Category Archives: things that are awesome

April 7, 2013

Mme. Hebert is a Star!

By Sarah MacLean

I’m taking a quick break from finishing Temple’s book to share this TOTALLY COOL thing!

As you know, Madame Hebert is the French genius-of-a-modiste who has dressed (at one point or another) every one of my heroines, and their sisters (and my heroes’ mistresses). Aside from having a special talent for dressing ladies of any size, shape or coloring, she’s also well respected by the gentlemen of the Fallen Angel, and…it seems…on Chase’s payroll.

Hebert may be famous in the the 1820s & 30s, but we never expected her to time-travel. However, in the May issue of Real Simple magazine, right there on the table of contents page, Hebert earned her 21st Century street cred. I was totally surprised.

She, needless to say, is thrilled. There is much waving of hands and French excitement. NineRulesRealSimple

7 comments | posted in 9 rules, randomness, things that are awesome, words from the page

December 14, 2012

Gifts for Writers – 2012 Edition!

By Sarah MacLean

Screen Shot 2012-12-14 at 9.57.36 AMThree times makes a tradition, right?

In mid-December 2010, I posted 10 Great Stocking Stuffers for Writers to great success. The idea was simple — Help non-writers fill the Holiday Socks of their writer friends and family. Or, perhaps it was a not-so-thinly-veiled hint to my own friends and family that I really really really wanted more sticky notes. Who can say? That said, the post was popular. And in 2011, when I came up with 12 ideas for filling the sock of your resident writer, that post was also a hit. So…it’s 2012, and you’re shopping (or waiting to see if the Mayans were right before you head to the mall — very smart), and I’m here, once more, to help you assess the needs of that crazypants author in your life. What sticktoitiveness! You say. Three years in a row!

I know. I can hardly believe it myself.

As always (I can say that now that it’s the third time!), some of these are repeats…but they’re just too good (and necessary) not to list.

1. The Pentel Graph Gear 1000 Automatic Pencil. Number one on the list three years running, this mechanical pencil will give your resident writer the shakes. In a good way. You see, when we are faced with paper copy edits and typeset page proofs, there’s this rule that we have to use a colored pencil to make our changes. But the truth is, most colored pencils are AWFUL. The leads break, they don’t stay sharp, they’re basically made for four year olds and not for actual, yaknow, work. This pencil is mechanical, *and* it takes colored leads, which means you don’t have to spend half your copyediting time resharpening broken, soft Crayola coloreds. I have two, and when I travel with it, it travels in a special case so that I don’t lose it.

2. Pentel Colored Leads. If you buy the Pentel Automatic, you’ll need the leads. Amazon sells them in red (which I use) and blue, but you can find other .5mm colored leads in other places on the web, or in your local art store.

3. Movies about Writers. Every writer needs to fill the well, and movies about writing do it better than many others. I’ve talked about my love of Stranger than Fiction (hands down, the best depiction of writer’s block, ever) and for Adaptation, but how about something different this year? How about Shakespeare in Love, in which Shakespeare pens working title: Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate’s Daughter?) or one of my most favorite recent movies, Midnight in Paris, in which Owen Wilson plays a fledgling writer who gets critique from Hemingway and Stein.

4. Brian Eno’s Oblique Strategies. This is serious gift giving gold for a writer. In the 1970s, Brian Eno (of music and crossword puzzle fame), created a deck of creative prompts, many of them bizarre and unclear, and many of them absolutely perfect for changing up a character or a plot. When I’m stuck, I turn to them. My favorite is: State the problem in words as simply as possible. You can get your own deck from Eno himself. Fair warning, at £30, this is a little more expensive than your average stocking gift, but I swear your writer will love it.

5. Flags. I know, I said it in 2010 and 2011, but the best thing about stockings is that they’re designed for replenishing low resources. If they’re reading, researching or editing, they’re going to need flags in multiple colors. At least, I do. I have them in purses, on desks, in the junk drawer in my kitchen. You never know when you might need to flag.

