Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 370

One Day's David Nicholls Answers Your Questions [SPOILER ALERT!]

Hello, Bookies:

 

 

In the NOBC in-box this morning: author David Nicholls' answers to your questions about One Day. Big note: There are major plot spoilers discussed below, so we urge you not to read this post without first finishing the book.

 

From Danielle Virgin, discussion leader:

1. At any point did you consider the possibility of Emma and Dex not being together?

 

2. Was it difficult to write how these characters evolved, considering we have only a glimpse of their lives from one year to the next?

 

 

Well, one of the great benefits of writing fiction is that you can cheat a little. Even though I only show events on one individual day, there's nothing to stop me passing on snippets of information to the reader—e.g., 'six months previously, he had fallen in love,' etc. The novelist can also chart inner transformations ('She no longer felt…'). Having said that, I tried to keep the action contained in a single day, and planned the novel very carefully, so that each 'day,' each set-piece chapter, would move the story and the characters on. In that sense, it was rather like a puzzle, working out not just what happens on the twenty 'one days' but also on the 364 days in between.

 

 

The Dex at the end of the book—the one who spends a day dreaming on the mountain with Emma (and years later brings his daughter), the one who runs after Emma to invite her to visit his family—is not quite the Dex we got elsewhere in the book. So how do you see his true character? And why didn't he just rewrite that letter to Emma, since we know at the end that he was quite clearly attracted to her.

 

Posted by: Maura Fritz| Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 09:42 PM

 

 

Well, like Em, like anyone, he changes from day to day. Moments of extreme selfishness and stupidity alternate with kindness and generosity. Certainly the loss of his mother puts him into a spin for a number of years, and booze plays a part too. But I hope these aren't inconsistencies, just a reflection of real-life.

 

 

As to the letter, it's written on impulse, an impulse that passes as soon as he meets the next girl. Even as he's writing the letter (drunk) he's having second thoughts. The book is partly about how split-second decisions, chance too, can change the course of a life, and I think that's one example.

 

 

My question for the author:

 

In Part II, where it talks about how Emma is so excited to finally have a place of her own and not have to share a bathroom, where is she living? In one chapter with the location listed as Oxfordshire, it talks about her new place and the large carafe that she keeps by her bed...and the tiny corridor of space between the side of the bed and the walls. But later, in a chapter with the location listed as Leytonstone, it refers to this same apartment. So where was she living and during which time period? Not being from England, I wasn't sure how close Oxfordshire and Leytonstone were, and if there is a connection somehow.

 

Posted by: Kelly| Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at 02:21 PM

 

 

Hi, Kelly,

 

Apologies—the heading is misleading. Oxfordshire is Dexter's family home—a rural retreat about two hours from London. At that time, Emma is renting a one-bedroom flat in Earls Court, West London. Leytonstone is a somewhat run-down district of North East London—the flat she mistakenly buys with Ian.

 

 

Mr. David Nicholls:

 

Great read!

 

Who inspired Emma's character?

 

Is Dexter actually David (You)??

 

You were spot on regarding life events and dealing with transition in life events, spot on... Bravo!

 

Posted by: Bella| Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at 10:24 PM

 

 

There's no single prototype. A lot of my own experiences have gone into Emma—the bodged twenties, the terrible jobs—though I'm not nearly as smart and witty and idealistic as she is. Certainly I owe a debt to the personalities and remarks of my female friends. I've known a lot of Dexters in my day, but am nothing like that at all, I'm afraid. Not that he's to be admired, but he does at least have some fun. As usual, the characters are a combination of autobiography, friends and acquaintances and—to quite a large degree—other fictional characters. Emma's a mixture of Elizabeth Bennett, Beatrice from Much Ado, Annie Hall, Shirley MacLaine in The Apartment—all kinds of influences.

 

 

Dex's downward spiral was so well written that I wonder where David Nicholls got his inspiration...it was incredibly believable and I still remember the quote of how Dex felt like he was on ice and then the ice began to crack and the next thing he knew, he went under.....

 

Posted by: Carol| Thursday, January 27, 2011 at 12:04 PM

 

 

Thanks, Carol. Very kind. Whilst I've not always been a bookish recluse, I suppose I've had my shaky moments—I don't know anyone who reaches their forties entirely intact. But in Dexter's decline there's thankfully very little memoir. As usual, a lot is ripped off from better writers. Fitzgerald's wonderful Tender Is the Night has always been a big influence—the charming man who throws it all away.

