My New Year's News

Have you ever had a boyfriend from hell?

You know the kind: guy who messes with your life so much he turns it into Swiss cheese. Or maybe he was the guy who followed you home like a lost puppy, then turned into the pit bull you couldn't get rid of, no matter how hard you tried. Or maybe he was abusive.

I'm sure we've all had a bad boyfriend or two (or girlfriend in my case). My new novel, Boyfriend From Hell, is about a boyfriend from hell--literally. It's a YA paranormal like Never Slow Dance With A Zombie, but I've cut back on the comedy a bit in this one. It's the story of Megan Barnett, the fifteen year-old daughter of a 39 year-old single mom, Suze. When Suze decides it's time she had a man in her life, Megan is not happy. With good reason:

"First off, if anyone in my family should be dating, it should be me. I'm primo dating age here. How's it going to look if my mother has a boyfriend and I don't?" So Megan and Suze both set out to meet boyfriends. That's when all hell breaks loose.

I am so excited about my new book. My publisher is an old friend, author Christopher Meeks, who started White Whiskers Books several years ago to get his own work out, and wound up becoming a small indy publisher. If you'd like to know a little about White Whiskers Books and self publishing, click on the link.

My novel is one of three they have coming out this year. And I am WW's first YA. What makes this so exciting for me is all the attention I will be getting by being with an independent. This attention will bring me closer to you. to kick things off, WW plans to have a contest on the cover design. This means you guys get to help choose the design for the cover art on the book. I'd like to bring you all along for the entire ride right up to publication. If my new book is going to be a success I am going to need your help, so I hope you will come along.

I will also have a much better touring schedule than I did with NSDWAZ. This time I will be traveling around the country. Many more stops than with my last novel. If you'd like me to make a stop at book store or school in your town, just drop me an email at info@evanlowe.com. I will do my best to be there.

More news to come soon, maybe a chapter or an excerpt or two, and definitely some contests and ARC giveaways. If you'd like to host a contest, or have ideas for contests or giveaways please let me know.

Boyfriend From Hell is set to hit stores and kindles September 2011. I know that's a long ways off, but what with editing and all the other things that go into publishing a book that time will fly by.

What a great start for my new year, huh? Hope yours starts out just as well. Happy New Year, and thanks for your support.

E

Christmas Challenge Winner!

Hi there! I hope everyone had a rad Christmas. I did. I got an ipad. Yowzah! And, of course, I watched lots of Christmas movies. I saw The Bishop's Wife for the first time, which was a recommendation by Dawn G. Thanks, Dawn. I caught it on TCM on Christmas Eve. It was delightful. Although, I have to admit I laughed out loud when the angel, Dudley, kept refilling the professor's liquor bottle. I thought "This angel is trying to turn the professor into an alcoholic." Aside from that I really enjoyed it, and will be adding it to my list.

Hi Samantha. Thanks for suggesting Love Actually. I really do love that movie. When I saw your suggestion I went to pull it out. I thought I owned it, but looked all over on Christmas Eve and couldn't find it. It's now on my "to purchase" list. Lisa suggested Christmas Vacation. That's already on my list. Both my son and I love that one. And my old friend Dubin suggested Reefer Madness and Freaks. Hmm. Okay, Dube, I really don't know what to say about those choices. I guess all I can say is, Merry Christmas.

Thanks everyone for the movie choices. I didn't mention them all, but they were all good... well, almost all of them (Dube). I hope you had a great holiday. Did I mention I got an ipad? Yowzah!

And now for the contest. Everyone got it right: The correct answer is: Four Christmases. If this movie is not on your Christmas movie list, you need to add it. It is sweet and very funny. The winner of the contest is Linda at Lulilut's Stack O Books. Congratulations, Linda. Your $25 Amazon gift card will be emailed later today.

I want to thank everyone for participating, and please remember to check back on New Year's Eve when I announce my new YA coming out next year. There will be a number of contests and ARC giveaways as I head toward production. I am extra excited about sharing my new book with you. I think you are going to love it. So check back on the 31st, and hear more. I want you all along on my road to publication.

Thanks again for playing the Christmas Challenge. If you are a movie buff, There will be more Hollyweird Tuesday Trivia Challenges next year. Stay tuned.

E's Christmas Movie Trivia Challenge

I know, I know. Yesterday was Tuesday. I've been side-tracked with the holidays. I thought of not doing this contest, but I love Christmas. I also love Christmas movies, and wanted to share some of that love with you. Those of you who know me know I have a Christmas Eve tradition of screening my favorite Christmas movie, Die Hard. For more on my Die Hard contest post go here.

Anyway, in honor of the holiday I am hosting a Christmas Movie Trivia Challenge. It's just like the Hollyweird Tuesday Trivia Challenge with the exception that the quote will be from a popular Christmas movie.

The movie I have selected is one of my recent favorites. And the winner of this contest will win a $25 Amazon gift card. I'm sure twenty-five bucks can come in handy this time of year.

I'd like everyone who enters (or even if you don't enter) to do me a favor and share the title of one of your favorite Christmas movies. It might be one that's not on my list. Just leave it in the comments.

And now for the quote: In what recent Christmas movie did one of the stars say: "They just saw us on the news!"

I know it's the holidays, but I sure would like a number of you to respond. If you don't know the answer--guess. You have until Saturday, Christmas day to come up with an answer. And if you don't want to play, at least leave the name of a Christmas movie fave in the comments. I will post the winner here next Tuesday. The rules are the same as the Hollyweird Tuesday Trivia Challenge. If you are new and don't know the rules, they are in the Die Hard post here.

Thank you so much for following my blog. And stay tuned, on New Year's Eve I'm going to announce my new novel coming out next year. Happy Holidays.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like...

I hate snow.

With the holidays upon us I realize that's a lousy way to begin a post, so let explain. I love a fresh snowfall. I love watching big, puffy flakes fall from the sky, and catching them on my tongue. I love going for a walk in a fresh snow, feeling it gently crunch beneath my feet. I love looking out my window right after a snowfall, when everything as far as the eye can see is covered in white, and the world seems somehow smaller, and oh, so peaceful.

But I am from New York City, where a fresh snowfall lasts about five minutes. In Manhattan it disappears just about that fast. However, in the outer boroughs, where I am from (The Bronx) the snow lingers. Almost instantly it turns an ugly shade of gray as automobiles cover it with a light patina of soot. From there it turns into a crusty brown fugue that pools up into ice banks at the curbs and between parked cars, and can lurk there like a derelict until spring.

I hate that stuff.

I also don't like cold weather. I was born in the summer and that is my favorite time of year. If I had a choice between ninety degree sweltering heat and seventeen degree frigid cold, gimme da heat. That's just how I am wired.