6. Writing-related Accessories. I’m not wild about kitsch, but there are some awesome pieces of writing jewelry at Etsy that I wouldn’t mind having myself, and that your lady-writer might really like. I’m a particular fan of this Words are my Weapon pendant, and this necklace made from a vintage fountain pen nib, this “If you wish to be a writer, write.” bracelet, and this fun “Ask Me About My Book” keychain.

7. Customized Notecards. At some point, every writer I know has had to send a thank you note. Whether to agent, publisher, fabulous author who offered invaluable advice or a tremendous cover quote, or friend who was there with a kind ear, your writer is going to need a notecard or two. I love these from Etsy, with a vintage typewriter on them.

8. Pens. If you’re a non-writer, here’s something you should know about the strange beings called writers. We are obsessive about our tools. Particularly when it comes to pens.  I like the Uni-Ball Vision Fine (in Pink, of course) because it feels great, it glides well and it comes in a variety of colors. If you know what kind of pen your writer likes to use, he/she will love you forever if you put one in his/her stocking. “But Sarah,” I hear you saying, “What if I don’t know?” Check his/her workspace. I’m guessing there will be a million of them under paper and in cupboards and cups. And if she’s got a purse, there are at least four at the bottom of that bag. Put on your detective’s cap.

9. Fingerless gloves. Every writer likes to imagine that she’s in a Parisian garret, writing a great novel (ok, that may just be me). But, that said, hands get cold. And cold makes wrists ripe for repetitive stress (Trust me on this one. I’m a professional.) May I recommend these for ladies and these for gents? Oh, and while we’re on the subject of repetitive stress, a pair of these Imak computer gloves might be the perfect addition to the stocking, as well.

10. And something fun. Hemingway famously said “Write drunk. Edit sober.” How about a fun vinyl decal for your favorite writer? Not that I’m endorsing heavy drinking, but I’m just saying, sometimes it seems like it might be the best way to dull the pain of bad writing.

Ok, elves! There are my 10 writerly stocking ideas for the year. Did I miss something? Tell me in comments!

3 comments | posted in avon, holiday season, the writer's life, things that are awesome

October 23, 2012

Deep in the Heart of Texas!

By Sarah MacLean

Leaving my fingerprints all over Texas (and Katy Budget Books)!

Y’all…I had an awesome time in Texas.

I mean, I know…I know that they tell you that Texans are exceedingly generous and that they are exceedingly friendly and that they’re exceedingly good at making barbecue…but you don’t actually believe that when you’re a girl who grew up in Rhode Island and lives in New York City. You think, My, what excellent PR that unnecessarily enormous state down there has. But here’s the thing. It’s true.

I spent last week traveling across the great state of Texas. I flew into Dallas, met up with an incredible group of authors, gave a speech *eek!*, then drove with Sophie Jordan, Kerrelyn Sparks & Vicky Dreiling from Dallas to Houston where I was able to join Kerrelyn for two awesome booksignings and hang out with the Jordan clan before heading home.

While there, I steeped myself in good ol’ Texas. I lone-starred it up. I came just short of putting on chaps and going to the rodeo (though, only because it’s not rodeo season).

And, honestly? This girl from the smallest state is sold.

So…without further ado…

Ten Things I Loved About Texas
by Sarah MacLean

I swear. All these seats were filled eventually.

1) Raising Money for a Great Cause – I was so incredibly honored to be asked to keynote the annual Buns & Roses literacy event to benefit the adult literacy programs of the Richardson, TX public library and the Richardson Adult Literacy Center. Buns & Roses has been held for six years, and each year boasts a collection of romance, mystery & fiction writers, each of whom host a table of readers for a wonderful program in celebration of books, of reading, and of literacy. As you may know, my mom teaches adult literacy, and so I was really thrilled to have a chance to speak at “Buns” this year, and tell the (eep! very large!) roomful of readers and writers about my own journey with text. I told stories about my mom, my dad, my friends and my husband…and even about the mantis shrimp. What? It totally related.

Beaver in camo? Texas institution.

