Melanie Harlow's Blog, page 7
May 10, 2013
Flapper Friday -- Gatsby Style (It's the Cat's Meow)
Introducing Flapper Friday!
Since SPEAK EASY is set in 1923, I'm dedicating (most) Fridays in the near future to all things flavored with roaring twenties--fashion, cocktails, music, movies, books...Jazz Age thrills in a modern world.
So how perfect is it that today is the release day for Baz Luhrmann's THE GREAT GATSBY?!
As a retro culture junkie and a word nerd, this pleases me greatly. YES, I know that Luhrmann spiked the Fitzgerald punch with a pint of JAY Z and crusty literary types are harrumphing about it. YES, I know that the costumes are not exactly historically accurate. (Click here for an awesome article in the Atlantic by 20s fashion expert Dierdre Clemente about why it doesn't matter.)
Who cares? As Clemente says, Lurhmann's Gatsby is "darker, grittier, and much sexier than the priggish Fitzgerald could have imagined. It's a 21st century Gatsby, set in the 1920s, which, paradoxically, ups its connection to the decadent period it depicts."
Darker? Grittier? Sexier?
Serve. It. Up.
If you're like me, you will be obsessing over the fashions in the film. Those beaded dresses! The headbands! The jewelry! The three-piece suits! The cloches! The bow ties!
I must have them. If you must as well, here are some suggestions...
The Dresses
Check out this Pinterest board by Linda De Clario, who designed a collection of beaded flapper dresses. Here's an example:
Stunning! And it comes in other colors too. Click here for her website.
The Headbands
Stay away from costumey feathers and try beads (or sequins if you must get glittery).
Click here to for the Etsy Shop!
Click here for the Etsy Shop!
The JewelryLook for cool art deco shapes! I adore these two bracelets from jewelNINJAS.
The Agatha Bracelet
Kimmy Bracelet in Tangerine
And don't forget the men. Brooks Brothers has entire Gatsby Collection. Here's a taste...
And if you really want to splurge, get yourself a pair of art deco-inspired heels by Chrissie Morris.
Can't afford them? Me either. But perhaps we could treat ourselves to an art deco manicure.
Cheers, all you beautiful little fools. Here's to repeating the past, our way.
Since SPEAK EASY is set in 1923, I'm dedicating (most) Fridays in the near future to all things flavored with roaring twenties--fashion, cocktails, music, movies, books...Jazz Age thrills in a modern world.
So how perfect is it that today is the release day for Baz Luhrmann's THE GREAT GATSBY?!
As a retro culture junkie and a word nerd, this pleases me greatly. YES, I know that Luhrmann spiked the Fitzgerald punch with a pint of JAY Z and crusty literary types are harrumphing about it. YES, I know that the costumes are not exactly historically accurate. (Click here for an awesome article in the Atlantic by 20s fashion expert Dierdre Clemente about why it doesn't matter.)
Who cares? As Clemente says, Lurhmann's Gatsby is "darker, grittier, and much sexier than the priggish Fitzgerald could have imagined. It's a 21st century Gatsby, set in the 1920s, which, paradoxically, ups its connection to the decadent period it depicts."
Darker? Grittier? Sexier?
Serve. It. Up.
If you're like me, you will be obsessing over the fashions in the film. Those beaded dresses! The headbands! The jewelry! The three-piece suits! The cloches! The bow ties!
I must have them. If you must as well, here are some suggestions...
The Dresses
Check out this Pinterest board by Linda De Clario, who designed a collection of beaded flapper dresses. Here's an example:
Stunning! And it comes in other colors too. Click here for her website.
The Headbands
Stay away from costumey feathers and try beads (or sequins if you must get glittery).
Click here to for the Etsy Shop!
Click here for the Etsy Shop!The JewelryLook for cool art deco shapes! I adore these two bracelets from jewelNINJAS.
The Agatha Bracelet
Kimmy Bracelet in TangerineAnd don't forget the men. Brooks Brothers has entire Gatsby Collection. Here's a taste...
And if you really want to splurge, get yourself a pair of art deco-inspired heels by Chrissie Morris.
Can't afford them? Me either. But perhaps we could treat ourselves to an art deco manicure.
Cheers, all you beautiful little fools. Here's to repeating the past, our way.
May 9, 2013
Cover Reveal: FIXED ON YOU, by Laurelin Paige
This cover?
It's hot.
