age — and for the ones that younger people gravitate toward because they have a zest for life that is contagious. If you play around at the site, you will find her eulogy and also information about a book she wrote as well as excerpts. It’s fun listening to her talk about God. For example, she asks God why she has lived so long, and all she hears is, “Shut up!”
Who do you know who might qualify as another Ruth? I’d love to have more real life stories of real men and women who are living vibrant lives as they get older.
This book is a coming of age book for the forty- or fifty- or sixty- year olds. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Not only was it entertaining, it was affirming and real — or as real as it could be if you were in these circumstances.
Jackie Laurens is the divorced mother of two young children. She and her husband had grown apart in their twelve years of marriage, as people do, but the deciding factor was his affair. It’s hard to know if he did or didn’t, but he isn’t very nice at the moment, and she found out through emails.
Jackie finds her life turned upside down. It is lonely in many ways as she figures her way out after the divorce. Her long time friends don’t understand where she’s coming from. Their husbands are friends with her ex-. They all feel in some way she should have settled for what she had, not taken steps to correct it. But her husband is showing his true stripes in his dealings with her, so I figure she did the right thing. And they’d like her to date again. Basically, her friends would like it to be as it had been — that way they don’t have to think too hard about their own lives.
Complicating it all, is that in the midst of her heartache, her kids are being typical bratty kids with their sibling arguments, as well as repeating what they have obviously heard from their dad.
One of her group of friends, Anne, decides to treat the two of them to a few days in Hawaii. We know Anne’s husband isn’t enamored of the idea — and he gets sick moments before Anne is supposed to show up at the airport. And he gets well, just as quickly when she calls Jackie to say she won’t be showing, but Jackie should go on her own.
Jackie’s already at the airport, and her kids are at their dad’s. So she bites the bullet, gets upgraded to first class, and heads to Hawaii on her own. Somewhere in the last 12 years of marriage she has lost herself. The woman who used to have a spirit of adventure, who used to travel on her own with no qualms, fights against her better judgment in order to go ahead with the trip.
I loved her stream of consciousness as she finds out who she is again. Many women could identify with this and have found themselves at similar crossroads.
In some ways it reminds me of the book (and movie) that is similar to this whose name I have mercifully forgotten. The one where the author had a similar experience in RL.
Anyway, in Hawaii she finds Kai, the surf instructor who is significantly younger than she is, but at 30 to her turning 40, it is a doable age difference. She should count herself lucky! The alternatives were the older, paunchy guys, multiple married, rich, but creepy.
Of course, her friends and ex- are dead set against this match, never mind that her ex- is with a younger woman. But she travels back to Hawaii more than once to see him, finding happiness along the way. And she deserves it.
She talks about past miscarriages and experiences one in this book, for those who would find that hard.
I give it a 3.5. I think I’d like to read it again now that I know where it is heading. While it is chick lit, it is not typical. It has more thought in it, as well as being life encouraging and affirming for those of us who could use some.
You might like to know that Heather Locklear has been cast as Jackie in the Lifetime original movie of Flirting with Forty set to premiere December 2008.
When it comes to facial treatment products, I find that I like to at least sample products that friends have led me to. If a friend recommends a product as accomplishing what it is hyped to do, I rely more on their judgment than an ad campaign.
How about you? Have you tried (or bought) something recommended to you by a RL or online friend? Did you find yourself more satisfied with it? (Or trying something you might never have found or tried on your own? There is such a plethora of products now, who can sort through them all?)
There’s something about it that makes me happy. Maybe there is even less buyer’s remorse or second guessing.
Since I was about at the end of a couple of products, I bought something completely new to me on the strength or recommendations. They are significantly less money than the products I have finished. I’ll let you know what I think of them after trying them for a couple of weeks or so.
One of my early pleasures in life was bike riding. There was something about the freedom of it all — being able to go fast, get places on my own, with the wind in my hair, seeing the neighborhood sights up close and more easily than in the car. And it is so much faster than walking! I like to get there!
I still get the same exhilaration. When I’m on my bike, it makes me wonder why it was so long until I rode again. Partly it is because traffic here is heavier and heavier and feels like a speedway. Safety is a factor, after all. And I’ve taken some spills, which I would just as soon avoid, if possible. And then there are the things of life that tend to get in the way, but there is a break in them right now, and I have so much enjoyed the freedom of my bike again.
I’d like to build up my stamina. I have to do it before it gets too hot to enjoy it in the same way. And I have to be able to pedal well against the wind. I don’t think I’d ever be able to take on hills. We call speed bumps our hills here, as it is so flat.
I take it as a plus, though, that I have actually begun to ride again. I’m taking back my life, LOL!
Do you like to bike ride? Do you actually do it? How far do you go? (A friend biked over 13 miles with her husband not too long ago.)
