There is no better feeling in the world that coming home from the gym on a hot day, all sweaty and rank, and jumping in a shower. I'm exfoliated, moisturised, fake-tanned and letting my hair dry in the breeze from the open windows. I love being a girl!
So, the first important thing I have to tell you is that my first podcast is now online. I can't bear to listen to it all the way through as my voice sounds urgh! Though my father assures me that it doesn't sound like me at all, but that could be because I'm not saying, "I was all, like, whatever", every five seconds. What I never realised though is that I start every sentence with the word, "So…".
I'll also share a couple of funny things about the extracts that I'm reading from. The Diary Of Crush extract was going swimmingly until I suddenly found myself reading out loud a whole kissing with tongues passage that was beyond embarrassing. And as I started the second extract from Let's Get Lost, I saw the word "bastard" in the middle of a paragraph. I knew that I couldn't say it out loud and offend delicate ears (I've had vitriolic emails about the foul language in my official bounce back email just for the word "pissed.") I carried on reading but all I was aware of was the b-word getting nearer and nearer. Luckily at the last moment I managed to find a substitute word!
The podcast is here if you want to give it a listen!
The second important thing is that Diary Of A Crush is out in the States now and I'd love to say a big hello to new friends and readers who are here for the first time. I'm slightly overwhelmed by the amount of emails and messages I'm getting. I'm so pleased that Edie and Dylan are finding new fans and that the books are just British enough for you guys!
The thorny topic of a fourth DOAC book is the main question I'm getting. There isn't going to be one, I'm afraid. I've explained why, as best as I can, in a previous post, which you can read here:
Diary Of A Crush I Gave You The Best Years Of My Life
But I'd also like to say that all my books have slightly messy, ambiguous endings. I like it that way. That's how life goes; nothing is ever wrapped up and tied with a pretty bow.
I doubt I would ever write a big, never-ending series of books as I'm just not wired that way. Even at the moment as I'm writing a sequential series of four books, each volume works as a standalone novel. I have so many stories inside me that I want to write and that I want you to read so I'm always looking forward, rather than going backwards to stories and characters that have already had their say.
Finally, I'm hearing rumblings that the third and final book in the DOAC trilogy, Sealed With A Kiss isn't being stocked by Barnes & Noble. If you're having trouble getting hold of a copy, could you let me know and I'll pass the info on to the relevant peeps?
Right, I'm off now. I have a barbecue to get pretty for. There probably won't be an update next Saturday as I'll be away on a hen weekend in the Cotswold. I will just leave you with a beauty tip. Always exfoliate by putting your scrub/exfoliator on DRY skin. Yes, I know the instructions say that you should put it on wet skin and yes, I know it hurts a little, but trust me – your skin will be silky smooth and besides, beauty costs…
Love
Sarra x
(Cross-posted to http://blog.myspace.com/sarramanning)
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Insert amusing subject line right here...
I'm posting because I try to post every Saturday but I'm afraid I have nothing much to report.
My deadlines have been pushed up so I'm racing to try and get the second draft of my new book (which I'm still not allowed to tell anyone about) done for early next week. The good news is that I had a breakthrough moment at precisely 11.56 pm on Wednesday night and the book actually has proper plot points and an emotional resolution now. All good things. The bad news is that this is the not so fun part of being a writer; where you're fighting the clock and your own little, nagging voice of doubt, which is trying to persuade you to curl up on the sofa and watch telly instead of getting to the end of the next scene.
So, this is just a brief intermission to let you guys know what's happening in my world this week. Would it be boring to plug the US release of the Diary Of A Crush trilogy again? Probably but, hey, go and buy them!
OK, chapter whatever (this is how they are listed in the draft as I can't keep track of the numbers) beckons...
(Cross-posted to http://blog.myspace.com/sarramanning)
My deadlines have been pushed up so I'm racing to try and get the second draft of my new book (which I'm still not allowed to tell anyone about) done for early next week. The good news is that I had a breakthrough moment at precisely 11.56 pm on Wednesday night and the book actually has proper plot points and an emotional resolution now. All good things. The bad news is that this is the not so fun part of being a writer; where you're fighting the clock and your own little, nagging voice of doubt, which is trying to persuade you to curl up on the sofa and watch telly instead of getting to the end of the next scene.
So, this is just a brief intermission to let you guys know what's happening in my world this week. Would it be boring to plug the US release of the Diary Of A Crush trilogy again? Probably but, hey, go and buy them!
OK, chapter whatever (this is how they are listed in the draft as I can't keep track of the numbers) beckons...
(Cross-posted to http://blog.myspace.com/sarramanning)
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Come on, England!
I'm a very bad person. I will not be watching England vs Paraguay in the World Cup, in favour of slaving away on the revisions for my new opus. Which have reached the excruciating "My God, why am I doing this?" stage. But all the windows are open so if England score, I'm confident that I will hear a roar rise up from the streets.