The only time I long for a snowfall, or a frosty winter's day is during the holidays. Ah, but there's the rub. A long time ago my son and I escaped New York for Southern California. We love it here. But anyone from the east or Midwest knows Christmas out here just isn't the same.

Out here, December twenty-fifth looks a lot like June twenty-fifth, or March twenty-fifth for that matter. Yes, the shops are decorated, wreaths are hung, Black Friday is still a shopping nightmare, and holiday lights abound. But when it's seventy-five degrees, or even eighty, hot apple cider just doesn't go down the same. Southern California has many advantages, but this time of year SC sucks.

All across the nation it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. On my block, it looks a lot like it always does. *sigh* Guess I'll have a Corona and go for a swim. Ho, ho, ho.

Hollyweird Tuesday Trivia Challenge

It's Thanksgiving week, so I am going to get right to the contest.

The correct answer to last week's challenge is: Mean Girls. Six of you got it right. But there's only one winner and the winner of last week's Hollyweird Tuesday Trivia Challenge is Lisa at the Hair Today Gone Tomorrow blog. Congratulations, Lisa. Your $10 Amazon gift card will be emailed to you shortly.

As I mentioned last week the game will be going on hiatus for the rest of the year. But please keep checking in. I have some exciting news about the publication of my next novel, and there will be a Holiday Trivia contest closer to Christmas. So stay tuned.


Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends. Keep reading, and don't eat too much turkey ;-)

Hollyweird Tuesday Trivia Challenge #5

This past week I had the pleasure of hosting a guest post and contest for my friend and former student, author, Ilie Ruby. I’d like to thank those of you who participated for your comments. We loved hearing from you. As you know, I am giving away a free autographed copy of Ruby’s debut novel, The Language of Trees. Drum roll, please.


Badump, badump… Okay, I don’t know how to do a drum roll. Why don’t I just announce the winner. The winner is Juliana. Congratulations, Juliana. I will send you an email shortly to get your mailing info. The rest of you, go out and buy the book. It’s a really beautiful story. You can get it HERE.


And now for the Hollyweird Tuesday Trivia Challenge. This will be the last week of the contest for a while. Entries are down and the holidays are coming up. I Plan to hold a special Holiday trivia drawing around Christmas. The line will be from a holiday themed movie, so bone up on your holiday flicks people. I will pick-up the regular contest some time early next year.


The correct answer for this week’s challenge is: Pulp Fiction. There were three correct answers, but just one winner. The winner is Elizabeth at the Fishmufins Of Doom blog. Congratulations, Elizabeth. Your $10 dollar Amazon gift card will arrive by email shortly.
And now for this week’s challenge:


In what recent (last 10 years) film did a character say: “It’s like I have ESPN. My breasts can always tell when it’s going to rain.”


Obviously it’s a comedy. That line is funny all by itself.

Each week's winner will receive a free $10.00 Amazon gift card. And you don't have to be first to win. You also don't have to know the answer on Tuesday. You have until Saturday to come up with your answer. Every correct answer will be included in the drawing. On the Sunday following the challenge I will put all the correct answers in a hat, and draw the winner to be posted on Tuesday. It's that simple.If you forgot the rules, or are playing for the first time the rules are below:

1) Be a registered follower of this blog or
2) ...follow me at http://www.evanlowe.com/
3) leave a comment on this blog in the comment section on any of my posts anytime during the week of the current challenge.
4) send your answer to me at info@evanlowe.com
5)mention the Hollyweird Tuesday Trivia Challenge either on your blog or in a tweet the week of the current challenge. Meaning, each week you compete, you'll have to give me my props.

Do 1 +3+4&5, or 2 +3 +4&5 and you are entered to win. Winners will receive a free $10 Amazon gift card. If you need more details check an earlier blog post.

Have a great week. And good luck!

Smart Heart Photos

Springerdoodles waiting to get sprung

Ilie's daughter sleeps with the dogs

Guest Post: Author, Ilie Ruby

Ilie Ruby was a student of mine when I taught the humor writing class for graduate students in the USC Professional Writing Program. Now she is an author. Bravo! Her magical debut novel, The Language of Trees, (Avon/Harper Collins) is in stores now. Join me in welcoming Ilie to the world of authors and to my blog.

THE SMART HEART

On a blustery fall day nearly two years ago, weeks after my two daughters and one son were adopted from Ethiopia, our two wild furry springerdoodles escaped. This was the 5th escape in a month. I had caught them at several failed attempts, trying to escape in three ways: 1) by standing on the patio furniture and jumping over the fence, 2) by knocking down the slats of the fence, and 3) by burrowing under the fence.

We had a routine when one of these three things happened. My eldest daughter and I first called the dogs. Of course, they never came. Then we’d get in the car and I’d call the local police to see if anyone had called in with news of two wild wandering dogs that resembled hyperactive sheep. Finally, we’d drive around the neighborhood shouting the dogs' names and interrogating every jogger and friendly-looking dog person out for an innocent stroll.

In time, we always found the dogs. Once the police said they were weaving in and out of traffic on a main road near our house. Miraculously, they were never harmed. It seemed that as with Moses and his Red Sea, traffic parted for our dogs. My earnest husband, a self-confessed failed handyman, secured the fences after every escape. He did his best. He used a variety of interesting and exotic pieces of wiring, species of duct tape, and other various fence-related equipment that he bought from emergency trips to Home Depot. Still the dogs outwitted us and found their way out.

But on this day, when my daughter and I discovered them missing, something felt different. We shouted and shouted. We ran up and down our street. Then we jumped in the car and I picked up my phone, ready to call the police. My daughter put her hand on my arm and said, "No mom. Wait. Just stay here and the dogs will come. I know how to do it."

I decided to see what would happen. Somehow I believed her.

She closed her eyes and called the dogs one more time. Not loudly, but in the most calm and centered little voice. And then, somehow, from out of nowhere, the dogs came running. One from up the street. The other from out of the woods. They had never done this before. How could she, after only 7 weeks in America, have managed to call the dogs home?

"See?" teased my daughter, as we dragged the dogs inside, her eyes sparkling with pride.

We fed the dogs and sent them to bed in their crates. When I put her to sleep that night and she nuzzled into my neck, I asked my daughter how she knew she how to do it.

"My heart said stay here and call the dogs. My stomach said to go in the car. I listened to my heart."

I was awestruck. How many of us struggle to access our intuition and even more, to articulate it? My then 8-year old daughter knew to trust herself, and she was already more connected to her new home, our furry wanton pets, and to me, than I ever imagined possible in such a short period of time.

“I think you have a very smart heart,” I said.

“I know,” she said. “You, too. That is how you found me and I found you.”


The Language of Trees (Avon HarperCollins August 2010) is a story about healing, second chances, and how far we will go to protect the ones we love. Ruby lives near Boston and is at work on her second novel. Click the link to join Ilie on Facebook.

