Television's Most Famous Bully Pens Kids' Book on Bullying

It's no surprise that nearly three years ago Jane Lynch's memoir Happy Accidents hit the New York Times and Los Angeles Times bestseller lists, among others. Her candid and surprisingly relatable story was one every Glee fan was dying to get their hands on (myself included. It was amazing, FYI. I listened on audiobook). 

Now, the comedic actress who plays television's most famous bully, Sue Sylvester, has written a children's book on bullying: Marlene, Marlene, Queen of Mean. (And yes, she did so after admitting that she herself was once a bully.)

I've gotta say, I'm pretty excited to take a look at this one when it pubs later this month (9/23) from Random House Books for Young Readers. BuzzFeed tells us more:

In reality, Jane Lynch couldn’t be less like the character she plays on Glee. Sue Sylvestor is the oft mean-spirited high school cheerleading coach from hell. Lynch is a mild-mannered comedic actress and now, author. She did, however, spend some time as as a playground agitator as a child, which inspired her to write the children’s book Marlene, Marlene, Queen of Mean with consult from her then-spouse, psychologist Lara Embry. 

She and Embry were casually discussing their own childhoods when they came to the same observation about themselves as young girls. “We both admitted that we were kind of bullying. Especially when we were younger,” Lynch told BuzzFeed. Despite what their childhood behavior would suggest, both women admit they were actually just trying to make friends. “We found this the easiest way to do it because it works. Bullying works on a level. You get to be part of the group. The catch is, you’re never really equal. People are afraid of you. You inspire fear more than you inspire companionship.” 

The book is gorgeously illustrated by Tricia Tusa, and Lynch is excited to praise the vision of Marlene that Tusa brought to fruition. “We wanted her to look awkward. She has a bow that’s way too big for her head. She’s got freckles and long limbs and she’s just a goofy kid. [Tricia] nailed it.” 

In the book, the turning point for Marlene comes when another kid stands up to her. Big Freddy, another student, doesn’t challenge her to a fight or say mean things, he just points out what every other kid has failed to realized about her — she’s just not that scary. 

“There’s always one advanced soul,” Lynch says. “Just one of those kids who wants everyone to get along and has the wisdom of someone beyond their age. They can see into the heart of the person doing the bullying. ‘You’re not that mean and you’re not even that tall. Why don’t you just be friends with us?’ And it works.” 

After her confrontation with Big Freddy, Marlene attempts to change her behavior with other kids, and mostly succeeds. It’s acknowledged that there is some backsliding, but Lynch says that was absolutely intentional. “We’re not going to turn her into a cardboard cutout of the perfect child. She still makes mistakes, like we all do, and she has to re-learn the same lesson over and over again. But she’s had the big epiphany. And that’s the important thing.” 

In fact, Lynch believes that children who are bullies often show the signs of natural giftedness in leadership. She believes that while it’s important to correct the actions that victimize other children, it’s just as important to foster the awakening of something else in the child who bullies. There is a very positive trait — especially for girls — hidden beneath all of that overly aggressive demanding. 

“She is who she is. This is a little girl who is a bright light and is probably going to run a corporation someday,” Lynch said. “We don’t want to tell her that who she is at base is wrong. She has great leadership skills. Her natural gift is that she’s great at leading. She loves to be in an authority position. She just needed some redirection. Now, she’s just going to be a great boss who takes into consideration people’s individuality, and their feelings. But ultimately, she’s not going to change her stripes.” 

You can preorder Marlene, Marlene, Queen of Mean here. Available everywhere September 23rd! 

See the original post HERE

Famous Non-Mystery Literary Characters Turn Sleuth

I've always enjoyed a good mystery novel. When done right, it can keep you on the edge of your seat, keep you guessing and exercising that good ole brain. So I was intrigued to learn of some upcoming books that feature famous literary characters.

Now, I struggle sometimes with books that use either real people from the past as fictional characters or characters that have been pried away from their actual creators. It can feel a little disingenuous or unoriginal, if not done perfectly (Think of the film Midnight in Paris. Nailed it.), but nonetheless this list from the Toast is an interesting one:

I recently stumbled upon a new novel – the first of a projected series – starring Eliza Doolittle and Henry Higgins. Solving murders. Here are some other upcoming releases featuring famous literary heroes and heroines.  