It's so hot I have to show it to you now, but you must promise not to get *fixated* (see what I did there?) on it and forget to read the blurb.
But it's hard, I know. Because...
Now add a nightclub. Dark history. Obsessive love. And a name like Hudson Pierce.
Take a breath and add to Goodreads. Then bite your nails with me until July 31st!
Oh, you still want to know what it's about?
Title: Fixed on You (Fixed, #1)Author: Laurelin PaigeGenre: ContemporaryAge Group: AdultExpected release date: July 31, 2013 Cover reveal organized by: AToMR Tours
Stalking and restraining orders are a thing of Alayna Pierce’s past. With her MBA newly in hand, she has her future figured out – move up at the nightclub she works at and marry the manager, David. He’s perfect for her because, although he’s attractive, he doesn’t get her all turned inside out and upside down like some other men have. It’s a safe plan, one that assures she’ll remain in control of her obsessive love disorder.
But what Alayna didn’t figure on is Hudson Pierce, the new owner of the nightclub. He’s smart, rich, and gorgeous – the kind of guy Alayna knows to stay away from if she wants to keep her past tendencies in check. Except, Hudson’s fixed his sights on her. He wants her in his bed and makes no secret of his plans to seduce her. Avoiding him becomes impossible after he offers a business proposition Alayna can’t turn down and she’s drawn further into his universe, unable to resist his gravitational pull.
Soon Alayna’s charmed by Hudson in every way possible and the control over her old behaviors slip. When she learns Hudson has a dark history of his own, she realizes too late that she’s fallen for the worst man she could possibly get involved with. Or maybe their less than ideal pasts give them an opportunity to heal each other and finally find the love their lives have been missing.
About the AuthorLaurelin Paige is a sucker for a good romance and gets giddy anytime there’s kissing, much to the embarrassment of her three daughters. Her husband doesn’t seem to complain, however. When she isn’t reading or writing sexy stories, she’s probably singing, watching Mad Men or the Walking Dead, or dreaming of Adam Levine. She is represented by the wonderful Bob Diforio of D4EO Literary Agency.
Blog Twitter Facebook
It's hot.
It's so hot I have to show it to you now, but you must promise not to get *fixated* (see what I did there?) on it and forget to read the blurb.
But it's hard, I know. Because...
Now add a nightclub. Dark history. Obsessive love. And a name like Hudson Pierce.
Take a breath and add to Goodreads. Then bite your nails with me until July 31st!
Oh, you still want to know what it's about?
Title: Fixed on You (Fixed, #1)Author: Laurelin PaigeGenre: ContemporaryAge Group: AdultExpected release date: July 31, 2013 Cover reveal organized by: AToMR Tours
Stalking and restraining orders are a thing of Alayna Pierce’s past. With her MBA newly in hand, she has her future figured out – move up at the nightclub she works at and marry the manager, David. He’s perfect for her because, although he’s attractive, he doesn’t get her all turned inside out and upside down like some other men have. It’s a safe plan, one that assures she’ll remain in control of her obsessive love disorder.
But what Alayna didn’t figure on is Hudson Pierce, the new owner of the nightclub. He’s smart, rich, and gorgeous – the kind of guy Alayna knows to stay away from if she wants to keep her past tendencies in check. Except, Hudson’s fixed his sights on her. He wants her in his bed and makes no secret of his plans to seduce her. Avoiding him becomes impossible after he offers a business proposition Alayna can’t turn down and she’s drawn further into his universe, unable to resist his gravitational pull.
Soon Alayna’s charmed by Hudson in every way possible and the control over her old behaviors slip. When she learns Hudson has a dark history of his own, she realizes too late that she’s fallen for the worst man she could possibly get involved with. Or maybe their less than ideal pasts give them an opportunity to heal each other and finally find the love their lives have been missing.
About the AuthorLaurelin Paige is a sucker for a good romance and gets giddy anytime there’s kissing, much to the embarrassment of her three daughters. Her husband doesn’t seem to complain, however. When she isn’t reading or writing sexy stories, she’s probably singing, watching Mad Men or the Walking Dead, or dreaming of Adam Levine. She is represented by the wonderful Bob Diforio of D4EO Literary Agency.
Blog Twitter Facebook
May 7, 2013
Tempt Me Tuesday
Oh my goodness.
I'm trying to form coherent thoughts but it's difficult because I have just read the first two chapters of ENTWINED WITH YOU by Sylvia Day.