It's very hot here. After weeks of whining about how cold and damp it is, I now feel duty bound to moan about the sunny skies and the ever increasing temperature. But there are reasons to cheer!
Diary Of A Crush went on sale in the US a couple of days ago so I'd like to say a big howdy to new readers who are here via the link in the books. If you haven't bought them yet, then I implore you to go now to your nearest book emporium and purchase them. They're all cute-sized paperbacks and won't break the bank.
And for the benefit of UK readers, I thought I'd post the US covers, which are very different to the UK ones. I think I might actually like them more. Possibly. But don't quote me on that!
Diary Of A Crush 1: French Kiss
Diary Of A Crush 2: Kiss And Make Up
Diary Of A Crush 3: Sealed With A Kiss
Though I'm bracing myself for a veritable slew of "But when is Book 4 coming out?" emails, I can't wait to hear what you think of them. And remember, nothing says you care more than posting a review at Amazon or Barnes & Noble!
The only thing left to do is to send out positive thoughts and good wishes to anyone who's neck deep in exams and cramming at the moment.
This post officially sponsored by the fungal infection under my right, big toenail. Ewww!
(Cross-posted to http:blog.myspace.com/sarramanning)
It's very hot here. After weeks of whining about how cold and damp it is, I now feel duty bound to moan about the sunny skies and the ever increasing temperature. But there are reasons to cheer!
Diary Of A Crush went on sale in the US a couple of days ago so I'd like to say a big howdy to new readers who are here via the link in the books. If you haven't bought them yet, then I implore you to go now to your nearest book emporium and purchase them. They're all cute-sized paperbacks and won't break the bank.
And for the benefit of UK readers, I thought I'd post the US covers, which are very different to the UK ones. I think I might actually like them more. Possibly. But don't quote me on that!
Diary Of A Crush 1: French Kiss
Diary Of A Crush 2: Kiss And Make Up
Diary Of A Crush 3: Sealed With A Kiss
Though I'm bracing myself for a veritable slew of "But when is Book 4 coming out?" emails, I can't wait to hear what you think of them. And remember, nothing says you care more than posting a review at Amazon or Barnes & Noble!
The only thing left to do is to send out positive thoughts and good wishes to anyone who's neck deep in exams and cramming at the moment.
This post officially sponsored by the fungal infection under my right, big toenail. Ewww!
(Cross-posted to http:blog.myspace.com/sarramanning)
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Here's One I Made Earlier
This is really a drive-by post with a little compendium of favourite things I compiled earlier in the week. I have a friend staying from New York so I've actually taken the weekend off from writing (don't tell my editor) to make the most of the glorious weather.
Yesterday I walked over seven miles taking in the green and rustic charms of Highgate and Hampstead and today, we hang out on the South Bank and visited the Tate Modern, which is rapidly becoming one of my favourite places on earth.
And now I'm about to soak my aching tootsies so I leave you with all the stuff that's getting me through the fraught and tricksome second draft. Thank goodness for distractions!
(Also I know I need to post a lot of replies to comments, but time keeps running away from me. I will do my best to try to address them next week. I really will!)
I'm reading
The Lost Art Of Keeping Secrets by Eva Rice - This is such a sweet book (the pages are pink!) set in the 1950's about a girl who lives in a big, crumbling house, is obsessed with a popstar called Johnnie Ray and has her life changed when she meets the irrepressible Charlotte and her cousin Harry. It really reminds me of two of my favourite books, Love In A Cold Climate by Nancy Mitford and I Capture The Castle by Dodie SMith, which is definitely on my list of top five favourite books of all time. You have to read it! The last page always makes me weep every time.
Snow Flower And The Secret Fan by Lisa See - I picked this for our book group to read and it's one of those birth to death stories set in China about 150 years ago about two girls who grow up together. It was a beautiful story but the descriptions of foot-binding are beyond gross. Ick!
I'm listening to
Lets Get Out Of The Country by Camera Obscura - This is their new album, which isn't out yet but one of my friends is their publicist so I got an early copy. It's gorgeous. A little bit country, a little bit rock 'n' roll and a girl who sings the saddest songs in the saddest chords. My favourite track right now is probably Country Mile.
Cannibal Sea by The Essex Green - TEG were one of my discoveries of a couple of years ago when I picked up thei second album, The Long Goodbye. They don't really sound like anyone else, but this is music for late nights, dark rooms and mix tapes that you send your ex boyfriend to explain why he was wrong to ever let you go.
Lucky Soul - I'm a huge fan of 60's girl groups like The Shangri Las, The Ronettes and Pixies Three. My friend NK introduced me to Lucky Soul, from Britain who are taking up the torch and they make these great tear-drenched ballads or dizzy, big sound pop numbers that you can "sha la la la" to. They are a gazillion times better than The Pipettes who aren't fit to wear polka dots! You can check out some of Lucky Soul's songs here But can I just say that if you like their songs, please pay to download them from iTunes because small bands need all the money they can get!