CONTEST

If you'd like to win an autographed copy of The Language of Trees, just leave a comment here for Ilie to be eligible to win. I am giving away one free copy. This contest is available world-wide. I will do a drawing on Monday, and post the winner on Trivia Tuesday.

Hollyweird Tuesday Trivia Challenge #4

This past week was an interesting one. I had two meetings on the Never Slow Dance With A Zombie movie musical. Both went well. I'm trying not to get my hopes up. The first deal for the movie crashed and burned. But the meetings went so well this week I can't stop thinking that my first YA just might wind up on the big screen, complete with dancing zombies. That be AWESOME! Calm down, E. Breathe.

Until such time as I can make that announcement I will keep writing, and keep waiting for my book series Hollyweird to find a publisher. Speaking of Hollyweird, responses to the Tuesday Trivia Challenge dropped off considerably last week. I'm hoping it was because it was too tough, or because it was Election Day. I'm hoping it's not because you're getting bored. This week will tell the tale.

The correct answer for last week's challenge was: The Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of The Ring. When Gandalf arrives at the start of the movie Frodo calls: "You're late, Gandalf," to which Gandalf replies: "A wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins."

There was only one correct answer to last week's challenge, and that was Veronica at Strictly Reviews. Congratulations, Veronica, you're $10 dollar gift card should arrive by email shortly.

That was a tricky one. And now for this week's challenge which is pretty straight forward:

In what hit 90s film did a character say: "...And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance..."

If you forgot the rules, or are playing for the first time the rules are below:

1) Be a registered follower of this blog or
2) ...follow me at http://www.evanlowe.com/
3) leave a comment on this blog in the comment section on any of my posts anytime during the week of the current challenge.
4) send your answer to me at info@evanlowe.com
5)mention the Hollyweird Tuesday Trivia Challenge either on your blog or in a tweet the week of the current challenge. Meaning, each week you compete, you'll have to give me my props.

Do 1 +3,4&5, or 2 +3 ,4&5 and you are entered to win. Winners will receive a free $10 Amazon gift card. If you need more deatils check an earlier blog post.

By the way, the awesome graphic was done by my friend, Tatiana, who weirded up a famous Hollywood poster. Thanks, Ta. As soon as Tatiana tells me how to turn the graphic into badges for the winners to post on their blogs, I will send them off to all past winners.

Have a great week. And good luck!

Hollyweird Tuesday Trivia Challenge #3

I can't believe how good you guys are. I received 11 correct answers. Wow! I was sure this one was going to stump more of you. While I got 11 correct answers, only (I think) 7 of you left a comment on my blog. Still, I put all the correct answers in the hat, but please remember to do ALL of the things requested at the bottom. You can comment any day of the week, on anything I might post about. But each player must leave at least one comment that week. There are three things you must do to qualify each week. Okay?

If you're new to the Hollyweird Tuesday Trivia Challenge, each week I give away a ten ($10) dollar Amazon gift card for the correct answer to my quiz. And you don't have to be first in to win. All correct answers qualify. Just follow the rules at the bottom of this post.

The correct answer for this week's challenge is Die Hard. Han's Gruber said "Shoot the glass." Most of you wrote "shoot the window" which is the literal translation. This week's winner is Kristen. Congratulations Kristen at Bookworminginthe21stcentury. Your ten dollar Amazon gift card will be emailed to you shortly.

I love, love, love Die Hard. It's one of my favorite films of all time. I tell everyone it's my favorite Christmas movie. I've been screening the movie every Christmas Eve for family and friends for over ten years. I know my son is sick of it, but he dutifully watches every year. Thanks, son.

For all you die hard Die Hard fans Tony Kollath has a really cool Die Hard Trivia Quiz. Just click on the link to take it. And let us know how you did.

And now for this weeks challenge: In what famous fantasy film did a character say: "Wizards are always late..." I need the complete title of the movie, please.

I am hoping this one fools at least a few of you... But I doubt it. You guys are too smart for me.

We still need more players. Please tell your friends and followers about the challenge. I'm having fun with it. And from the comments I'm getting, you guys are, too. So let's get a few more players.

For those of you who are playing for the first time there are a few things you will need to do to qualify, and they are:

1) Be a registered follower of this blog or
2) ...follow me at http://www.evanlowe.com/
3) leave a comment on this blog in the comment section on any of my posts anytime during the week of the current challenge.
4) send your answer to me at info@evanlowe.com
5)mention the Hollyweird Trivia Tuesday Challenge either on your blog or in a tweet the week of the current challenge. Meaning, each week you compete, you'll have to give me my props.

Do 1 +3,4&5, or 2 +3 ,4&5 and you are entered to win. Good luck.

Happy Halloween

Have a scary good time. And be safe.

The above photo is from last year's Never Slow Dance With A Zombie Fest. To read more about the fun we had last year just click on the link.

I've Got A Problem

I've got a problem. I really love helping people. I really do. And the people I love helping most are writers. I've been blessed to have made my living as a writer for a long time--over twenty years. Never Slow Dance With A Zombie is my first attempt at YA, but by no means my first attempt as a writer. I know how fortunate I am to have made a career out of it, and I love giving back. But lately--not so much.

Lately I cringe when anyone asks for writing advice. Here's why. Lately a few wonderful people I know have decided to become writers. And some people I don't really know have decided to become writers, too. And they all want me to mentor them--but not really. They want me to tell them how good they are... but they're not.

And that's my problem. I know how important it is to encourage writers, to nurture them. But how can I encourage when the work I've been seeing lately is bad. Very bad. I can't tell them the truth, can I? And I also can't lie. Right? I wish I could tell them their work is brilliant, or even promising. But I isn't. When I do give the bad news I see the crushed looks on their faces, hear the silence on the other end of the phone. And I find myself not wanting to look at anything any beginner writes anymore. I find myself no longer wanting to help or nurture young writers. I find myself not wanting to be the guy to deliver the bad news.

Does anyone have any advice for me? I could really use it.

And I know it's Wednesday, but the Hollyweird Tuesday Trivia Challenge doesn't end til Saturday. Get your answers in.

Hollyweird Tuesday Trivia Challenge #2

It's time for the second edition of the Hollyweird Tuesday Trivia Challenge. If you're not familiar with the challenge, every Tuesday I quote a line from a famous Hollywood movie. Your job "should you decide to accept it" is to identify the line. Each week's winner will receive a free $10.00 Amazon gift card. And you don't have to be first to win. You also don't have to know the answer on Tuesday. You have until Saturday to come up with your answer. Every correct answer will be included in the drawing. On the Sunday following the challenge I will put all the correct answers in a hat, and draw the winner to be posted on Tuesday. It's that simple. Anyone can play. I'm doing this to honor my journey towards publication of my (yet to be sold) YA book series, Hollyweird. I will keep you posted on what's happening with the manuscript as well.