Lovely, generous Sylvia gave the masses of tongue-lolling, Gideon-starved creatures like me a taste of the third book in the Crossfire series today, and I can't think (really. I can't think.) of a more perfect way to introduce a series of posts on my blog called--you guessed it--Tempt Me Tuesday.
Temptation plays a huge part in SPEAK EASY, my NA historical set in 1923. The temptation to drink, to smoke, to wear lipstick, to kiss, to roll your stockings down, to rip some buttons off a three-piece suit...
Come on babe, why don't we paint the town?
Or you could just take off your pants and we'll stay in.
OK I better stop.
So every Tuesday I will post something to tempt and tease you...could be anything! For today, here is the link to Sylvia Day's site where the chapters are posted.
Between the chapters and all the pics floating around Twitter of readers' choices for Gideon Cross actors, I may never breathe normally again. The #GideonEffect. 'Tis a real thing.
Is it June 4th yet???
I'm trying to form coherent thoughts but it's difficult because I have just read the first two chapters of ENTWINED WITH YOU by Sylvia Day.
Lovely, generous Sylvia gave the masses of tongue-lolling, Gideon-starved creatures like me a taste of the third book in the Crossfire series today, and I can't think (really. I can't think.) of a more perfect way to introduce a series of posts on my blog called--you guessed it--Tempt Me Tuesday.
Temptation plays a huge part in SPEAK EASY, my NA historical set in 1923. The temptation to drink, to smoke, to wear lipstick, to kiss, to roll your stockings down, to rip some buttons off a three-piece suit...
Come on babe, why don't we paint the town? Or you could just take off your pants and we'll stay in.
OK I better stop.
So every Tuesday I will post something to tempt and tease you...could be anything! For today, here is the link to Sylvia Day's site where the chapters are posted.
Between the chapters and all the pics floating around Twitter of readers' choices for Gideon Cross actors, I may never breathe normally again. The #GideonEffect. 'Tis a real thing.
Is it June 4th yet???
May 6, 2013
Nervous about Self-Publishing?
I was too.
Because here's what I knew about self-publishing before this year.
See the blank space?^^^^ Yeah, that's pretty much it.
But so many writer friends, whether they had agents or not, were making the decision to do it. And here's the amazing thing about writers--they are generous! And encouraging! And they will help you, even when you are a toe-dragging, self-doubting, indecisive mess.
They shared articles with me, like this one about why even big names are choosing self-publishing. And this one about what different authors are making from self-published books. And this one about how much money you might have to invest at the start.
Then I read Hugh Howey's interview in the May/June 2013 Writer's Digest. Click here for a similar blog post by him if you can't get the magazine.
And I was convinced.
But I was still clueless.
So I began researching it, and thanks to the generosity of other writers and websites like The Creative Penn and The Book Designer, I am finding my way.
You can too.
And for me, once that decision was made, everything changed for the better--because I knew I was writing for readers, not literary gatekeepers. My writing got better too. (And much, much sexier.) Sitting down at the keyboard was a joy, not a chore.
Now, will it take a lot of work and investment beyond actual writing time and lattes at Starbucks?
YES.
Does the thought of it overwhelm me so much that at times I want my Bombay Sapphire delivered intravenously?
YES.
But do I have complete creative and financial control?
YES.
Do I love writing more now that I feel that freedom?
YES. A thousand times, YES.
Still not convinced? Take a look at this Forbes article, posted last week (4/30/13), entitled When the Self-Published Authors Take Over, What Will Publishers Do?
It's a really incredible time to be a writer and a reader--we've never been more empowered to make our own choices.
Because here's what I knew about self-publishing before this year.
See the blank space?^^^^ Yeah, that's pretty much it.
But so many writer friends, whether they had agents or not, were making the decision to do it. And here's the amazing thing about writers--they are generous! And encouraging! And they will help you, even when you are a toe-dragging, self-doubting, indecisive mess.
They shared articles with me, like this one about why even big names are choosing self-publishing. And this one about what different authors are making from self-published books. And this one about how much money you might have to invest at the start.
Then I read Hugh Howey's interview in the May/June 2013 Writer's Digest. Click here for a similar blog post by him if you can't get the magazine.
And I was convinced.
But I was still clueless.
So I began researching it, and thanks to the generosity of other writers and websites like The Creative Penn and The Book Designer, I am finding my way.
You can too.