1. The Hunny Killer, featuring Rabbit (from A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh novels.) A.A. Milne’s Hundred Acre wood may be a symbol for enduring childlike innocence, but we all knew it had to have a darker side. When Owl is found strangled in his tree, Rabbit discovers that what he thought was his peaceful, close-knit community is actually a hotbed of crime and perversion. We’ve always known Tigger was a speed addict, but have we ever asked ourselves who his dealer is? The answer may shock you. But Rabbit’s own demons may get in the way of his quest to bring Owl’s killer to justice when Kanga starts to blackmail him about their illicit affair. 

2. Charlotte Bartlett and the Mystery of the Slightly but Unacceptably Delayed Train, featuring Charlotte Bartlett (from E.M. Forster’s A Room with a View.) This demure, rather sour Edwardian lady finds crime in the unlikeliest of places! In between glowering disapproval at all and sundry and cockblocking Lucy Honeychurch, Miss Bartlett finds plenty of time to solve mysteries. Perfect for Downton Abbey aficionados, the Charlotte Bartlett mysteries will explore the seedier side of genteel British life – the indomitable Charlotte can investigate bamboozled dowagers, jilted parlormaids, and the appalling crime of crumpet theft, with her unmatched censorious flair.

3. Stranger Danger, featuring Meursault (from Albert Camus’s L’Étranger.) Imprisoned after committing a senseless murder, Camus’s disaffected hero grasps the meaningless of a random universe – and his unemotional outlook gives him a unique insight into murder. After his execution is stayed when Meursault successfully solves the unexplained death of a fellow inmate, he becomes a highly sought-after consultant to the colonial police force in Algeria. 

4. The Hell Jar, featuring Esther Greenwood (from Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar.) Who, in their difficult teenage years, didn’t relate to Plath’s angst-ridden, tortured heroine? But maybe all Esther needs is a little purpose and mental stimulation, and what is more purposeful and stimulating than solving a juicy murder? Esther’s first adventure happens during her stay in the mental hospital, when a fellow patient is drowned in his bath. Esther’s keen mind zeroes in on the most likely suspects. Her brassy friend Doreen proves a worthy Watson, and soon Esther’s blues are dispelled in the thrill of hunting a ruthless killer.  

5. Get Death to a Nunnery, featuring Hamlet (from Shakespare’s Hamlet.) What if Hamlet didn’t die? That’s the question this edgy historical series poses. Revived moments after curtain fall, Hamlet suddenly finds himself king. Yet, ennui sets in as he ponders endlessly which nation to enter into an alliance with and which advisor to promote. When the ghost of his father returns with new revelations, Hamlet finds himself drawn into yet another murder, this one in a convent. He doesn’t want to get involved, yet when a troubled young novice asks him for help, he is irresistibly reminded of his lost love Ophelia. 

6. Bump the Hostess, featuring George and Martha (from Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?) Albee’s famous couple is set to join the ranks of our most memorable crime-solving spouses, from Tommy and Tuppence to Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane. When a fellow professor is strangled after being invited to one of their drinks parties, George and Martha find themselves prime suspects in a murder investigation. Could they have killed to conceal their terrible secret? Eager to clear their names, George and Martha find themselves embroiled in a web of deceit and hate.  

See the original post HERE

I've gotta say, it is likely I will snag a copy of The Hell Jar, and re-read The Bell Jar before cracking the new book's spine. The Hunny Killer I might check out, too, just for kicks. ;)

Ah, the intrigue!

Cover Reveal: "Unleashed" by Sophie Jordan!

I am so excited to be part of the cover reveal for the second book in New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan's awesome YA series, Uninvited, I can't even stand it. I've blogged about Sophie's work before because she is just so full of awesome, but today, you get to be one of the first to see the cover and read the description. You lucky readers, you. ;)

Buuuuut I'm going to keep you hanging for just a little longer while I give you a little background on the series...