 

 

SPOILER ALERT!

 

 

I thoroughly enjoyed reading One Day. I could feel all the emotions of Em and Dex. My question.... Did you plan from the start for Em to die? I completely lost it and cried like a baby! Thank you for the story.

 

 

Posted by: Stephanie| Friday, January 28, 2011 at 01:36 PM

 

 

SPOILER ALERT!

 

 

Yes, Stephanie, always part of the plan. The original idea from the book—stolen from the passage in Tess, which I quote—was to write about a 'death-day,' the unknown anniversary that we all have, the date of our future death. The trick then was to keep it from the reader. So it was no whim on my part. It was always what the book was going to be about.

 

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Eileen Fisher Launches a Footwear Collection

Just when you thought earthy hued dresses, sumptuous knits, airy tunics, and chic linen separates were the only things up Eileen Fisher's roomy sleeve, she surprises us with the launch of her first footwear collection for fall 2011. And, no, they aren't just Birkenstock-esque sandals and clogs. Eileen's earth-mother aesthetic is still there (frolicking through the wheatgrass) but has evolved with the times.

 

 

 

Die-hard Eileen Fisher fans and stylish women with a desire to look modern without losing their minimalistic appeal will love the wide range of styles. There is something for everyone (yes, both you and your mom). The entire collection is made of Italian leather, and the shoes will retail between $175 to $275, booties will run $295 to $400, and boots will cost $395 to $500.

 

I had the opportunity to attend the collection's launch party last week and I snapped a few pictures of my favorite styles...

 

What do you think of the new collection?

  
 

 

How to Get the Perfect Bun

A simple, chic bun is one of my favorite quick hairstyles. Whether you have straight, thick, curly, or fine hair, this is a great way to switch up your look. My only issue is getting it to stay all day! I recently found a solution that I couldn't keep secret. 

 

Phote Credit: Lucas Allen

 

I rarely try hair gimmicks or tricks that seem so easy to do but end up a mess at home. Then, about a month ago, I was attending a wedding and I wanted to wear my hair in a low bun. The back of my dress had these beautiful knots, so I wanted to show it off rather than cover it up with my hair. All the bobby pins in the world were not getting me the look I wanted. The only thing I could find to work were clunky claws or clips, which looked too obvious. Then I discovered...

 

The Goody Spin Pin

 

To buy: $6, Target.com 

These little swirly pins kept my bun in through lots of dancing (the DJ had to instruct us to sit down for the main course). It was the true test! They blended in with my hair–the pins also come in a lighter shade for blondes–so no one even noticed them. I am so in love with mine, I even keep them in my purse just in case I want to put my hair up midday.

 

They are incredibly easy to use and come with the mini diagram above, as well as suggestions for other bun styles. I definitely suggest putting the Goody Spin Pins through your ultimate bun test!

 

Tell me what you think after using them, or share your solutions for a simple stay-put bun. Can't wait to hear your thoughts! 

 

What's the Best Air Temperature for Productivity?

 

Trying to stay on-task at the office? If you can adjust your own thermostat, set it to 77 degrees Fahrenheit, which according to Cornell University is the ideal temperature for office workers. You'll type faster and with fewer mistakes than if you turn it up a few degrees.

 

What are your best strategies for being productive at work?

Related:

A Home Office Makeover

New Uses for Things in Your Office

20 Home Office Organizing Tricks

Will CARD Act Prevent Stay-At-Home Parents From Getting Credit?

Credit industry observers are awaiting Federal Reserve rules that could prevent stay-at-home parents from getting a new credit card in their names if they don't have their own income. The result could be a range of credit headaches, particularly for couples who end up getting divorced.

 

The anticipated rules would clarify a portion of the CARD Act, passed in 2009, which requires lenders to verify "independent" income for applicants, rather than household income, says John Ulzheimer, president of consumer education for SmartCredit.com. The rules were included in the new law to prevent people from running up high-interest debt they can't pay. The CARD Act has been implemented in phases since 2010; as of last August, for example, people under age 21 can't get a credit card without an over-21 co-signer. 

