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updates
PASTA WARS IS HERE!
Top Chef's Gail Simmons calls it "A romantic, delicious romp! Heartfelt and full of humor, it will leave you hungry for more."
Buy your copy at your local Barnes & Noble, or order it from B&N online!
I'm very excited to announce that I've been hired by Adaptive Studios, an LA-based entertainment company, to write a novel called PASTA WARS. They read and loved Faking It, asked me to submit a few sample chapters (this was the crazy deadline I had to meet right smack in the middle of my move!), and equally loved what I came up with.
The premise (and characters) for the novel is/are all theirs--typically it's very difficult for a writer to work with someone else's ideas; the stories I tell are inspired and personal-- but when I saw it I knew it was something I could make my own. (Plus, I couldn't resist the challenge!) I'm envisioning a sort of Faking It-meets-WILS, straight-up romantic comedy. It promises to be sexy and delicious!
This is a new and different venture for me, one that could potentially open some interesting doors. This isn't to say that I've left my publisher--that relationship continues to thrive and I'm looking forward to submitting a new manuscript to them as well next year. I'm also still planning a spring release for LOVE, WYLIE.
The best part may very well be the "research" I'm going to do about pasta (in fact, I'm enjoying a bowl of rigatoni as I type this news).
BUON APPETITO! Looking forward to getting started!
The premise (and characters) for the novel is/are all theirs--typically it's very difficult for a writer to work with someone else's ideas; the stories I tell are inspired and personal-- but when I saw it I knew it was something I could make my own. (Plus, I couldn't resist the challenge!) I'm envisioning a sort of Faking It-meets-WILS, straight-up romantic comedy. It promises to be sexy and delicious!
This is a new and different venture for me, one that could potentially open some interesting doors. This isn't to say that I've left my publisher--that relationship continues to thrive and I'm looking forward to submitting a new manuscript to them as well next year. I'm also still planning a spring release for LOVE, WYLIE.
The best part may very well be the "research" I'm going to do about pasta (in fact, I'm enjoying a bowl of rigatoni as I type this news).
BUON APPETITO! Looking forward to getting started!
Goodreads Book Giveaway
Friends of Mine
by Elisa Lorello
Giveaway ends August 10, 2014.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
Presented to Elisa Lorello
To commemorate sales exceeding 100,000 copies.
WOOHOO!
Ten years ago, when I wrote the first draft of this novel (then titled "The Escort"), I wasn't sure anyone other than myself and a couple of loyal friends-fellow rhetoric-composition geeks would be remotely interested in reading it. 100,000 readers = mind-blowing.
Thanks to each and every one of those 100,000 who purchased a copy, especially in its earliest incarnation. And a special thank you to my publisher, Lake Union, for getting me on "the wall" (cue Jack Nicholson: "You WANT me on that wall! You NEED me on that wall!").
To commemorate sales exceeding 100,000 copies.
WOOHOO!
Ten years ago, when I wrote the first draft of this novel (then titled "The Escort"), I wasn't sure anyone other than myself and a couple of loyal friends-fellow rhetoric-composition geeks would be remotely interested in reading it. 100,000 readers = mind-blowing.
Thanks to each and every one of those 100,000 who purchased a copy, especially in its earliest incarnation. And a special thank you to my publisher, Lake Union, for getting me on "the wall" (cue Jack Nicholson: "You WANT me on that wall! You NEED me on that wall!").
Welcome 2014!
My apologies for not updating this sooner. I took some personal time during the holidays that lasted well into January, and am still playing catch-up. February promises to be an exciting month for me, thanks to not one, but two upcoming releases.
My apologies for not updating this sooner. I took some personal time during the holidays that lasted well into January, and am still playing catch-up. February promises to be an exciting month for me, thanks to not one, but two upcoming releases.
The first is the release of my second novel, Ordinary World, translated into German as Verloren (meaning Lost). With last year's overwhelming success of Vorgetäuscht (the German translation of Faking It, or Feigned), I can only hope for good things for Verloren. And I love the cover!
The second, and perhaps even more exciting, is the release of my fifth novel and sixth book, She Has Your Eyes, the long-awaited continuation of Andi and David's story. For months following Faking It and Ordinary World, readers asked (and some pleaded) for more Andi and David. And while I was touched and appreciative that they loved these characters so much, I'd had no plans to write another book about them. Then, lo and behold, a new character walked into the backyard of my mind, and into Andi and David's lives. Sometimes these things take on a life of their own.
