A Very WoW Christmas ;-)

Allora and "friend" all decked out for the season.

Ahh time off

It's so nice not being at work this week! I wish I never had to go back. Not that I mind my job - I love it - but the freedom of sleeping in and meeting friends to write our books in Starbucks etc. is very nice too.

Yesterday I got my ears re-pierced. I haven't worn earings in years and years. I hope this time I'll be able to without them getting infected. I'm told if I stick with gold it will be less irritating. I got white gold though cause I'm not a fan of yellow. Anyway, it's funny to look in the mirror and see sparkly studs in my ears. I like them so far. :)

I cooked a steak dinner for Liz and Stacy and they both swore I am the best cook ever. I tried to tell them it was just throwing them on a fry pan and really anyone could do it, but I was proud none the less. I would love to start cooking more if people will come over to eat what I make. It's boring to cook for one's self, which is why I never bother.

After dinner we went and got manicures then headed over to Park Blue where we met up with Leanna and Jacob for some pre-clubbing drinks. Then Stacy went home (she had to work early) and the rest of us went to try out Contemp, a monthly goth night we hadn't gone to before. The music could have been better, but the space was really nice. Good size dance floor and plenty of places to lounge. I'd go back.

Today I've got to work on my copy edits for Gamer Girl. They're due after New Year's so I'm running out of time. I did finish going over my Karma Kitty galleys yesterday, so that was some progress. What I really want to do is get back to writing Razor Girl.

That's about all going on here!

Marianne

Mom Recap

Had a great time with my mom visiting this week. Sad she had to go back to Florida today. Not that I want her living in my studio apartment forever, haha, but it'd be nice if she lived nearby. Oh wellz.

We didn't get to go ice skating cause the weather was crappy yesterday, but we did most everything else we set out to do. We saw the musical Legally Blonde on Broadway, which was very cute. We also saw Enchanted at the movies, also fun. (I get to do all the chick flick stuff when Mom's in town.) We ate down at Little Italy and saw the Christmas lights on 5th Avenue and Rockerfeller Center, etc. etc. It's so crowded in town - I can't imagine what it's like on New Year's!

I need to get back to writing as it was hard to work while having a guest. Luckily I don't have to go back to work til Weds so I should be able to make some headway on that. It's so nice to have Christmas week off!

Okay, time to go back to bed. Had woke up to put Mom in a taxi and needed to decompress. But I need my sleep as we're going wine bar'ing and then clubbing tonight.

Mar

Twas the Day after Christmas!

A few Christmas photos:

My New York apartment size fiber optic Christmas tree!! Sadly, you can't see its uber coolness when the lights are out...

It was so warm on Christmas Day Mom and I were able to take a walk in Central Park and try out the new digital camera my brother and I got her.

We went out to eat at a delicious Irish place called Kennedy's on 57th and 8th for a traditional turkey Christmas dinner. And Molly got herself a Christmas burger!! :)

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

I hope you all have a fabulous holiday!! I am hanging with my Mom and it's really nice out for NYC in the winter. :) More later!!

Marianne

TGIF!

Last day of work before my huge long vacation! Yay!

Last night Liz and I worked on our books at Starbucks and then went over to the movies to watch Juno, which was really, really good. I highly recommend it. It’s so funny and irreverent. Plus Arrested Development alums Jason Bateman and Michael Cerra are in it. Too funny.

Tonight we’re going to go see I Am Legend. Can’t Wait!! No clubbing tonight though ‘cause our beloved goth nightspot has switched from weekly to monthly events. So the next one won’t be until January 4th. So sad. Jacob and I are going to try to fight some clubbing debauchery on Sunday night though, since there’s no work on Monday.

I have come to the realization that I want a Kindle. It might be my overflowing bookshelf in my small studio apartment or the fact that I’m a geek who finds wirelessly downloading books at a moment’s notice an appealing concept. Or maybe I’m just a sucker for Amazon's savvy marketing. But for the first time since I heard of an e-reader, I actually want one. Of course at $400 want =/= have. So it's paper for now...

Speaking of spending money, Liz and I have finally figured out when to go to Tokyo. It’s been nearly impossible to schedule due to conferences, work commitments, and weather, but we’ve narrowed it down to the first week of June. Nine day trip. It should be AMAZING. A once in a lifetime experience. I cannot WAIT.

That’s about all for now. Have a great weekend everyone!

Marianne

Is it Friday Yet?

Work holiday party was super fun. I'd give highlights, but it's probably best if I don't sell out my coworkers on the Internet. ;-) Suffice to say, we went to a place called Public House which had yummy pomegranate martinis.