And for me, once that decision was made, everything changed for the better--because I knew I was writing for readers, not literary gatekeepers. My writing got better too. (And much, much sexier.) Sitting down at the keyboard was a joy, not a chore.
Now, will it take a lot of work and investment beyond actual writing time and lattes at Starbucks?
YES.
Does the thought of it overwhelm me so much that at times I want my Bombay Sapphire delivered intravenously?
YES.
But do I have complete creative and financial control?
YES.
Do I love writing more now that I feel that freedom?
YES. A thousand times, YES.
Still not convinced? Take a look at this Forbes article, posted last week (4/30/13), entitled When the Self-Published Authors Take Over, What Will Publishers Do?
It's a really incredible time to be a writer and a reader--we've never been more empowered to make our own choices.
May 1, 2013
Cover Reveal -- CATCHING LIAM by Sophia Bleu
I'm reading this book right now.
And let me tell you, I will never look at waffles the same way again.
(Or a crocheted dish towel. Seriously.)
Here's the delicious scoop!
CATCHING LIAM by Sophia Bleu
Coming Summer 2013
New Adult Contemporary
Synopsis:Twenty-one year-old Jillian Nichols only has one rule when it comes to boys: catch and release. Boy-catching isn't just a game for Jillian and her friends, it's a lifestyle. After all, boys might be good for a dance or a drink and certainly a little under-cover action of the scandalous variety, but expect much else and you're bound for heart ache.
So when her best friends and fellow boy catchers start dropping like flies junior year, Jillian is determined to keep boys in her bedroom and out of her heart. Until she meets Liam McAvoy, the kind of guy that sticks around to make waffles and who can't—or perhaps won't—take a hint.
Study abroad student Liam doesn't want to be another notch on Jillian's bedpost. Actually he has much more interesting ideas for Jillian and her bedposts, but his student visa's set expiration date means he can't promise her forever. That doesn't mean he's going to walk away from the challenge of discovering why Jillian is hell-bent at keeping people at a distance.
Before long, neither is sure who is catching who—or if they're playing for keeps. Jillian knows one thing though: falling in love will not only break the only rule of boy-catching, it could also break her heart.And the cover...
Sexy accent? Makes waffles? Lick your lips. And add this book on Goodreads.
To join in the tasty fun of CATCHING LIAM's Release Blitz by Xpresso Book Tours, sign up here.
About the author...
Sophia Bleu is a secret identity where I can write about fantasies and falling in love and all the smexiness in between. In real life, I'm likely catching a plane, chasing kids, or making out with the love of my life—all 6 ft 3 inches of hotness that he is. Life is pretty good.
And let me tell you, I will never look at waffles the same way again.
(Or a crocheted dish towel. Seriously.)
Here's the delicious scoop!
CATCHING LIAM by Sophia Bleu
Coming Summer 2013
New Adult Contemporary
Synopsis:Twenty-one year-old Jillian Nichols only has one rule when it comes to boys: catch and release. Boy-catching isn't just a game for Jillian and her friends, it's a lifestyle. After all, boys might be good for a dance or a drink and certainly a little under-cover action of the scandalous variety, but expect much else and you're bound for heart ache.
So when her best friends and fellow boy catchers start dropping like flies junior year, Jillian is determined to keep boys in her bedroom and out of her heart. Until she meets Liam McAvoy, the kind of guy that sticks around to make waffles and who can't—or perhaps won't—take a hint.
Study abroad student Liam doesn't want to be another notch on Jillian's bedpost. Actually he has much more interesting ideas for Jillian and her bedposts, but his student visa's set expiration date means he can't promise her forever. That doesn't mean he's going to walk away from the challenge of discovering why Jillian is hell-bent at keeping people at a distance.
Before long, neither is sure who is catching who—or if they're playing for keeps. Jillian knows one thing though: falling in love will not only break the only rule of boy-catching, it could also break her heart.And the cover...
Sexy accent? Makes waffles? Lick your lips. And add this book on Goodreads.
To join in the tasty fun of CATCHING LIAM's Release Blitz by Xpresso Book Tours, sign up here.
About the author...
Sophia Bleu is a secret identity where I can write about fantasies and falling in love and all the smexiness in between. In real life, I'm likely catching a plane, chasing kids, or making out with the love of my life—all 6 ft 3 inches of hotness that he is. Life is pretty good.
Welcome -- Take 2
Hello!
Let me try this again. I've banned myself from Twitter until I get this post done. (Gideon Cross, you stay over there.)