Ready?

The correct answer to the very first challenge question is: Heathers. "What is your damage, Heather?" The winner of the first challenge is Rachel Smith at Bitten By Books. Congratulations, Rachel. You will be receiving your free Amazon gift card very soon. For those of you who had the right answer but did not win, don't despair--round two of the Hollyweird Tuesday Trivia Challenge is coming right up. But first...

If you haven't seen the dark comedy, Heathers, starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater you are missing a real Hollyweird movie treat. If you enjoy off beat, dark comedy, you will love this movie. I suggest you add it to your Netflix queue. And for all you Hollywood trivia buffs out there, Here's a little Heathers movie trivia for you:

Did you know the role of Heather McNamara (played by Lisanne Falk) was originally offered to a then 17 year-old Heather Graham. Heather's parents decided against letting her do the role because of the dark subject matter... And check this out: Brad Pitt auditioned for the role of JD (played by Christian Slater) but was turned down because he was considered too nice.

If you have any other Heathers trivia, or personal movie trivia you'd like to share, drop it into the comment section so everyone can see it.

Now it's time for The Hollyweird Tuesday Trivia Challenge #2. The second edition of the challenge is a two parter:

In a famous 80s action film the villain utters these foreign words "Schies das fenster."
1)What do these words mean in English?
2)What is the name of the film?

Huh? I told you this week's was going to be harder. But I know some of you movie buffs are all over it already. Isn't this fun? Please share this challenge with your friends and followers. If I can get a large enough number of fans I will up the ante. If you're new to the game there are a few things you will need to do to qualify, and they are:

1) Be a registered follower of this blog or
2) ...follow me at http://www.evanlowe.com/
3) leave a comment on this blog in the comment section on any of my posts anytime during the week of the current challenge.
4) send your answer to me at info@evanlowe.com
5)mention the Hollyweird Trivia Tuesday Challenge either on your blog or in a tweet the week of the current challenge. Meaning, each week you compete, you'll have to give me my props.

Do 1 +3,4&5, or 2 +3 ,4&5 and you are entered to win. Good luck.

Hollyweird Trivia Tuesday Challenge

For the next several weeks, in honor of my recently completed unpublished novel, Hollyweird, I will be hosting a new weekly contest right here at E's blog. I am so excited about my new novel. It's the first in an ongoing series. The title of each book will be my take on an old movie title, like Mommy Deadest, which is a great title I plan to use, so don't steal it.

The contest is called the Hollyweird Trivia Tuesday Challenge, where every Tuesday I quote a line from a famous Hollywood movie. Your job, should you decide to accept it, will be to tell me what movie the line is from. The winner each week will receive a $10.00 (ten dollar) Amazon gift card. And you don't have to be first to win. Every correct answer will be included in the drawing. On the Sunday following the challenge, I will put all the correct answers in a hat and draw a winner to be posted on Tuesday along with the new challenge.

Okay, movie fans, are you ready?

Ta-ta-ta-taaaaaaaaaa!

Here's the very first Hollyweird Trivia Tuesday Challenge:

In what late 80s film did a female character ask: "What's your damage?"

This (I believe) is an easy one. Let's see how you do.

Their are a few things you will need to do to qualify, and they are:

1) Be a registered follower of this blog or
2) ...follow me at http://www.evanlowe.com/
3) leave a comment on this blog in the comment section on any of my posts anytime during the week of the current challenge.

4) send your answer to me at info@evanlowe.com
5)mention the Hollyweird Trivia Tuesday Challenge either on your blog or in a tweet the week of the current challenge. Meaning, each week you compete, you'll have to give me my props.

Do 1 +3,4&5, or 2 +3 ,4&5 and you are entered to win. Good luck.

Interview

There are interviews, and then there are interviews. The one I did with my good friend, author, Christopher Meeks, is my all time favorite. He's known me since grad school, so he knew the right questions to get me talking. If you'd like to know more about me, check out the interview here.

And stay tuned, in the next couple of days I will be starting a weekly Hollywood film themed contest. This is to put some positive ju-ju on my yet to be published novel, Hollyweird. Brush up on your lines from cinema folks. I'll be back. Okay, I'm not going to use that line. And if you don't know what movie it's from, you really need to brush up. Keep checking back, contest and rules will be posted here soon.

New Car

My son is getting a new car. What makes this event so momentous is that I am not buying it for him, giving it to him, or putting up the down payment. He is doing it all on his own. I am going along, but only as an advisor. How about that? No help from dad. I'm proud of you, son.

Why I Like Zombies

When I was a kid I was scared to death of horror movies. Sleeping with the lights on, never entering a darkened room alone, closing my eyes during the gory sequences—scared. Out of this heightened emotion came my love for all things that go bump in the night.

As I’ve said here before, I love writing; I love being a writer. And like many writers I try to infuse my writings with personal experiences, lessons I’ve learned, challenges I’ve faced. But I can’t seem to keep those darned monsters out of it. In my up-coming novel, Hollyweird, I wanted to explore the challenges of being a gifted child. My brother was gifted, and I have to admit, his gift was a challenge for us both. But the idea of writing about my relationship with my brother seemed boring until I put a monster in it.

In Never Slow Dance With A Zombie I hearkened back to when I graduated junior high (they didn’t have middle school back then). I decided I needed to do a full makeover for high school. In this makeover I would be popular, a great athlete and have a girlfriend. But a year into high school I realized nothing had changed. That’s pretty much the story of Margot Jean Johnson (in the book) until the monsters show up.

Now, it may be that these stories of my youth might have been interesting on their own. I’ll never know, because every time I come up with a story, as soon as I begin to develop the idea, up steps a monster.

A few weeks ago I was taking a walk and looking in shop windows along Wilshire Boulevard. I love women’s fashion, and was looking at the gorgeous gowns in the window of Baracci when the idea came to me that I’d like to do a story about fashion. And what was the next thing that popped into my head? Zombies, of course. Fashion and zombies. Wow, I thought. Women’s fashion is good, but with zombies, it’s a WOW!

As it turned out, that night I was visiting the studio of my good friend, illustrator, comic book impresario, and all around crazy person, Michael Davis. I told him the idea, and instead of telling me how utterly ridiculous he thought it was, he said he loved it. And that’s how my next project, an illustrated novel featuring women’s fashion and zombies was born. Michael and I are putting together the proposal now. As soon as it’s done I hope to post some of the artwork here.

I know I haven’t answered the question why I like zombies, monsters and things that go bump in the night. Truth is, I’m not sure why, I’m just happy I do ;-)

*The photo (taken by my friend G) is of friend and fan, James, getting his zombie thing on at last year’s Never Slow Dance With A Zombie Fest.

Congratulations!

My good friend, Carl, got married recently and asked me to be his best man. I chose this photo of us because for a couple of old dogs, we look gooood.