Tonight Liz and I are going to work on our books and then hopefully go see Juno. Looks like a cute movie. I’ll let you know.

Today I attended a romance novel cover shoot! We’re doing a story for Better TV on what goes into a romance novel cover. So today we went to the actual photo shoot. It was for a CL Wilson book. Was pretty cool to watch. The model was very pretty and had a cool dress and one of those glass balls like David Bowie has in Labyrinth. I also met the artist Judy York who is doing my Razor Girl cover. She sounded very excited about the cover so I can’t wait to see it!

It’s so cool to see the “behind the scenes” stuff. Our story won’t air until late January or early February though – cause there’s a lot more work that goes into the cover before it’s ready for prime time. But I have to say, I think it’s going to come out good!!

Tomorrow is my last day of work before my extra long vacation! Can't wait!

Marianne

Work Xmas party day!

For those of you who think I go out every night of the week, I’ll have you know that last night I cleaned my apartment while watching Alias. (I’m more than halfway through Season #1 by the way. Thank you to Stacy for letting me borrow it.) I watch TV like I read books – from season beginning to end – without watching anything else in between. I think next I’ll get Season #3 of Beverly Hills 90210 which they just put out on DVD. And I’ve go to get around to watching season 1 of Heroes one of these days. (Anyone want to loan me those DVDs?) Oh and I want to watch The Hills, too. I figure if I’m going to time suck by watching TV it should be as trashy as possible.

Anyway, back to my apartment. I even got ambitious and scrubbed the kitchen and bathroom floors! Only to have my dog traipse in an inordinate amount of mud after this morning’s walk. Thanks Molls! The cleaning obsession has been brought to you by “Mom’s Upcoming Trip to NYC” which is in like 5 days, in case you were wondering.

And for those of you who are already bored listening to my cleaning/DVD adventures, I’ve got my work Christmas party tonight. I’m happy about that cause at my old work they basically handed you a 25 dollar gift card to Stop and Shop and that was it. Tonight we’ve got two hours of open bar and free food!! Should be fun – especially since I actually LIKE everyone I work with. (Crazy, I know!)

That’s about all that’s going on. Except I can’t believe Britney Spear’s sister is pregnant at 16. And that her mother sold the story to OK magazine! No wonder Brit is so messed up – she obviously comes from an insane family!! The Spears and the Lohans should get together and film a reality show or something!

Oh and I’ve become obsessed with reading Julia Allison’s blog. I totally want to invite her out for drinks.

Marianne

<3 Tom Brady!

I’m not a huge football fan, but when the Patriots are doing so well, I can’t help but be a little excited. Also, I was a huge Tom Brady fangirl until he left his preggo gf for a Brazilian supermodel – which just sort of left a bad taste in my mouth. Still, that Tom sure has a nice smile. And a great arm. The Pats are STILL undefeated. They are so going all the way. Again. I really want them to play The Cowboys in the Superbowl so I can text jeering messages to Dallas boy Jacob every time they score. Haha. But stupid Dallas lost this weekend and may ruin my evil texting plan. Most people are blaming Jessica Simpson ‘cause she’s hooking up with Tony Romo. Rigggght.

For the record, Tony Romo has nothing on Tom Brady in the hot quarterbacks department. But he sure is a heck of a lot cuter than Peyton Manning.

Funny how I have no desire to move back to Boston but still would never consider rooting for New York teams. Of course my dad would disown me if I ever liked the Yanks. Luckily I’m genetically bred not to. I still have my t-shirt “Real Girls Don’t Date Yankees Fans.” I don’t wear it too much anymore though…

Last night our new SWAT writer’s group met to write and gossip. It’s going to be a regular Monday night thing. I was too tired to actually get much done though. But it was good to see everyone. SWAT stands for something, but I’m not sure what, so don’t ask.

Work holiday party tomorrow night. I Am Legend movie going on Friday. House cleaning for mom’s visit – every free second I get!

Mar

Vampire Ball

Picture from the vampire party at last year's Romantic Times convention, courtesy of author Shannon Emmel. Thanks Shannon! :)

Serena Robar, me, editor Chris Keeslar, Caridad Ferrer, and Alesia Holiday/Alyssa Day. LOVE Serena's vampire slayer costume! It was a vamps of the old west party, btw. Though I obviously just went with the Emo Vamp look, which is pretty much an everyday look for me.