The first book in the two-book series, the aptly titled Uninvited, is definitely a story you don't want to miss. I read it in a matter of days, just wanting to keep turning the pages for hours on end. It's dark and suspenseful but also filled with humor and honesty, delving deep into who we are, what we believe, and what we are willing to risk for those we love. Sometimes Davy's journey made me shiver in fear (and sometimes even cry, I'm not gonna lie), and other times she made me snort with laughter, but she always made me want more. I don't know how I'm going to wait until February to read the sequel!

The Scarlet Letter meets Minority Report in bestselling author Sophie Jordan's chilling new novel about a teenage girl who is ostracized when her genetic test proves she's destined to become a murderer. 

When Davy Hamilton's tests come back positive for Homicidal Tendency Syndrome (HTS)-aka the kill gene-she loses everything. Her boyfriend ditches her, her parents are scared of her, and she can forget about her bright future at Juilliard. Davy doesn't feel any different, but genes don't lie. One day she will kill someone. 

Only Sean, a fellow HTS carrier, can relate to her new life. Davy wants to trust him; maybe he's not as dangerous as he seems. Or maybe Davy is just as deadly. 

The first in a two-book series, Uninvited tackles intriguing questions about free will, identity, and human nature. Steeped in New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan's trademark mix of gripping action and breathless romance, this suspenseful tale is perfect for fans of James Patterson, Michelle Hodkin, and Lisa McMann. 

And now that you're hooked, here is your sneak peek at Unleashed...

Drumroll please.......................

What if the worst thing you ever did was unforgivable? 

Davy’s world fell apart after she tested positive for Homicidal Tendency Syndrome. She was expelled from her school, dumped by her boyfriend, abandoned by friends, and shipped off to a camp that turns HTS carriers into soldiers. Davy may have escaped, but the damage has already been done. The unthinkable has happened. Now, even worse than having everyone else see her as a monster is the knowledge that they may have been right about her all along. Because Davy has killed. 

On the run from government agents, Davy is rescued by Caden, the charismatic leader of an underground group of rebels. Despite Caden’s assurances that the Resistance is made up of carriers like her, Davy isn’t sure she can trust them. Then again, she doesn’t even know if she can trust herself . . . or her growing feelings for Caden. But if she doesn’t belong with Caden and his followers, is there anywhere she can call home?

Sophie was even kind enough to send along a mini teaser for you special readers:

I thought being labeled a killer and losing everything—my future, family, boyfriend, friends—was the worst thing that could ever happen to me. It’s not. Finding out they were right. Finding out that’s exactly what I am? 

That’s worse.

I AM SO EXCITED! Stay tuned for more from about this series as we approach the pub date for Unleashed. We'll be doing a Q&A with Sophie herself to celebrate the release...and who knows what else! ;) 

James Rollins Launches New Book with Innovative Twitter Party

As the publishing industry evolves, marketing tactics are getting more and more creative.

Last fall, Jay-Z's PR team ran a Scavenger Hunt campaign for his book De-Coded. Scholastic also took an innovative approach with the middle-grade series 39 Clues. The folks over at Bitten By Books do blog release parties for a variety of authors, complete with Q&As, contests, or even live chats. People are always coming up with fun, new ideas to get the buzz going.

And there's another one circulating the industry right now--New York Times bestselling author James Rollins is promoting his new book, The Devil Colony with a themed worldwide Twitter party this coming Tuesday, June 21. What fun!

What: Dance with the Devil

When: Around the World--All Day & All Night
Where: Twitter hashtag #DevilColony

How: Join the Worldwide Celebration of James Rollins' Hottest Release The Devil Colony by using #DevilColony

The theme of the event is the Devil (naturally) and "attendees" just need to use the hashtag #DevilColony in their tweets. There will be a photo contest with a mystery prize even for the most creative photos, in addition to random prizes given away throughout. Anyone can upload pictures of themselves "having a party" or something "devil-themed" (I am going to try to dig up a Halloween pic of me from college when i went as a half-angel half-devil! Whee!)--anything to take part and share in the fun. Such a clever and entertaining way to bring readers together all around the globe!

There might even be some pretty big names taking part, in addition to Rollins himself, that is. Lee Child, Bob Mayer, Terry Brooks--who knows who might show up to chat and celebrate! Maybe even have a glass of e-bubbly--one of my planned contributions to the party!