I live in Los Angeles, a town that treats friendships like disposable diapers—any crap comes up and they’re gone. I’m from New York, the East, where we understand that friendships, like all relationships, have their up and downs. I have a friend in Rhode Island who met her best friends in grade school. She’s in her thirties and they’re still her best friends. Out in LA, lasting relationships are rare—which makes my relationship with Carl all the more special.

When he asked me to be his best man, I was surprised. Carl and I haven’t hung out regularly in many years. But our friendship has gone through its ups and downs, and we still feel like brothers. I was honored to say “yes.”

Carl is a great guy. He’s always been a hard worker, and he raised his daughter alone. That’s partly what attracted me to him. We were young guys, but he was serious about his parenting. I respected him for that.

Carl, I wish you and Dorinda the best. She’s got herself a great guy. I love you, brother.

…And finish that damn screenplay, or I’ll put you on blast on my blog ;-) It's really awesome.

Fahrenheit 451

Ray Bradbury, in his classic dystopian novel, Fahrenheit 451 said he chose the title because that was the temperature it took for paper to burn--books to burn. The novel was written in a time where (as hard as it is to believe) people considered the best way to educate our young was to ban books. Well, guess what? It seems not a lot has changed. If you look at the titles of the books in the photo above you will be surprised to discover what some people thought was worth banning: Tom Sawyer, The Color Purple, The Catcher In The Rye. I am pretty darned sure I would not be an author if not for The Catcher In The Rye. This was the absolute first book assigned to me to read in school that I thought was speaking to me. Until Catcher... school assigned books were guaranteed to be boring, and guaranteed not to garner my attention.

This week is Banned Books Week. It's a week where we remember that Books promote thought. It's all right for you not to like a book. It's even okay for you not to want your children to read the book. But to ban books for everyone is just plain wrong. Nothing good can come of it.

Recently, Wesley Scroggins, a professor in Missouri, proclaimed that Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak, Kurt Vonnegut's, Slaughterhouse Five and Sarah Ockler's, A Twenty Boy Summer, should be banned from Republic schools. Click on the link to read the article. It's horrifying to think that even in this day and age people want to ban our children from thinking for themselves. As an African American who recognizes the struggles of my forefathers, I understand first hand how damning not allowing people to think for themselves can be.

If you agree with me please support Banned Books Week. You can start by visiting Speak Loudly online, and then tweeting, emailing or blogging to your followers about the value of free speech. Remember, it's only guaranteed as long as we guarantee it. If you have something to say on this subject I'd love to hear from you.

December Zombies

Hey Everybody, I just did a guest post for my friend Velvet, and in it I spill information about the next Never Slow Dance With A Zombie Fest. Check it out.

http://vvb32reads.blogspot.com/2010/09/zombie-news-flash-december-zombies.html

How Many Books

How many books do you read at a time? Do you read one book cover-to-cover before daring to pick up another? Or are you like me? How many books do I read at once? Well, that depends on my mood. Sometimes two, sometimes three, sometimes waaay more. I am currently reading four books... well, actually five. But never do I read one book at a time. What's the challenge in that?

I am reading Different For Girls (Ebury Press) by former Brit pop star, Louise Wener. I read a review of it on Trashionista and just had to have it. It sounded soo amazing I had to have it right away. I convinced myself that rather than complete the rewrite my agent requested on the first book in the Hollyweird series, my time would be better spent buying a book. Us writers do this a lot. Procrastinate. But we're so creative we don't call it procrastination. We call it research for our next book.

I stopped work on the spot and rushed out to buy the book only to discover it wasn't yet available in America. So, I joined Amazon-UK. And now I have it. I've been reading it for three weeks. I know, I know--slow. But I'm really enjoying it. And oh, I now realize it's not research.

One book I have been reading for research is Forbidden History (Bear & Co) Edited by J. Douglas Kenyon. I am more browsing this book than reading it. I'm also browsing Technology of The Gods (Adventures Unlimited Press) by David Hatcher Childress. My next project is a time travel novel, and these have turned out to be quite helpful.

Finally I'm reading the delightfully enchanting The Language of Trees (Avon) by Ilie Ruby. You have got to read this book. It's not a YA or a paranormal (my favorite genres) but it is written by a former student. Yes, I taught Ilie Ruby screen writing while she was attending graduate school at USC. And get this, I am scheduled to introduce her at her West Coast reading sponsored by USC in October. What an honor. But the real reason you should read it is it's really good. I never thought I'd be intimidated by a student, but Ilie can write!

I'm also about to start Audrey Wait (Razor Bill) by Robin Benway, because my editor, Dan Smetanka, thought it would help with my voice. Can't wait.... Get it?

So, there you have it, I'm reading four (five, really) books right now, and about to start another. I think I'm going to finish one of the others before starting Audrey Wait. Every one of the books I'm reading is worth the cover price.

So, how many books are you currently reading--and why? I'd love to hear from you.

Stop Drop And Read

I haven't done a post in quite a while because I've been holed-up doing a rewrite on my novel Hollyweird for my agent. However, I did do a fun guest post, and I have a free book giveaway at Stop, Drop And Read. Check it out:

http://tinyurl.com/23d8k75

Remembering Weetzie Bat

Remember Weetzie Bat? Francesca Lia Block's (Click here: Home Francesca Lia Block) lyrical fairy tale set in the gritty environs of Los Angeles? If you have have not read this one you're missing a treat. Click on the link to Francesca's homepage to learn more.

The novel was recently brought to my attention by my editor, Dan, who said my new paranormal series, Hollyweird, reminded him of the book. No, I'm not at all gifted and lyrical like Francesca--I wish! But like Weetzie Bat, my series is set in the gritty, and not so gritty Hollywood area. You'll see Grauman's and Pinks, the Key Club and The Mint, even Rodeo Drive in my book. My job in the rewrite is to not just mention these areas, but to make them and all of Hollywood sing with life, and history, and kitsch, so that my reader will be whisked away there.

So, I went back and reread Weetzie Bat. Man, I hadn't realized it came out in 1989. Twenty-one years. It was great catching up with Weetzie and Dirk, and Duck, and all the dogs. I remembered loving the book back then, but I had forgotten what a terrific love story there was. I know, duh!

I wasn't so young when I read it, and yet, rereading now was a whole new experience for me. I read it in half an hour (It's a short book). I still can't stop thinking about how much it's making me think about my life, and love, and people, and disappointment, and time. I don't remember any of these things the first time around.

My TV writing career was really taking off back in 1989. I think I was so into what I was doing, that I just read the book because I heard it was good, and probably to say that I'd read it. How shallow, I know. But rereading it now, when I'm at an entirely different place in my life, has made the novel resonate for me in new ways.