Monday

Liz and my party was an amazing success. Lots of people and everyone seemed to have a good time. It has inspired us to throw more parties in the future, so stay tuned. We really want to do theme parties actually. Cause you know we love an excuse to dress up! :)

Saturday I went to Connecticut to spend an early Christmas with my Dad and step family. It was nice to see everyone and I had a good time. We ate at a delicious Italian place that had my favorite – buttenut squash ravioli. Oh and I got the best Christmas gift – a pair of 14 hole docs martin boots. They obviously read my blog!!!

Sunday I had to come into work to finish a script and then Liz and I met up with Jacob at this restaurant called Employees Only. Was yummy. Later on, Jacob and his friend Trey and I went clubbing. I’m not sure the name of the place we went, but it was We went to Cielo in the Meat Packing district. (I was scene'y! I'm so ashamed! LOL!) I was happy to dance cause I didn’t go out on Friday to our normal haunt. This is the last week at work before Christmas break. My mom arrives a week from today!

Marianne

Party Day!

Went ice skating at Rockerfeller Center with Jacob last night. Was pretty cool - a very New York kind of moment. The tree there is absolutely stunning. We're going to go ice skating again soon but I think next time we'll try Central Park, which is bigger and likely less crowded. Had dinner and drinks after that. Was a fun night.

Tonight Liz and I are holding our holiday party. Yay! I think we'll have like 16 people there, which is a good group. Though with the snow there may be a few no-shows. Oh well, no matter what we'll have a good time, I'm sure.

I got my copy edits for Gamer Girl. The copy editor went a bit overboard with her pencil, I think. She changed a lot of my IMs to more proper English. Heh. As if kids write that way. :) I am going to be STET'ing a lot, I think. Still, I am excited to see this book shaping up. Can't wait to get an ARC of it.

Speaking of ARCs, I'm getting a copy of my News Blues ARC today. Woot. I really need to update my website to include this book (and the rest of my back list). I did write an article for Romantic Times Magazine on working and writing about TV News. So that's cool.

For those who asked, yes Razor Girl is a SHOMI book. Comes out in September 08. My releases next year are:

News Blues - March
These Boots Were Made for Stomping (anthology) - April
Razor Girl - September
Gamer Girl - November

I am kind of psyched today cause I sent an email asking a question to one of my favorite writers, Cory Doctorow (a cyberpunk type who wrote the fab book "Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom") and he wrote me back. Now I can list him as great writer AND nice guy. He has a very cool blog, too, which I recommend.

Okay I'm blabbing so more later. Will take pics at the party to share with those of you who can't make it!

Marianne

Razor Girl - Back Cover Copy

Got my back cover copy for Razor Girl today. Check it out below and let me know what you think! Now all I need is a cover. :)

---

THE WORLD HAS ENDED, MOLLY.
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO NOW?

Molly Anderson is not your average twenty-one year old. It’s been more than a decade since she and her family escaped into a bunker, led by her conspiracy theorist father and his foreknowledge of a plot that would bring about the apocalypse. But her father’s precautions didn’t stop there. Molly is now built to survive.

Yes, Ian Anderson’s favorite book gave him ideas on how to “improve” his daughter. Molly is faster, stronger, and her ocular implants and razor-tipped nails set her apart. Apart, when—venturing alone out of the bunker and into a plague- ravaged, monster-ridden wilderness—what Molly wants most is togetherness. Chase Griffin, her one childhood crush, is her best bet. But while he and others have miraculously survived, the kind boy has become a tormented man. Together, these remnants of humanity must struggle toward trusting each other and journey to the one place Molly’s father believed all civilization would be reborn: the Magic Kingdom, where everyone knows it’s a small world after all.

----

Ah Monday

Had a good weekend. Friday Leanna and I watched a movie then went clubbing. There was a band, but it was a good one. Our favorite DJ was not there, but we danced ‘til 2am anyway. Definitely a fun time. Saturday Liz and I had a good writing session – I get so much more done with a writing buddy! Then Saturday night I played WoW, of course. We unsuccessfully raided Zul Aman. Kind of a waste of time since we didn’t get past the first boss. On Sunday Liz, Stacy, Anne and I went to the Anime Fest. That was very cool – lots of amazing cosplay. They had the best gothic lolita outfits at one stand. Sadly I’m broke so I couldn’t buy anything, but I got the woman’s card. Great to see American designers of Goth Loli – will save tons on the shipping costs.

BTW Liz and I are throwing a holiday party on Thursday at an UWS bar. New York friends, if you did not get an Evite it’s cause I’m lousy at keeping everyone’s email addresses organized. Email or comment if you want to come and I’ll add you to the list. The more the merrier!

Marianne

Yay Friday!

Whew. Glad it's Friday. Was a busy week shooting holiday stories. Today we shot one on Creative Holiday Party Ideas, which was fun and gave me good inspiration for future parties. I'll link it when the segment is up on Better.tv in two weeks.