2) Buc-ee’s – When I landed in Dallas, my dear friend Sophie Jordan began using all sorts of words I didn’t understand. Like “Buc-ee’s.” I thought it was some kind of Texas twitch. Come to discover, it’s not. It is, in fact, the world’s largest gas station (everything’s bigger in Texas, right?). The eponymous Buc-ee is a beaver. In camouflage. And apparently some kind of Texas rite-of-passage. Kerrelyn Sparks, Vicky Dreiling and Sophie decided that we absolutely, positively had to stop there, and not only because it has “fabulous bathrooms.” It also has the largest selection of beef jerky in the US, more corn nuts than any one person needs, and hog pens. What’s a hog pen? I’m not sure, but Sophie assures me they’re necessary because, “In Texas, pigs will kill you.” Hmm.

3) The Hug & Pat – Texan ladies like to hug. I like to hug. Obviously, that was going to be a thing that I came to enjoy about Texas. But here’s the thing…Texan ladies don’t just cling. They add in a little, rhythmic pat on the shoulder. At first this might be disconcerting for Yankees, who might take the pat to mean, I’m not really into this. But ultimately, it’s just reassuring. A nice touch.

4) The Firing Range – When in Rome…or Houston, as the case may be. I’ve never held a gun. Heck, until last week, I’d never seen a gun out of a holster. But I’m always up for new experiences…so…to the firing range I went! It was nervewracking and unsettling and yes…exhilarating. And, for the record, in case of Zombie apocalypse? I’m a crack shot. Also, I think perhaps the best photo that has ever been taken of me was taken there. Either I should wear this outfit every day all the time, or firearms agree with me.

I know. It *looks* like Angie Jolie…but it’s really just me.

How cute are we? Totally cute, right?

5) Sophie Jordan’s House – I love Sophie Jordan. I also love her husband, and her two mini-Jordans. They do funny kid-like things like, wear their Halloween costumes three weeks early and play with legos and play tag with cute boys. Also, there’s a four-legged Jordan who won my heart (don’t tell Baxter). But more than all that, Hotel Jordan has a comfy bed and great conversation and excellent eats. Four stars.

6) So. Many. Romance Novel Readers (and their husbands)! – Everything is bigger in Texas, and not just the gas stations. As part of Buns & Roses, 21 authors came together to sign a ridiculous number of romance novels for a great crowd in Plano, TX. It was awesome, and not just because I got to hang out with Cathy Maxwell and Lorraine Heath. It was awesome because those ladies in Texas like their love stories. And I like mine. So we were, of course, well suited to each other.

All those books! And people!

But here’s the coolest thing. See that guy in red? The only guy? In red. Standing. He stood there for the entire 45 minute talk leading up to the signing, and at one point, I turned to Kerrelyn Sparks and said, “Do you think he’s a reader?” We couldn’t figure it out. But when the signing began, he made a bee-line for me, introduced himself, and told me that he was there in secret because his wife couldn’t make it and I was “her favorite author” (flattery, of course, gets him everywhere). He then proceeded to have me sign a copy of A Rogue By Any Other Name for her. I couldn’t help but ask if he’d done something really really bad that he was trying to atone for, but no…he was just there. Out of love. So, as a gift to him and his wife, for being so awesome, I gave him an ARC of One Good Earl Deserves a Lover, too. After all, husbandliness like that should be rewarded. What a sweetie!

7) So. Many. Romance Novel Writers! – See above for photographic evidence of that! But also, I got to have lunch with Shana Gaelen and Lily Dalton and Mary Lindsey drive around Texas with Kerrelyn Sparks — we had a little dog and pony show, me for Rogue and her for her newest book — an American-set historical called The Forbidden Lady. I am SO EXCITED about this book, and I was so blown away by having had such an awesome chance to hang out with THE KERRELYN SPARKS and hear all about her cool life and her writing process. I have copies of The Forbidden Lady and her first Love at Stake book, How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire for giveaway…stay tuned for how to win at the bottom of this post!

Signing with Kerrelyn Sparks and the Pasadivas Book Group!

Jared makes ribs in a smoker that is larger than our Brooklyn bathroom.