He doesn't look happy. I better make this quick.
So! Welcome. I'm here mostly to talk about books--reading them, writing them, ogling their covers, chatting with their authors, posting ridiculously hot pictures of their characters... Anything goes!
I also have a thing for vintage ads, and I find some doozies while researching for my books, so sometimes I'll share those too. Like this awesome one for Lysol. Did you know it was THE feminine hygiene product of the Roaring 20s?
No wonder women were roaring. That had to hurt!
As for me, I have a sexy 1920s historical called SPEAK EASY coming out this summer. I think of it as New Adult meets Boardwalk Empire, but I'm happy to inform you that no one douches with Lysol in the story. And I'm sorry if that image ruined your day.
I'm self-publishing, and I'm a complete newbie to the process, but I have awesome friends helping me along and I'm doing lots of research on how to do it right. Everything I learn, I will share with you!
Last--I love writing, but come cocktail hour, I quit Word and shake a martini. Life is good.
Cheers to readers and writers everywhere!
Let me try this again. I've banned myself from Twitter until I get this post done. (Gideon Cross, you stay over there.)
He doesn't look happy. I better make this quick.So! Welcome. I'm here mostly to talk about books--reading them, writing them, ogling their covers, chatting with their authors, posting ridiculously hot pictures of their characters... Anything goes!
I also have a thing for vintage ads, and I find some doozies while researching for my books, so sometimes I'll share those too. Like this awesome one for Lysol. Did you know it was THE feminine hygiene product of the Roaring 20s?
No wonder women were roaring. That had to hurt!As for me, I have a sexy 1920s historical called SPEAK EASY coming out this summer. I think of it as New Adult meets Boardwalk Empire, but I'm happy to inform you that no one douches with Lysol in the story. And I'm sorry if that image ruined your day.
I'm self-publishing, and I'm a complete newbie to the process, but I have awesome friends helping me along and I'm doing lots of research on how to do it right. Everything I learn, I will share with you!
Last--I love writing, but come cocktail hour, I quit Word and shake a martini. Life is good.
Cheers to readers and writers everywhere!
April 29, 2013
This is not the welcome post I meant to write (It's Gideon Cross's fault)
So I had totally planned to blog about something useful for my first post here.
Some kind of welcome.
I was going to introduce myself. Talk about writing sexy stories. About awesome books and the people who write them.
I planned to admit that I am just finding my way along the path to self-publishing and volunteer to share everything I learn with you.
But I can't do that now. Because I just discovered two things on Twitter that have hijacked my brain:
1. Sylvia Day thinks Henry Cavill would make the perfect Gideon Cross.
yes please
2. Gideon Cross has a Twitter account. And he posts pictures like this:
can't...breathe...
I'm afraid the above has rendered me useless this morning. Let's blame Henry.
No, wait--that doesn't seem fair. Let's blame Sylvia!
Well, no, I guess it's not really her fault either. OK, let's blame the Gideon Cross Twitter feed. Because now, not only is my first blog post a mess, but I'm in no mood to write, edit, or research self-publishing. I just want to do this
with Henry Cavill. (Or that model. I wouldn't shove him off my couch either.)
But perhaps there's a lesson here somewhere: When you're trying to get something done, don't get on Twitter. Because Gideon Cross will find you.
Le sigh. I'll try again tomorrow.
Some kind of welcome.
I was going to introduce myself. Talk about writing sexy stories. About awesome books and the people who write them.
I planned to admit that I am just finding my way along the path to self-publishing and volunteer to share everything I learn with you.
But I can't do that now. Because I just discovered two things on Twitter that have hijacked my brain:
1. Sylvia Day thinks Henry Cavill would make the perfect Gideon Cross.
yes please2. Gideon Cross has a Twitter account. And he posts pictures like this:
can't...breathe...I'm afraid the above has rendered me useless this morning. Let's blame Henry.
No, wait--that doesn't seem fair. Let's blame Sylvia!
Well, no, I guess it's not really her fault either. OK, let's blame the Gideon Cross Twitter feed. Because now, not only is my first blog post a mess, but I'm in no mood to write, edit, or research self-publishing. I just want to do this
with Henry Cavill. (Or that model. I wouldn't shove him off my couch either.)
But perhaps there's a lesson here somewhere: When you're trying to get something done, don't get on Twitter. Because Gideon Cross will find you.
Le sigh. I'll try again tomorrow.