Tonight Leanna's coming over to watch a movie since Liz is too sick to go to Beowulf. Then we'll probably go clubbing as has become our Friday tradition. Fun fun. We're going to reschedule the Beowulf movie night though so those interested send me an email or comment and I'll let you know when. I'm thinking maybe Thursday of this coming week.

Did everyone see the new Sex and the City movie trailer? I'm sooo excited about this! I can't wait til May when it's out. I hope they put out some more teasers soon. I should really re-watch the entire series now that I live in NYC - just to check out all the geography stuff.

I don't know if I mentioned this, but my mom is coming here for Christmas this year so we're going to have a NYC Christmas. I think we will go skating at Rockerfeller Plaza, see Legally Blonde the musical, go on a holiday lights bus tour, and see the Empire State Building. Should be a good time and better yet - it means I don't have to leave the city!

That said, I totally have to plan a trip home to Boston in January.

Mar

Is it Friday yet?

Didn’t go ice skating last night ‘cause it was cold and snowy, but Jacob and I did go to Cowgirl, a fun kind of honky tonk restaurant in the village where we had margaritas in boot shaped glasses. Haha. I am on a mission to taste every flavor of frozen margarita out there. Last night I had cherry and peach. Cherry was a little weird. My favorite still is the coconut margarita at Harry’s Burritos by my apartment. According to Jacob, Cowgirl is the only place in NYC where you can get a decent chicken fried steak. (He is a Texas transplant so he knows.) I don’t really get why one would want to fry steak, but maybe that’s ‘cause I’m a Yankee girl. My chicken quesadilla was good though.

Afterwards, we went to Art Bar, which is a great cozy bar with smooshy couches and really good alternative music. I loved it there and will definitely go back. Got home around 12:30 so I’m a bit tired today. But it was worth it. I love to try out new places in the city and find hidden gems. New York is such an amazing place.

Liz’s delicate California constitution has not been able to brave New York cold and she’s gotten sick already. So I don’t think we’ll be going to the movies tomorrow. It’ll be a weird weekend – everyone I know is either sick, going to holiday parties, or flying home to run marathons. Maybe I’ll actually get some writing done.

Mar

Quick Update

Met a very nice author last night. Brooke, Dorchester’s sales manager, took Liz and I out for drinks so we could meet Jean Marie Pierson, a new Dorchester author who wrote an upcoming March chick lit called “No Good Girls.” We were a little nervous at first – you know how it is when people are like “You will love this person!”, but it turned out she was lovely and smart and interesting! Total writer friend potential. Brooke was so right and I’m glad she made the introduction. By the way, we went to The Blue Bar in the Algonquin on 44th Street. The legendary haunt of Dorothy Parker. Was very cool and yummy old time cocktails. They have one cocktail on the menu called the Diamond Martini – which costs $10,000 and has a diamond at the bottom of the glass. Needless to say we didn’t order that!

Tonight I’m going to dinner and then ice skating. Such a New York thing to do, huh?

I saw one of the new Shomi covers (Eve Kenin’s?) for the summer round and it’s fantastic. No more manga look – more of an urban fantasy kind of thing. But I like it a lot. Can’t wait to see mine! I also can’t wait for the final, final Dutton cover cause I want to post that too. I’ve been walking around with it in my bag and showing strangers off the street, I love it so much. (Okay, maybe not strangers, but my friends are sick of seeing it.)

On Friday Liz and I are planning a trip to see Beowulf on IMAX 3D. Need to invite Leanna and Stacy and anyone else who's around and wants to go. What do you say guys? (This is the laziest invite ever! Worse than texting.)

Okay must run! More updates soon.
MAr

Blog Updating

I got scolded for my blog slackerdom at the NYC RWA Christmas party this weekend so I’m updating now! It’s been a busy, but fun few weeks. Some highlights in no particular order of importance:

• Made an apple pie for Thanksgiving and it didn’t suck.
• I’m healthy! Got a 95/100 on my wellness screening at work, meaning I save $300 on health insurance this year. (woot!)
• Liz moved to town from LA and is now practically my neighbor! Watch out Big Apple!!
• New wine bar opened up in the first floor of my apartment building and it’s really nice with good wine and food.
• Going to the Anime Fest this weekend – still trying to decide on costume.
• Got cover for Gamer Girl and it ROCKS – can’t show it yet, but soon!!
• Started working on Razor Girl. No cover yet.
• Friday night goth clubbing has now become a regular weekly event.
  
  

That’s all I’ve got right now. I promise to post more regularly from now on!

Marianne