Why not go back and reread something you've enjoyed a long time ago, but don't remember so well? It could turn out to be a wonderful experience for you. It was for me. If you do this, would you drop me a line and let me know what you read, and what you think now. You can post it on any of my blog posts. I'll know. Maybe we can get a reread book group going.

Now, the big question for the day is, do I pull out Wifey, or go back to work?

More BH Block Party

I Love Writing!

I am sooo excited!

Recently, I signed with a real book agent. Not that my agent wasn't real before. My first YA novel, Never Slow Dance With A Zombie, was represented by my film and TV agent, Jim Kellem of JKA. Thanks, Jim. But now, I am pleased to say, I have signed with a bona-fide book agent--Frank Weimann of The Literary Group International. They sound important, don't they? Book agents know a lot more about the book biz than Hollywood TV agents do. If I am going to have a successful career, I will need to be repped by someone who knows his way around the business. But don't worry about Jim. He's good with it.

I had my first face-to-face meeting with Frank last Thursday at my attorney's office. What a pleasure. Frank and Jeff (my lawyer) are cooking up big things for me. Good. I'm cooking up big things for me, too. First off, they have assigned an editor to get the first book in my YA series, Hollyweird, into shape to be sold. The editor's name is Dan Smetanka. Dan has some awesome credentials. He was editor-in-chief of Phoenix Books before they were abruptly shuttered in April. He has recently been named editor-at-large for both Counterpoint and Soft Skull Press, where he will acquire fiction, narrative nonfiction, memoir, current events, and history titles.

And now Dan is also working with little-ole-me. How cool is that? Last Friday I got an email from Dan telling me how much he liked the manuscript and the setting. I can't wait to get going with him.

I will post here regularly on Hollyweird's road to publication (just as I did with NSDWAZ). I'm sure it's not going to always go as smoothly as I'd like. But you will be here supporting me, and that will make the rough patches a lot easier.

I mentioned here last week that I recently re-edited my second novel, Boyfriend From Hell. I sent it out to Frank's office last week. I can't wait to hear what his reader has to say. It's my favorite book that I've written so far. But I like everything I write :-) Really. Some authors hate their work when they're done. Not me. I look at what I've written at the end of the day and think: "Damn, that's good!" Even when it isn't. I know--embarrassing.

Now I have two manuscripts ready to go into the pipeline. And for the past several months, I've been working on my first boy book. It's a time travel novel. I will talk more about it as I get closer to the end. I think it's a trilogy.

I love being a writer. Can you tell? I love writing books, talking books, meeting with students at schools, and hanging with other writers. It's the best job ever. I like TV writing and producing, but book writing is the B-E-S-T! I also love blogging with and hearing from you. If you have any comments or questions, please leave them. Okay?

One final thing for today: I'm thinking of attending the SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators) Summer Conference in Los Angeles from July 30th-August 2nd. If you, or anyone you know, is going to attend please let me know. I'd love to look you up. I'm still new at this, and know very few authors.

Oh! The photo up top is of the sign on the horse closing my street down yesterday for the BH Block Party. I spent a few hours there, and got a chance to meet neighbors I only see or wave to as we all rush off to our busy lives. My neighbors are so friendly and cool. Who knew? Thanks Jason and Lisa for organizing it. I had a blast.

Peace.

Questions?

Sometimes I have questions.

I'm sure everyone has questions. But sometimes my questions float around inside my head like smoke, never becoming fully formed, or concrete thoughts. So I can't really say what the questions are, but still I know They're there. You ever get that?

I usually try to ignore the feeling. It's kind of disconcerting to have a question inside your head and not know what it is. So I try to ignore the impulse. Other times I do try to push against the smoke and figure out what the question is. But those times are rare... and rather frightening. I think maybe I don't want to know the answers to these questions that nibble at the edge of my consciousness. Like maybe the answer is some horrible thing.

For happy go-luck me, that's kind of strange. Everyone thinks I'm so on top of things. And most times I am... or at least, I try to be. But I had the feeling this morning. Almost like there's some unfinished business I need to attend to. And guess what I did when I got the feeling? I pushed it aside. It's gone now. But even as I write, I feel the unasked question on the edge of my consciousness, never ever ready to pounce.

Hmm. Is this too strange to share?

Thank You!

I wanted to take a moment today and spread a little zombie love. MY first YA novel, Never Slow Dance With A Zombie has done extremely well. We are very pleased with the sales; it's been nominated for both a Cyblis and a prestigious ALA Award, AND Talks are percolating around the Never Slow Dance With A Zombie movie. Yowzah! I will talk more about the movie next time.

Today, I wanted to thank all of my blogging friends who held my hand and helped promote my book. I really, really appreciate you: Jill, and Shooting Stars Magazine: Brenda at What Was That, Now; Velvet at VVB Reads, who created the September Zombies blog which featured a lot of me. I want to send a special thank you to my friend Eleni, at La Femme Readers. When I was nervous about bad reviews, Eleni bolstered me with some kind words... and then wrote an awesome review. And a very special thank you to my girl, Amy, at A Park Avenue Princess. She's done so much in the way of support--more than I could ever repay. She hosted an awesome Twitter contest, and offered countless suggestions on how to promote the book and myself. She is a dream.

I also want to thank those of you who gave me bad reviews. It took me a while to come to terms with them, but the truth is, I have learned from those reviews. I have seen things in my own work that I needed to improve. In fact, I pulled back my second novel, Boyfriend From Hell, and did a massive rewrite, all because of what I have learned from your reviews. I just sent it back out last week. So, thank you as well.

Thank you all. I hope those of you who supported me will continue with your support and friendship, and those who didn't--I hope you will give me another chance and read my next book. I am hoping to win you over with my improved writing.

See, Eleni, you were right. Everyone gets some bad reviews. It took me a while to stop being depressed, and use the bad reviews as a learning experience.

Sorry for no links to your awesome sites. I'm working on a different computer (my main computer crashed) and I don't know how to create links on this one. I will learn that as well

And Jill, your book is coming ;-)

On Winning

George Steinbrenner died today. For many people who didn't know him (and I didn't) if you heard his name it conjured up images of an evil, power hungry man. But if you took the time to read his incredible obit, or listened to the things former and current players had to say about him, you'd come away with a far different image. George Steinbrenner was neither all the good or bad things people say about him. He was a man who put his all into achieving his dreams.

I am a Yankee fan. I grew up in the Bronx, in the shadow of Yankee Stadium. When I was a kid, the Yankees were a storied franchise. But they weren't winners... And then, while I was still quite young, Steinbrenner took over. He was like a breath of fresh air to our city. He was fiery, controversial. And five years later, the Yankees were on top again. Now, I know they say the man is guilty of buying his teams. But wouldn't you spend your own hard earned money on your dreams? Only if they are important enough to you. His dream was to make the Yankees winners again. It was important to him. He wanted to win. He didn't cheat. He didn't break the rules. and he NEVER denigrated his opponents. He spent his money on what was important to him--his family, his community, his charities and the Yankees.