As it turns out, She Has Your Eyes is my favorite of the three books. I hope my readers agree with me, and that I haven't let them down. Its launch date is February 11. I'll be doing a month-long blog tour beginning February 15, so keep up with my Facebook author page and Twitter for those dates and places.
(Also, if you haven't done so yet, check out the re-designed covers for the Kindle versions of Faking It and Ordinary World!)
Finally, I'd like to thank everyone--especially the Duran Duran Fan Community--for their support of my memoir Friends of Mine: Thirty Years in the Life of a Duran Duran Fan. Click on the title to see a new photo that I received days after my 44th birthday! 2014 promises to be an exciting year not only for the band, but for me as well. I'm looking forward to it, and I hope our paths will cross.
As it turns out, She Has Your Eyes is my favorite of the three books. I hope my readers agree with me, and that I haven't let them down. Its launch date is February 11. I'll be doing a month-long blog tour beginning February 15, so keep up with my Facebook author page and Twitter for those dates and places.
(Also, if you haven't done so yet, check out the re-designed covers for the Kindle versions of Faking It and Ordinary World!)
Finally, I'd like to thank everyone--especially the Duran Duran Fan Community--for their support of my memoir Friends of Mine: Thirty Years in the Life of a Duran Duran Fan. Click on the title to see a new photo that I received days after my 44th birthday! 2014 promises to be an exciting year not only for the band, but for me as well. I'm looking forward to it, and I hope our paths will cross.
It gets no better than this. Thanks, guys! :)
friends of mine cover revealed!
Earlier this week I shared the cover designs for Friends of Mine. With five books under my belt, never before had I been faced with the dilemma of having so many gorgeous designs to choose from, and not being able to decide which one to go with. As I scrolled from one potential cover to the next, my “wow”s kept getting louder, my jaw dropping a little further. I didn’t know how I was going to choose only one. I was seriously tempted to release the same book with several different covers.
To get some help (and feedback), I posted what were, in my mind, the four best covers (although I could have gone with any one of them and been successful, I think). I was delighted to see so many people respond, and I was interested in what resonated with whom.
As the day went on, a frontrunner emerged, and I wasn’t surprised, because all along it had been the one that had most resonated with me, long before I ever saw the actual design. It was the one Patty Palazzo (designer extrordinaire) and I had discussed the most during the planning stages. One we had almost abandoned at one point. It seemed neither of us had really let go.
And we both agreed—although all the covers were beautiful works of art (and I will be printing and framing every single one!), this one stood out among the others because it captured the essence of the memoir: old and new, then and now. It encapsulated the teenage Duranie so many could relate to, yet also embodied me. It captured the style and creativity and vitality I so aspire to be.
And it looked damn cool. I even confessed to Patty, “I can’t help but think it’s a cover Duran Duran would like.” She agreed.
I know I picked the right one.
For those who preferred one of the other covers, you haven’t seen the last of them. Patty and I will be doing a blog post about the covers that weren’t selected, and I’ll be using them for promotional materials at books signings, appearances, giveaways, etc. They’re too beautiful not to be shared!
Thank you all for your input. Enjoy!
To get some help (and feedback), I posted what were, in my mind, the four best covers (although I could have gone with any one of them and been successful, I think). I was delighted to see so many people respond, and I was interested in what resonated with whom.
As the day went on, a frontrunner emerged, and I wasn’t surprised, because all along it had been the one that had most resonated with me, long before I ever saw the actual design. It was the one Patty Palazzo (designer extrordinaire) and I had discussed the most during the planning stages. One we had almost abandoned at one point. It seemed neither of us had really let go.
And we both agreed—although all the covers were beautiful works of art (and I will be printing and framing every single one!), this one stood out among the others because it captured the essence of the memoir: old and new, then and now. It encapsulated the teenage Duranie so many could relate to, yet also embodied me. It captured the style and creativity and vitality I so aspire to be.
And it looked damn cool. I even confessed to Patty, “I can’t help but think it’s a cover Duran Duran would like.” She agreed.
I know I picked the right one.
For those who preferred one of the other covers, you haven’t seen the last of them. Patty and I will be doing a blog post about the covers that weren’t selected, and I’ll be using them for promotional materials at books signings, appearances, giveaways, etc. They’re too beautiful not to be shared!