8) Barbecue – So, you can probably tell that I embraced Texas while there. And I was told, in no uncertain terms, that the full Texas experience is not the full Texas experience without barbecue. Luckily, Jared Jordan (Sophie’s hubby), is a BBQ afficianado. Also, a Top-Chef caliber smoker of meats. He made me brisket (and schooled me in the process of selecting the perfect brisket), ribs, chicken & venison sausage. This is a meal for neither the faint of heart nor the vegetarians. But man, was it terrific!

Sophie hard at work.

9) Writing Buddies – Just another chance to tell you how awesome it is to hang out with your critique partner/writing buddy/friend for a week. It’s like the best slumber party ever.

10) Coming Home – As much as I loved Texas, it’s always nice to come home from a place that’s so different from where you live. I flew into Laguardia Airport, hopped in a cab, and ordered a big salad on my way home from the airport. It arrived just as I put my suitcase down, and I ate it with Baxter *flipping out* at my feet, regaling Eric with stories of all of the above, then showed off my target from the shooting range with pride (He was unimpressed. Whatever. He’ll change his tune when the zombies come.)

But I’ll be back, Texas. Leave the light on.

—

Did you think I’d forget to bring you something? Of course I wouldn’t! Tell me in comments about your favorite Texan person, place or thing (films and ten-gallon hats count), and I’ll choose one lucky winner to receive signed copies of Kerrelyn Sparks’s The Forbidden Lady & How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire!

US only; I’ll choose one winner on Friday!

27 comments | posted in avon, contests and giveaways, on romance, readings and visitations, the writer's life, things that are awesome

May 27, 2012

Dying for Gatsby…

By Sarah MacLean

The Great Gatsby is my favorite book in the world. I’ve read it dozens of times, and I think it’s the greatest love story ever written. This all means that any film adaptation of Gatsby is doomed to fail in my eyes (I’m looking at you, Redford).

BUT Baz Luhrmann can pretty much do no wrong for me…so I clicked on the link for the new Gatsby trailer tentatively, staring through my fingers.

And Oh. My. Heavens.

I’m DYING. I also can’t stop watching it.

I cannot wait. Can. Not. Wait. OMG.

I may be cancelling Christmas to live in a movie theater.

4 comments | posted in a night at the movies, things that are awesome

April 27, 2012

The Best Writing Retreat Ever. You’re Invited!

By Sarah MacLean

I’m so excited to tell you all that I’ll be teaching a three-week Romance workshop as part of MediaBistro’s 2012 Literary Festival…and I am so, totally, jazzed about it!

First things first: If you don’t live in NYC, keep reading! This whole thing is online…and we’ve picked a timeslot that should work for people in many timezones!

Second things (which probably should be first because OMG) second: You guys. This Literary Festival is going to be AMAZING. Essentially, Media Bistro (a NYC based media and writing organization) has arranged the most incredible Writing Retreat ever, and you can be a part of it…hearing from people like Susan Orlean and others, learning about the agent/editorial process from the pros, getting advice on how to handle the psychological bits of writing, and…yes…taking a workshop with a published author (like me!).

The program (which is still in development) looks AWESOME. The sessions and programs will run from July 16 – August 2, and for $425, you get access to all the presentations/keynote sessions and participation in one three-week writing workshop (taught by a published author & including 1-on-1 feedback from that author). Check out the full schedule here…

Here’s the part where I give you the hard sell for my class! After some discussion with the fabulous folks at MediaBistro, we decided that, in three weeks, we couldn’t cover everything…but we could cover the moment I think is the single most important one in any romance novel–the moment when we, as readers, see the hero and heroine together for the first time:

IT’S ALL ABOUT CHEMISTRY

The first pages of a romance novel are crucial for creating a spark between the hero and heroine…and keeping readers invested in the story. Join romance author Sarah MacLean in this workshop focused on developing the perfect first meeting, setting up the powerful moments of genuine connection that come from it, and setting the tone for your entire novel.

You’ll learn how to use dialogue to create sparkling characters, how to build emotional and sexual tension quickly and effectively, and tips and tricks to ensure that your story promises a satisfying, sigh-inducing romance, all in the first few pages of your book.

