Titles, Writers who need Titles, are the luckiest writers.....

Sorry about the Babs moment. In today's news, my editor has my book, and the nervous waiting begins. I really love this book, and I hope she loves it, too. I know it's weird for authors to actually "love" their books. Most authors don't. They think, "Oh, it's not good enough, etc". And I've had those moments, but on most days I really do like what I write (the finished product, not the crappy drafts that come before it). Anyway, we'll see....

The book is officially titled The Diva's Guide to Selling Your Soul. It's grown on me. I'm there. AND I made up the title for my New Year's Eve novella (to be published on, ta-da, December 2004). Halo, Goodbye. It's about a girl, who's dead and living in heaven who has to set up her boyfriend with a new love, who can't seem to let her go. I can hear you, you're saying, "Kathleen, didn't you just tell us not two months ago that there was too much death in books?" Okay, yes, I did say that, but now I've seen the light (so to speak) and I think death can be fun and adventurous.... (not meaning to offend anyone that's currently dead, but truly, anything can be funny if you approach it from the right slant).

I started on it today, and it's slow going. Got to figure out who the charactes really are. So far, I know the heroine is a little bit in denial and likes music. Oh, and she's dead. So as you can see, we've got some ground to cover.

What am I currently reading? Ten Big Ones. Janet Evanovich. And I can hear you, you're saying, "But Kathleen, the release date isn't for another month!! How did you get your hands on it???" Hehehehehe... I have connections. I'll let you know what I think when I'm done. And by the way, for the record, I'm a Joe fan. Ranger Schmanger.

Anyway, life is good. All of you should go see Shrek II (can you tell I have children?). It's hilarous and better than the first one (which I loved).

I'll be back soon, and will tell you more about Madelyn.

Kathleen

Bloggus Interruptus

I wanted to apologize for my belated blogging recently, but I'm finishing up the last of the revisions on my book (on top of selling more books). Anyway, stay tuned next week, when I absolutely positively promise to be back on schedule!

Kathleen

The Word on the Street

In Kathleen's writing news, I have only two words: THE END. The most glorious feeling in the world. Well, actually I still have 42 XX's to fix (XX is my marker, gotta love that "find/replace" function), but should be getting book off my desk soon. The official title is now "The Diva's Guide to Selling Your Soul."

And speaking of one word:





Poll from the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press
Don't they realize that "better than Bush" is actually three words?

And in the big book news, Clinton has finished his book. Doesn't he look proud on that cover? Boy, am I glad that MY book isn't coming out on June 14….

Book written without verbs From the author: " "The verb is like a weed in a field of flowers," he said. "You have to get rid of it to allow the flowers to grow and flourish." Kids, don't try this at home.

The End is Near....

I've got one last chapter to finish up in what WAS to be titled Diva's Guide to Thin Thighs in 30 Seconds. Marketing believes it could be construed as an exercise book. I'll say no more, however, I've gone through about three THOUSAND titles and have one that I'm hoping, hoping, hoping my editor will okay. People don't tell you that titling a book is one of the most difficult parts of writing. Plotting, character, story—piece of cake. But coming up with a title that is new, fun, and captures instant reader interest is about as difficult as creating the perfect chocolate soufflé.

In other title news, the New Year's Eve Anthology is called "In One Year and Out the Other." Isn't that great???? Of course, I did not think of it.

In books news,

• Bill Clinton is finishing up his memoirs, just in time for the fall election. Rumors indicate his editor has moved in to edit as Bill writes. I'm wondering if the editor has an intern… Here's Letterman's top ten chapter titles for the Clinton Memoirs."


• Those cheeky British monkeys


• From the Bookseller: Books as a pick-up device. Clever. Very, very clever. Do you think women will see through it?