Personally, I adore this concept--Twitter is taking on such new life, expanding and growing in a way that many people didn't expect, especially in publishing. People are coming together on a variety of levels, making friends, debating controversial topics, sharing recommendations, and so much more. Twitter chats are also becoming a bigger trend by the week (my project, Book Country, has started a bi-weekly chat too! Check out our schedule of events HERE), so why not a Twitter release party? It's fun and a great way to network yourself, to gain and add intriguing new followers to your contacts.

Social media expert, author, and friend Kristen Lamb filled me in via email on the inspiration behind this awesome event:

Think of parties. Do you go to a birthday party just to say hello to the birthday girl? Yes, and no. You also go to socialize, have fun and hang out and meet cool people. Same here. [The] goal is to get away for gimmick and just bring people together. [...] This is organic and dynamic...not canned traditional marketing. The objective is to come together as a community.

So, stop on by on Tuesday, 6/21 at any time! It's a great event to support a talented author, and you'll have fun and make new friends in the process. Sounds to me like only good things can happen as a result. :)

S&S Builds Buzz Without an Author

With 2011 came a mysterious acquisition announcement from Simon & Schuster: O: A Presidential Novel.

Some speculate, of course, is that Obama himself is trying his hand at fiction, despite S&S denying such claims, while others question well-known authors and journalists. But no one can know for sure until the book hits shelves next week.

S&S is keeping things under wraps as best they can, going so far as to askingreporters not to comment on the story until it's been released. Yahoo! News writer Michael Calderone tells us more:

Time's Joe Klein said he didn't write Simon & Schuster's forthcoming Obama novel. Several other Beltway figures, in media and politics, have also denied being the anonymous author behind "O: A Presidential Novel," which hits bookstores next week.

Given such denials, could the field of likely suspects be narrowing down too much? Simon & Schuster seems to think so.

NBC White House correspondent Chuck Todd tweeted Tuesday that he received an email from the publisher that included the following request: "You may be asked to comment on whether or not you are the author. If so, it would be great if you refrained from commenting."

Todd's not alone. Klein -- who wrote the political novel "Primary Colors" anonymously -- told The Cutline that Simon & Schuster contacted him, too.

It's not clear what prompted the publisher to ask journalists not to comment on a book they have nothing to do with. (A Simon & Schuster representative didn't immediately respond to questions on the matter.)

Simon & Schuster publisher Jonathan Karp, in the email, requested that journalists not comment "in solidarity with the principle that a book should be judged on its content and not on the perceived ideology of its author." Read Karp's full email below:

On January 25, we'll be publishing a secret novel simply titled O, about President Obama's campaign for re-election in 2012. The author of the novel wishes to remain anonymous. You may be asked to comment on whether or not you are the author. If so, it would be great if you refrained from commenting, in solidarity with the principle that a book should be judged on its content and not on the perceived ideology of its author.

The author, an individual with integrity and talent, is someone who has been in the room with Barack Obama and knows the political world intimately. In fact, you may know this person, or know of this person -- if you are not in fact the author yourself.

Thanks in advance for your consideration. I apologize for the impersonality of this blind group email, but this seems like the best way to protect the author's identity. I hope you enjoy the book. It's terrific.

For a sneak preview of O and a special video address from the President of the United States, go to www.othebook.com

Best regards,

Jonathan Karp

Publisher, Simon & Schuster

(Photo of President Obama in an Iowa bookstore last year: AP/Charles Dharapak)

See the original article HERE

Protecting such anonymity is an interesting publicity tactic for S&S. It's also seemingly successful--just check out the book page the publisher has created for the title. Curiosity is certainly on the rise.

It's common for publishers to hold back announcing acquisitions until just before a book goes on sale, but I can't think of another example of one quite this secretive. And I'm not sure it's the best approach. While it has, of course, gotten people discussing the upcoming release, the book still has no real tangibility or credibility sans author. Word of mouth doesn't spread nearly as quickly and effectively with such a huge chunk of information missing. Besides, this kind of hype makes it feel just like that--hype.