Thank you all for your input. Enjoy!
JUNE NEWS
Deshalb liebe ich mein Singleben is here!
Last month Sarah's and my novel, Why I Love Singlehood was released in Germany under the translation Deshalb liebe ich mein Singleleben (whew, that's a mouthful!). So far it's been on the Kindle Store Top 100 Best Seller list for 20 days (and counting!), and reviews are coming in slowly. Just like the early days with WILS, early reviews are mixed. But, if DLIMS follows the US trend, this book, and its readers, will eventually find that they are the perfect match.
In the meantime, Vorgetäuscht has been in the Top 100 for well over 100 days, has collected over 200 reviews, and readers are eager for a translation of Ordinary World so they can continue to follow Andi on her journey!
In the meantime, Vorgetäuscht has been in the Top 100 for well over 100 days, has collected over 200 reviews, and readers are eager for a translation of Ordinary World so they can continue to follow Andi on her journey!
Updates on FRIENDS OF MINE and SHE HAS YOUR EYES
Both projects are progressing wonderfully. FRIENDS OF MINE has passed through the hands of beta readers and it currently being copyedited. Also, I am thrilled to be working with designer Patty Palazzo of Punk Masters. Patty is no stranger to Duran Duran--she has done a number of design projects for the band, including the gorgeous cover for John Taylor's book In the Pleasure Groove. We've had some hilarious email and Skype exchanges, and I'm confident that she's going to produce a stellar cover that captures the essence of not only the book, but of the eighties, and of me.
Meanwhile, SHE HAS YOUR EYES is also in the final stages of production. I've just approved the final cover design, and am looking forward to sharing that with you soon. Copyedits are still in progress. While reviewing copyedits, I had a chance to re-read the manuscript, and was gratified to see how pleasurable a reading experience it was. Just about every writer passes through a phase of self-doubt when it comes to their work. I was afraid I didn't get it right. Those fears have left me. I hope readers find it as enjoyable as I did. The release date is still projected for early next year.
Finally, I'm excited to be doing my first professional photo session this coming Monday with Lennon Photo. I'm looking forward to seeing my old friend John (Yes. John Lennon. That's his name) and I think it'll be a blast.
Meanwhile, SHE HAS YOUR EYES is also in the final stages of production. I've just approved the final cover design, and am looking forward to sharing that with you soon. Copyedits are still in progress. While reviewing copyedits, I had a chance to re-read the manuscript, and was gratified to see how pleasurable a reading experience it was. Just about every writer passes through a phase of self-doubt when it comes to their work. I was afraid I didn't get it right. Those fears have left me. I hope readers find it as enjoyable as I did. The release date is still projected for early next year.
Finally, I'm excited to be doing my first professional photo session this coming Monday with Lennon Photo. I'm looking forward to seeing my old friend John (Yes. John Lennon. That's his name) and I think it'll be a blast.
APRIL NEWS
Why I Love Singlehood, Kindle edition is on sale for 99 cents as part of the April Kindle 100 List. What better way to spend a buck? And while you're at it, gift a copy to a friend! (We're also in the process of selecting a cover design for the German translation of WILS, Deshalb liebe ich mein Singleleben, to be released May 14!)
In other news, my blogpost announces my memoir, Friends of Mine: Thirty Years in the Life of a Duran Duran Fan, to be published in August.
Finally, The Friends of the Woodbridge Library have invited me to be this year's featured speaker. I will talk about the craft of writing and her experience with publishing in the digital age. This event is free and open to the public. It will take place on Monday, April 29, 2013, at 7:00PM, in the Woodbridge Library Meeting Room.
To register or for more information, please call 203.389.3433, stop by our Circulation Desk, or email topvalsecchi@ci.woodbridge.ct.us.
In other news, my blogpost announces my memoir, Friends of Mine: Thirty Years in the Life of a Duran Duran Fan, to be published in August.
Finally, The Friends of the Woodbridge Library have invited me to be this year's featured speaker. I will talk about the craft of writing and her experience with publishing in the digital age. This event is free and open to the public. It will take place on Monday, April 29, 2013, at 7:00PM, in the Woodbridge Library Meeting Room.
To register or for more information, please call 203.389.3433, stop by our Circulation Desk, or email topvalsecchi@ci.woodbridge.ct.us.