 

But if the rules are adopted, "everyone at the mall at 1pm on a Tuesday afternoon – 90 percent of whom are likely stay-at-home moms or dads – couldn't get a store card, even though they are enacting purchases on behalf of the household. Also, people who depend on the working spouse for financial validation are put at risk if the marriage fails."

 

Ulzheimer says the rule may also hit retailers hard. "You're hurting consumers because they can't take advantage of 10 to 20 percent offers, but you're also hurting retailers when those consumers walk away from a deal like that," he says. "There's also the perception that the retailer is sticking it to you, but they're not." Retailers including Dress Barn, Limited and Home Depot have sent letters to the Fed challenging the rule.

 

People with no current income who have existing credit cards in their names would not be affected by the new rules; they should maintain those cards, Ulzheimer advises. Married couples who are both employed can avoid the issue by establishing and maintaining separate credit, which would remain open if one of them eventually took time off to raise kids.

 

But for stay-at-home parents who don't have credit, the options would be limited, says Ulzheimer. They could open a secured credit card, in which they deposit the amount of the credit limit upfront with the lending institution, or become a secondary user on their spouse's card. But the latter option opens up a host of problems in the event of divorce. Experts recommend that married couples maintain credit independence, because joint debts can't be dismantled. No matter who ran up the credit card bills, if both parties are on the account, they are both responsible. In an amicable divorce, one party might agree to transfer the balances to a new card that contains only one of the parties' names. But what if the separation isn't friendly?

 

Finally, from a philosophical perspective, the proposed CARD Act rules devalue the work of people who take care of the household and the kids, whose labor is enormously important to household finances. The working partner simply couldn't earn that income (or at least not that much income) without someone to supervise children and oversee the countless chores and responsibilities of life outside work.

 

What do you think? Should the Fed require the verification of independent income so people don't do reckless things with credit cards? Or would this be a major setback for stay-at-home parents, most of whom are women?

Treesje Throttle Bag: A V-Day Gift That Gives Back

 

Cross your heart and hope to...look fabulous and give back to an amazing cause all at the same time!

 

This Valentine's Day, Treesje is spreading the love by supporting a cause close to its heart. In honor of designer Laura Darrah's mother, 15% from the purchase of the Throttle bag will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation now through the end of February.

 

 

 

The Throttle ($298), in a romantic red plush leather, is the perfect accessory to carry on date night this Valentine's day or to give as a gift to a very fashionable friend. Featuring a chain link trim and zipper detailing, this envelope style crossbody bag (which can also convert into a handy clutch) captures the essence of Treesje's signature marriage of hard-edge meets feminine sophistication. We LOVE that!

 

 

 

 

Happy giving back!

A Pizza Dip Recipe for Your Super Bowl Party

Everyone loves pizza. Everyone loves dip. Put the two together, and you have an instant hit on your hands. This recipe for Hot Pizza Dip is the perfect dish to bring to a Super Bowl party—it's easy to make, a fantastic crowd-pleaser, and can be assembled beforehand and then just popped in the oven for about 10 minutes before serving.

 

 

Hot Pizza Dip
Recipe adapted from iVillage.com

 

6 ounces light cream cheese at room temperature
1/2 cup light sour cream
2 teaspoons oregano
3/4 cup pizza sauce
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/4 cup sliced scallions
1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
1/4 cup black olives, sliced
1/4 cup chopped pepperoni stick, optional
1 cup shredded skim mozzarella
Tortilla chips, for serving

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

 

2. In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and oregano; stir until thoroughly combined. Spread evenly into a 9-inch pie pan or similar baking pan. Spread the pizza sauce on top. Sprinkle with Parmesan, then the rest of your toppings: scallions, red bell pepper, black olives, and pepperoni, if using (I leave this out when I know vegetarians will be around). Top with the shredded mozzarella and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Serve immediately with tortilla chips.

 

Alternatively, you can assemble the dip a day ahead, then cover with foil and refrigerate until ready to heat and eat. Add a few minutes to the baking time for the cheese to melt.

 

This dip is great because it's so versatile (well, and also because it's covered in warm, gooey, melted cheese). You can play around with your favorite pizza toppings (sliced mushrooms, crumbled cooked sausage, fresh basil, etc) and adjust the flavors as you wish. This would also be delicious served with Triscuits or toasted baguette slices.

Happy football watching!

Get Visual Food Recommendations with Foodspotting

This weekend, as you're deciding where to go out to eat, try using the Foodspotting app or website.