I guess I'm just a more classic publicity fan. Tell me what the book's about, who wrote it, and why it's special and perhaps I'll jump on the bandwagon. Keep me in the dark and watch my interest decrease...or disappear altogether.

A Hollywood Hand for Sparks's "Safe Haven"

There's one author in my mind whose books almost always lend themselves to a nice chick-flick---Nicholas Sparks.

Hollywood clearly agrees with films like "The Notebook," "Message in a Bottle," and "Dear John." And they feel the same about Sparks's upcoming release of Safe Haven.

Scheduled to hit shelves on September 14th, this will be the first time that Sparks will be getting a nice Hollywood push during a book release. In fact, it's something that rarely happens in the biz, according to The Wall Street Journal:

Nicholas Sparks's new novel, "Safe Haven," goes on sale Sept. 14, and it will be getting a promotional push from an unusual partner: a Hollywood movie maker.

Relativity Media, the company behind "Evan Almighty" and "Mamma Mia!," bought the rights to adapt the novel and hopes to release the film late next year. Relativity also produced "Dear John," based on Mr. Sparks's novel of the same name, which was one of its most profitable films yet.

At a time when marketing dollars are hard to come by in the book business, Relativity Media will launch online and print promotions for the novel, even though there isn't even a screenplay yet. Mr. Sparks is one of the rare authors whose publishers advertise their new works on TV, but the additional Hollywood push prior to publication appears to be a first.

"I don't know that this has ever been done before," Mr. Sparks said. "It's a way for Relativity Media to get out in front in marketing the film, and to build interest and familiarity in the project."

Mr. Sparks is one of the country's most popular novelists. His books typically have over 2.5 million copies in print. When there's a movie involved—Mr. Sparks has had six films made, with a seventh in production—those numbers can double, as book sales get a lift from the blitz of marketing for the film.

"Safe Haven," a love story with thriller elements set in a small town in North Carolina, is a bit of a departure from Mr. Sparks's traditional romantic dramas, with considerably more action scenes.

"His success hasn't abated even in these hard times, and the movies have been a big part of that," said Jamie Raab, head of Grand Central Publishing, a unit of Lagardere SCA's Hachette Book Group, Mr. Sparks's publisher. She said that "Safe Haven" will have a hardcover print run of more than one million copies.

Howard Sanders, a partner in the United Talent Agency who has represented Mr. Sparks on the film side for more than a decade, said he specified that the company that acquired the film rights to "Safe Haven" would have to commit to a marketing campaign for the book.

"We wanted the film side to acknowledge Nicholas is a best-selling author and to bring the expertise of movie marketing to support the publishing side," he said. United Talent has represented articles published in The Wall Street Journal to the film industry.

One veteran agent said he thought Relativity's investment made sense. "I don't know that I've heard of a film company doing this so far in advance of the movie, but relative to the budget of a Hollywood film, buying some ads and doing an online campaign is a minor investment," said Ira Silverberg, with Sterling Lord Literistic.

Richard Pine, another agent, said, "It's smart to start early. Also, they are so confident that the movie is getting made that it's worth their advertising dollars to start now."

Typically, movies are promoted most aggressively in the six-week period leading up to their opening, with blanket television advertising intended to saturate specific markets. Relativity has championed an approach that stresses building online social communities, to engage audiences early in the process. It says it can apply the same approach to publishing.

"The social community has evolved to the point where audiences want to be engaged, not just sold to," said Randall Cox, who oversees Relativity's digital properties.

In the case of Mr. Sparks, Relativity intends to take advantage of his deep fan base by creating a social community around "Safe Haven." The theory is that if Mr. Sparks's readers become involved early on, they are likelier to become a fan of his works in the movie arena.

Strategies include hosting a variety of interactive experiences and contests. Prizes may include a walk-on role in the movie version of "Safe Haven" and a meet-and-greet with Mr. Sparks during production. Fans will also be consulted on their opinions for casting the movie.

Read the rest of the article HERE

Personally, I think this tactic is kind of genius. Tapping into the film audience early can't do any harm, that's for sure. It can only boost book sales and widen Sparks's already astronomical fan base. I also love the idea of Relativity asking for fans casting suggestions, though I'm not quite sure I believe that one will actually happen!