I'm watching
Nick And Jessica - Newlyweds
I never saw it on when it was on the telly so now I'm mainlining the DVDs in almost disbelief. My God, I thought I whined a lot but Jessica Simpson has me beat. And I actually liked Nick Lachey more than I thought I would. It's sad though that I know that they're going to split up so watching Season 3 is particularly poignant as you can see the cracks!
Grey's Anatomy
Did the entire two series in a fortnight and now I'm jonesing for my next fix, which is weird as there's absolutely nobody I fancy in this show. Especially not McDreamy. (Though I would hate anyone to think that I'm so shallow that I only watch TV shows that feature good-looking popsies.
Alias
I started re-watching it last night, mainly because I want Mr Vaughn to be my Baby!Daddy. (Maybe I actually am that shallow!)
I'm also
Thinking about getting a new dog
Either a miniature Schnauzer or a Cockapoo
Learning to knit
I've almost finished making the longest scarf in the world, and I only dropped about five stitches. I have a feeling this will be my new obsession. I'm already thinking about taking a class so I can learn to knit on circular needles and make a hat with ears.
(Cross-posted to http://blog.myspace.com/sarramanning)
Yesterday I walked over seven miles taking in the green and rustic charms of Highgate and Hampstead and today, we hang out on the South Bank and visited the Tate Modern, which is rapidly becoming one of my favourite places on earth.
And now I'm about to soak my aching tootsies so I leave you with all the stuff that's getting me through the fraught and tricksome second draft. Thank goodness for distractions!
(Also I know I need to post a lot of replies to comments, but time keeps running away from me. I will do my best to try to address them next week. I really will!)
I'm reading
The Lost Art Of Keeping Secrets by Eva Rice - This is such a sweet book (the pages are pink!) set in the 1950's about a girl who lives in a big, crumbling house, is obsessed with a popstar called Johnnie Ray and has her life changed when she meets the irrepressible Charlotte and her cousin Harry. It really reminds me of two of my favourite books, Love In A Cold Climate by Nancy Mitford and I Capture The Castle by Dodie SMith, which is definitely on my list of top five favourite books of all time. You have to read it! The last page always makes me weep every time.
Snow Flower And The Secret Fan by Lisa See - I picked this for our book group to read and it's one of those birth to death stories set in China about 150 years ago about two girls who grow up together. It was a beautiful story but the descriptions of foot-binding are beyond gross. Ick!
I'm listening to
Lets Get Out Of The Country by Camera Obscura - This is their new album, which isn't out yet but one of my friends is their publicist so I got an early copy. It's gorgeous. A little bit country, a little bit rock 'n' roll and a girl who sings the saddest songs in the saddest chords. My favourite track right now is probably Country Mile.
Cannibal Sea by The Essex Green - TEG were one of my discoveries of a couple of years ago when I picked up thei second album, The Long Goodbye. They don't really sound like anyone else, but this is music for late nights, dark rooms and mix tapes that you send your ex boyfriend to explain why he was wrong to ever let you go.
Lucky Soul - I'm a huge fan of 60's girl groups like The Shangri Las, The Ronettes and Pixies Three. My friend NK introduced me to Lucky Soul, from Britain who are taking up the torch and they make these great tear-drenched ballads or dizzy, big sound pop numbers that you can "sha la la la" to. They are a gazillion times better than The Pipettes who aren't fit to wear polka dots! You can check out some of Lucky Soul's songs here But can I just say that if you like their songs, please pay to download them from iTunes because small bands need all the money they can get!
I'm watching
Nick And Jessica - Newlyweds
I never saw it on when it was on the telly so now I'm mainlining the DVDs in almost disbelief. My God, I thought I whined a lot but Jessica Simpson has me beat. And I actually liked Nick Lachey more than I thought I would. It's sad though that I know that they're going to split up so watching Season 3 is particularly poignant as you can see the cracks!
Grey's Anatomy
Did the entire two series in a fortnight and now I'm jonesing for my next fix, which is weird as there's absolutely nobody I fancy in this show. Especially not McDreamy. (Though I would hate anyone to think that I'm so shallow that I only watch TV shows that feature good-looking popsies.
Alias
I started re-watching it last night, mainly because I want Mr Vaughn to be my Baby!Daddy. (Maybe I actually am that shallow!)
I'm also
Thinking about getting a new dog
Either a miniature Schnauzer or a Cockapoo
Learning to knit
I've almost finished making the longest scarf in the world, and I only dropped about five stitches. I have a feeling this will be my new obsession. I'm already thinking about taking a class so I can learn to knit on circular needles and make a hat with ears.
(Cross-posted to http://blog.myspace.com/sarramanning)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