 

 

Foodspotting is crowd-sourced app that shows you photos and reviews of specific dishes near you based on the GPS in your phone or by the zip code you enter on the website. If you're looking for the best burger for a Friday night dinner or Eggs Benedict for Sunday brunch you can browse photos until you find the one you want to try.

 

Visit Foodspotting or download their iPhone app or their Android app to learn more and try it out.

 

*A special note to our NYC readers:

Foodspotting will be hosting a panel and flash mob this coming Monday, February 7th at 10 am at the Whole Foods Store on Bowery as part of Social Media Week. You'll hear from Marcus Samuelsson, Ben Leventhal the founder of Eater.com, and Amanda Hesser founder of Food52.com; all moderated by Soraya Darabi from Foodspotting. And of course, they'll be giving stuff away. (As if you needed more of a reason to attend.) Full details available here.

 

A Reality Check for Your Finances

MSN Money Columnist Liz Weston is out with a new book "The Ten Commandments of Money: Survive and Thrive in the New Economy." It's a refreshingly no-nonsense read that steers clear of superficial advice like "clip coupons, get rid of the cable" and cuts right to the chase with simple formulas to get your finances in order.

Weston provides real world parameters for your budget so you don't get off track. Her guidelines act a bit like those bumpers that give my kids an advantage in bowling -- in short, you may not "strike" it rich, but you won't end up in the "gutter." (Bad pun intended.) Weston suggests you divide your income this way: 50% needs, 30% wants and 20% savings. She claims it works for every income in virtually every situation.

First, figure out your monthly pay after taxes. If you have items that your employer takes out of your paycheck -- 401(k) contributions, health insurance premiums, union dues – then add those back into the paycheck number. Gather your monthly bills, checkbook and credit card statements and sort your expenses into three categories: needs, wants and savings. Weston defines needs as any expense that could cause an immediate crisis if it's left unpaid: housing, utilities, food.  Thus the person who earns $3,000 after-tax should spend no more than $1,500 on needs; $900 on wants; and put $600 in savings. (Any loan payments above the minimums due go into the "savings" category.)

 

When I applied the formula to my budget, it came out like this: needs 30%, wants 20%, savings 50%. Our savings are skewed higher by two goals: We want to pay for four years of college for our three daughters, and we'd like to retire a little earlier than age 65. (I doubt I'll ever stop working, but I'd like to be free to work on more projects where the payoff is personal rather than financial.)

 

I was able to figure out my ratios in about five minutes using a report from my budgeting software, mvelopes.com. (I looked at the last 12 months of spending so I wouldn't miss payments I make quarterly or annually.) Do a reality check for your finances: Go through the steps above and try to figure out if your budget fits Weston's ratios. If you realize you have no idea where a good chunk of your money has gone, it's time to identify the black holes in your spending. Get a budgeting tool. Mvelopes is a subscription tool, but there are lots of other free tools out there, such as Mint.com.

 

Do you use a budgeting tool? What works for you and why? How do you divide your spending among wants, needs and savings?




 

5 Key Secrets to Making Marriage Last

What are the five key secrets to making marriage last? According to British author Catherine Blyth (The Art of Marriage: A Guide to Living Life as Two) it's fairly straight forward:

 

1.    Prioritize pleasure and laugh. Often. Remember that your marriage is something you create, together, day by day.

2.    Seek the best, and keep actively noticing each other.

3.    Minimize stress on your bond.

4.    Embrace change.

5.    Cultivate gratitude, never forgetting to praise your beloved, out loud.

Seems easy, right? Yet in practice we all know it can be quite hard. In all seriousness, how do you minimize the stress on your bond when there are bills to pay, car repairs to make, kids home sick from school, work deadlines, and mountains of snow piling up outside your door?

How do you actively notice your partner amidst the daily chaos that is married life?

I guess by paying close attention and keeping the home fires burning. Blyth suggests it takes "time, novelty, and awareness."

"Marriages can grow stale if we assume that we know each other too well. But do new things, take a few risks, see new sides to each other, and you'll experience again the surprises that jolted your heart when you met."

Kind of reminds me of that episode of Modern Family when Claire and Phil try to spice things up with a romantic getaway and role play. It's one of my all-time favorite episodes. Hilarious!

With Valentine's Day around the corner, do you have any special surprises planned?