I want to be be a winner in my life. I don't want to win at all costs. But like Steinbrenner, I want to win. I know my goals. I know what I want out of my life and my career. I plan to spend my time, and my money, achieving my goals; and the rest of my time will be spent loving my family and friends, and giving back. I want to live my life like George Steinbrenner.

What's wrong with putting your all into your dreams? If you ask me--nothing.

The Absentee Blogger

Hello. My name is E, and I am an absentee blogger

ALL: Hello, E.

I don't mean to be absent. I actually think about blogging a lot. Not all the time. Not like I once did, when blogging was new to me--but a lot. Sometimes I don't blog because I feel I just don't have anything to say. Other times I feel I'm too busy. And still other times I think: "I haven't blogged in so long. It would be embarrassing to blog now." And so I don't. And to make matters worse, I haven't even taken the time to read any of your blogs. Well.... I read one. But still, I don't know what any of you are up to. Shame. I'm sure there's lots of excitement out there, and I am not a part of it.

I haven't blogged since the NCAA basketball tournament, and even then I was blogging less. I am a true absentee blogger. But I am going to reform. I plan to start blogging again regularly. And I plan to start reading your blogs again, too. I miss it.

I hope some of you will check in from time-to-time. My life has been kind of crazy. I've been doing some TV things, some new book things, and lots of social things. Like today for instance, I went to the Writers Guild screening of Leonardo DiCaprio's new film, Inception. I liked it, but the mood in the theater was not good. Writer's Guild screenings are held for guild members who are mostly screen and TV writers. Screen and TV writers are very, VERY opinionated. Sometimes they even boo. Which is horrible behavior.

I'm sure many of the people in the theater thought they could have done a better job with the film. I'm not so judgemental. If you like Scifi, I think you'll like it. Nuff said.

I will blog again later this week. No more absenteeism for me. I have some really neat stuff happening in my life, and some not so neat stuff. I will blog about it all. Hope some of you will check in.

Peace

March Madness Update or Don't Quit Your Day Job

A few days ago I bragged here in this blog about the NCAA bracket I had filled out. I was in search of the perfect bracket. No losses. The second day of the tournament is now winding down, and all I can say is "E, don't quit your day job." Out of the 50 or so games that have been played so far I have 12 losses. That's around 25%. Not good. But at least West Virginia is still in the tournament. I picked them to win it all. And they still might. Any WV fans in the house?

Okay, Louisville is making a big run in the game against Cal. Time to get back to basketball. But I did do some writing today--so there!

Have any of you filled out brackets, or have favorite teams? How are you doing? And please, no flaunting that you're a better game picker than me. Thanks.

Where Have You Been?

That's the question many of my friends have been asking. "Where have you been, E?" I'd like to say I'd been too sick to write... or so busy touring or working that I haven't had the time. But none of these things are true. So where have I been?

Watching basketball. Watching basketball? I know, that's as bad as the dog ate my homework. How much time can it possibly take to watch basketball? Well, that depends on how much of a fanatic you are. Anyone who has been following me since last March knows I have one big vice--The NCAA basketball tournament, better known as March Madness. Selection Sunday is like Christmas for me. So in mid January I started watching college basketball, studying the teams, their styles of play, their weaknesses. I subscribed to ESPNU so I could watch the little known teams. This year I decided I was going to be a basketball expert, picking every winner of every game. No one has ever done that.

And what will this distinction get me? Nothing. Just the satisfaction of knowing I did it. The tournament starts tomorrow. I will post my daily victories here and humorous summation starting Friday. And for those of you who want the sleeper pick, the one that will make you lots of money. I picked West Virginia to win it all. And if I can figure out how to post my magical million dollar bracket, I will do that tomorrow after the tournament starts. This way I know I'm the only person in America with the BIG WINNER.

Anyway, that's where I've been. Oh... I have been writing, and reading. But mostly I've been watching basketball.

I Want You Back!

For those of you who didn't get to read my ebook novella, I Want You Back! it's now available on my website as a free download. There's also a neat comment contest going on. Every comment you leave on the website is an entry into the drawing.

I have 5 very cool I Want You Back! mugs as prizes. To download the novella or leave a comment Click here: E. Van Lowe

Happy Valentine's Day!

French Fries

Why do people love french fries so much?

Correction. Why do I love french fries so much--and pizza, and hot wings, and mac and cheese, and all the things that are so bad for me? Why can't I love lima beans, and brussel sprouts, and cabbage? Don't get me wrong. I'm a pretty healthy eater. I LOVE sauteed mushrooms, and broccoli, and salads. But you know what makes a salad great? Cheese. And guess what? Cheese is bad for you.

Why go to the trouble of inventing seven layer chocolate cake? Is it to torture us? Three layers is bad enough, why seven? I have to be honest, I have often wondered why EVERYTHING that tastes good is bad for you. Although it definitely makes identifying what is not healthy very easy. If you like it, it's not good for you. That sucks!

Usually I am very diligent about what I put into my body, but Super Bowl weekend has unleashed a sleeping giant appetite for unhealthy things, and I do not know what to do about it--except feed it.

Please, somebody write and tell me I'm not alone in this. And while you're at it, please, please tell me what foods taste great and are good for you. I'm not expecting ANY answers to that last question. But I can hope.

The Comment Contest

My photo contest is over, and unfortunately I didn't get as many entries as I would have liked. I don't know what it is with me and photo contests. This is the second one I've held, and both times the entries have been disappointing. I did receive a handful of very cool photos and those people will be getting the books they requested. The rest of you, I'm stepping up my prize the next time. A NEW CAR!!! Yeah, right. Hopefully it will be something to make you pull out your camera. I'm not giving up.

If you've been following the I Want You Back posts, you will notice that Tatiana has mentioned a contest. Well, here it is, and it's really simple to enter. You don't need to take a picture, so you have no excuse. All you have to do is leave a comment about the story or the artwork in the I Want You Back comment section on my website. For those of you who don't subscribe to my website and therefore have not read the novella, I have good news. We will be posting the link for the full novella here on the blog some time next week. It will also be posted on my website.

So what's the wonderful prize for leaving a comment you ask? Why the lovely mug featured in the photo above. A photo, by the way, that somebody TOOK THE TIME to take. No, I'm not bitter. Hey, I know you drink coffee... or tea... or tequila. Why not drink it out of one of my very cool I Want You Back mugs? I'm giving 5 mugs away in a random drawing around the middle of February. Five chances to win. I will post the end date when we post the link for the novella here. All you need to do to enter is leave a comment here:Click here: E. Van Lowe. The more comments, the more entries. Easy peasy, right? I'd love to hear from you. And don't you want one of my beautiful mugs designed by my good friend Tatiana? Of course you do? So comment already!