WHY I LOVE SINGLEHOOD to be translated in German!
I'm pleased to announce that Why I Love Singlehood (co-authored with Sarah Girrell and translated as DESHALB LIEBE ICH MEIN SINGLELEBEN by Astrid Becker) will be published by AmazonCrossing on May 14! We're in the midst of cover design now.
Guest blog post at Writer's Digest Guide to Literary Agents, plus ADULATION giveaway
Please check out my guest post: 7 Things I've Learned where I dispense some writing advice. Leave a comment and be automatically entered to win a copy of Adulation!
March Madness:
Adulation on sale for $1.99!
Check out the March Kindle 100 list to get all the best ebook deals this month, including my novel, Adulation!
This month I'm also featuring several authors on my blog I'll Have What She's Having, and I've selected a book for my Saturday Morning Book Club as well--stay tuned.
This month I'm also featuring several authors on my blog I'll Have What She's Having, and I've selected a book for my Saturday Morning Book Club as well--stay tuned.
NUMBER ONE!
I am thrilled to announce that the German translation of Faking It, Vorgetäuscht, went to NUMBER ONE in the Kindle Store in Germany on February 16! The first 11 reviews were 5-star.
I am astounded and thrilled. I never imagined my books being read overseas, in another language. So grateful to all who made it possible!
I am astounded and thrilled. I never imagined my books being read overseas, in another language. So grateful to all who made it possible!
Winners!
Sarah and I were feelin' the love, so we decided to give away FOUR books! Congratulations to Kristine, Lee, Miranda, and Heather -- each of you have won a signed copy of WHY I LOVE SINGLEHOOD! Winners were notified via email.
Thank you to all who entered, Liked Jojo's Chocolate Hope Facebook page, and spread the word by Sharing, Re-tweeting, etc. We know Jojo is smiling. Much love to you all. ♥
Thank you to all who entered, Liked Jojo's Chocolate Hope Facebook page, and spread the word by Sharing, Re-tweeting, etc. We know Jojo is smiling. Much love to you all. ♥
Love. Chocolate. Hope. WIN!
Sarah Girrell and Elisa Lorello are proud and excited to team up with JOJO'S CHOCOLATE HOPE for a sweet contest: Order the Valentine’s Day truffles, bark, and/or sampler and be automatically entered to win a paperback copy of WHY I LOVE SINGLEHOOD signed by both Elisa and Sarah! Proceeds from every order go towards cancer research. (Although we encourage multiple orders, only one entry per person is permitted.)
Give these delicious treats (trust Elisa, she’s eaten them—they’re wonderful) to your loved ones, including yourself, and that loving gift will ultimately help someone with cancer. We know Eva would approve.
Three winners will be chosen by Danny and Lisa Ensanian, co-founders of Jojo’s Chocolate Hope, on Valentine’s Day, and will be notified via email. The winners will also be announced on Facebook.
DEADLINE TO ENTER THE DRAWING IS FEB 10, 2013.
For more information, and to learn more about Jojo’s Chocolate Hope or to place an order, please go to http://www.jojoschocolatehope.com/ or Like them on Facebook. You can also go to Elisa Lorello, Author on Facebook. To download a free sample of Why I Love Singlehood on Kindle (or to listen on Audible), go to Amazon.com.
Happy Reading, Happy Chocolate, and Happy Valentine’s Day!
Give these delicious treats (trust Elisa, she’s eaten them—they’re wonderful) to your loved ones, including yourself, and that loving gift will ultimately help someone with cancer. We know Eva would approve.
Three winners will be chosen by Danny and Lisa Ensanian, co-founders of Jojo’s Chocolate Hope, on Valentine’s Day, and will be notified via email. The winners will also be announced on Facebook.
DEADLINE TO ENTER THE DRAWING IS FEB 10, 2013.
For more information, and to learn more about Jojo’s Chocolate Hope or to place an order, please go to http://www.jojoschocolatehope.com/ or Like them on Facebook. You can also go to Elisa Lorello, Author on Facebook. To download a free sample of Why I Love Singlehood on Kindle (or to listen on Audible), go to Amazon.com.
Happy Reading, Happy Chocolate, and Happy Valentine’s Day!
Faking It in German!
AmazonCrossing is releasing the German translation of Faking It (known as Vorgetäuscht) on February 12, 2013. You can check out the book on Amazon Germany!