And finally, I had the most flattering thing happen to me last week. A fan did a Never Slow Dance With A Zombie video for her English class and posted it on her MySpace page. It's quite well done, and really creepy. Click here: Never Slow Dance With A Zombie Video by †Grace And Her Porcelain† - MySpace Video

My little book is like almost a movie already, huh? I am so lucky to have such talented fans. Thank you Grace and all your actors for making my day. Okay, now it's time for the rest of you to make my day... or not :-) Love ya anyway. But I'll love you more if you leave a comment ;)

My Next Big Book Giveaway!

I'm still making room in my office for new books sooooo it's time for my next Big Book Giveaway, but this time I am not going to make it so easy as just claiming a book. This time you're going to have to work for it. I'm giving away 6 new books including, Dead Girl Walking, by Linda Joy Singleton.

To qualify to win a book you have to claim one word in the title Never Slow Dance With A Zombie, and one book from the list below. Six words--six books. The first twelve people to claim an unclaimed word and book will qualify. So only two people can claim a word and a book. The contest starts NOW. Check the comment section of this post. If no one has chosen the word you'd like or the book you want, or if only one other person has chosen the word or book, it's yours to claim. Claim it! Remember, you must claim a word AND a book to qualify. I hope this is clear. Twelve entries in all.

Now comes the fun part. See the photos of Tatiana and myself holding up the words "photo contest." You must creatively write or draw your chosen word on an 8 x11 sheet of paper or something larger. Then have a friend take a photo of YOU holding your creatively drawn word, and send your photo to me at info@evanlowe.com. Tatiana and I will choose our 6 favorites and post them in a collage spelling out Never Slow Dance With A Zombie on my blog and website. All photos must be received by midnight January 30th PST. The winners will be posted some time in early February.

If your photo has been chosen, send your contact info to me at info@evanlowe.com and the book is yours. Good luck, have fun, and be creative.

Here's the list of books:

Cathy's Book--Stewart/Weisman/Brigg
Furies of Calderon--Jim Butcher
Desert Crossing--Elise Broach
My Perfect Life--Dyan Sheldon
Dead Girl Walking--Linda Joy Singleton
Never Slow Dance With A Zombie--E. Van Lowe

I Want You Back art - Guest Post by Tatiana EL-Khouri

I hope you are enjoying the e-novella "I Want You Back" as much as I have been enjoying creating the artwork. On my last guest post, I talked about the planted "easter egg" clues in the paintings.

Have you been able to figure them out?

Here is a clue for those who haven't read all the available chapters yet or begun the series, Chapters 5 & 6 were hinted at with the cover art for the series.

********* Spoiler Alert *********

I will break down the cover art and reveal the clues.

Book Title- The title of the book series directly relates to the note that Madame Leveau tells Emy to create. "For the next part of the spell I had to create two notes out of things that were important to both Devin and me. The note would read: “I Want You Back!”

This was the creative part of the spell, for I had to choose letters from things of importance and paste them onto a piece of paper from my notebook. I cut out a W from a Seventy-Sixers/Warriors basketball game ticket.

That game was our first date.

I chose an A from the heart shaped candy I’d purchased to share with Devin on Valentine’s Day. He didn’t get me anything, but that was okay. I got the candy for us both."

Frame- The frame that encompasses the hands, represents the strange mirror that Emy must use to complete the spell. If you notice, there are symbols in both the frame on the cover and the inside of the mirror in the Chapter 5 illustration above.

Here are some of the symbols and how they connect to the story:

• Infinity- The spell is binding, "till Death do us part."
• Male & Female- It reperesents Emy and Devin.
• Earth, Sky, Moon, Sun- It represents the power in the elements. Emy must dig the earth to bury the spell items since the mirror is lunar charged.
• Question Mark- This represents uncertainty in Emy.

Holding Hands- The holding hands in the cover represent Emy's desire to be with Devin.

Did you guess those? Well I'm happy to say there is still one more clue in the cover that will be revealed in the next installment being delivered Monday! Can you guess what it is?

Tatiana

New Years Book Giveaway Update

Most of the winning books are in the mail. I still haven't heard from Bookmac. Bookmac if I don't hear from you today, the book will go back into the queue. Also, I have not yet heard from Wilkwise so *Ruby* you're the winner of My Horizontal Life. If you will send your mailing info to info@evanlowe.com I will get your book out to you. You have 24 hours to contact me.

Thank you all for participating. My next big book giveaway is coming soon. Be aware, it's a photo contest. Yum! Stay tuned.

The Illustration above is from chapter 6 of my free ebook, I Want you Back! All I can say is, the plot thickens. Thanks, Tatiana, for such an awesomely dark painting. If you'd like to have all 10 chapters of I Want You Back! delivered to you in your email box, go here Click here: E. Van Lowe

Why I Hate Vampires

Okay, now that I've got your attention I have to admit, I don't really hate vampires. I just have a bone to pick with them.

When I was a kid I loved vampire movies. Bela Lagosi's black and white Dracula, Peter Cushing's Dracula, with so much outrageously red Technicolor blood, it should have been laughable. But it wasn't. It was really, really scary. And who can forget the original Salem's Lot. The movie was as good as the book. I had to sleep with the lights on for a week after I saw it.

When my mother would let my older brother and I watch horror movies, I always shut my eyes at the scary parts. "What's happening now?" I'd say. "What's happening now?" My brother was so cool. I'd say things like: "Is it okay to open my eyes now?" and he'd say "Yes." But never to trick me into seeing something ghastly, only when it was safe. As a child I must have sat through every horror film that came on TV. But I can't honestly say I saw any them all.

And that's my point. Vampires used to be gruesome, ghastly creatures that scared the bejesus out of you. They had an equally scary human servant, who from what I remember, ate spiders or rats. Yech!

Fast forward to Bill Compton and Edward Cullen. And if you don't know who they are, you are not into vampires. What they are is gorgeous. These are beautiful vampires. I mean, come on, even I think they're beautiful and, trust me, I like girls. When I was a kid you can bet if a vampire tried to bite me I'd run like hell. But today, I'd have to think about it.

What guy doesn't want to be thought of as attractive by beautiful women? Hey, and even if they don't think you're attractive right off, you just glam them, and bam, sexy lady is all yours. Vampires are the new rock stars. And you don't even have to sing or play an instrument.

So now for my confession. I don't hate vampires. In fact, I am jealous of vampires. I want to be a vampire. Not the ghastly gruesome vampires of my youth, but the handsome, sexy vampire of today. If I ever meet Edward Cullen, I am going to invite him to dinner--Me! The only way I'd pass on dinner with Edward Cullen, is if someone introduced me to Eric. And ladies, I'm warning you, if I get made by Eric--look out!