By the end of this workshop, you’ll have up to 10 revised pages of the most important moment in your romance novel–when your hero and heroine first interact, and readers start rooting for their happily ever after.

Live chat sessions online: Tuesdays, July 24 & 31, 9-10 pm ET

I hope you’ll consider joining me for the workshop–but either way, if you’re writing, or thinking about writing, I think this online festival is a huge opportunity for you to hone your craft. I, for one, cannot wait for some of these sessions!

3 comments | posted in meet someone cool, on romance, on writing, the writer's life, things that are awesome

January 27, 2012

Sarah on the Road!

By Sarah MacLean

You guys! You guys!! I’m packing my travel trunks and getting out on the road! If you’re in New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Michigan, Illinois, Pennsylvania/Ohio, or Southern California, I’m going to be in your neck of the woods sometime very soon! Some of the highlights:

*I’m launching A ROGUE BY ANY OTHER NAME at my hometown bookstore in Brooklyn on March 1, with an awesome party at the fabulous WORD bookstore to celebrate romance with Eloisa James and Maya Rodale!

*I’ll be giving a talk as part of the Penn State Erie Behrend Gender Conference (open to the public!) entitled “Real Heroines Rip Their Own Bodices,” on April 20th.

*I’ll be spending a “Girl’s Afternoon Out” with Katharine Ashe, Sophia Nash and Maya Rodale in Lansing, MI on March 3.

*And….I’ll be at both the RT Booklovers convention (in Chicago) and the RWA Annual Convention (in Anaheim) this year!

For a full list of my events through July, please check out the Find Sarah in Person page!

(psst! If you’re in Connecticut or Boston, stay tuned…because something exciting is brewing for you guys…which I do not want to jinx!)

Annnnd….If you’re in Dallas…I’m coming your way TWICE in the Fall (October and November)! And yes…I made Sophie Jordan promise she’d take me to see high school football games a la Friday Night Lights.

I’m super jazzed, y’all. I’m getting ready to tour like Duke Ellington. Question: How many books do you think I need to write before I can commission my own railroad car?  (Answer: Way more. Way way more.)

4 comments | posted in a rogue by any other name, readings and visitations, things that are awesome

December 7, 2011

Autographed Books Make Awesome Gifts!

By Sarah MacLean

I make it no secret that I’m basically in love with the idea of giving books as gifts.  As it stands, I’m giving books to everyone in my life–each hand selected with love. Books are personal. They represent a passion for learning and knowledge and imagination and worlds far beyond our own. And I think they represent a special connection between giver and receiver.

That said, I’m also a big believer in putting books on my wish list.  There are about 12,000 books that I want, they’re easy to buy, and way less expensive than a Vespa (which is really what I want for Christmas), and so my Christmas wish list is filled with books.  And if they’re signed by the author, even better!

Last year, while chatting with the fabulous ladies at my local indie bookstore, WORD Brooklyn, we came up with the very cool (I think) idea that readers could order autographed copies of my books direct from them!

Here’s how it works:

1. You click here or call WORD at 718-383-0096 and select the books you’d like me to sign: The Season, Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake, Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord, or Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke’s Heart (You can also preorder A Rogue By Any Other Name, and  I’ll send you signed goodies to stick in someone’s stocking to say their gift is coming in April!)

2. You fill in the form, and include the message you’d like… for example: For Maggie, Merry Christmas! Sarah MacLean, or To Christine, The person who bought this book for you is the best! Sarah MacLean, or simply Sarah MacLean, or whatever else you’d like me to write.

3. The staff at WORD calls me.

4. I pop in this Saturday (December 10th) and then again on December 20th, sign the books, and add special bookmarks, postcards and other fun printed goodies to your package like the gift giving fairy I am!

5. They ship the books to you.

6. You win the award for Best. Gift. Ever. (Well, except for the Vespa.)

“But Sarah,” I hear you saying, “What if I just want the book for myself?”

Never fear!  I also wholeheartedly endorse self-gifting during the holiday season! I’d love to sign a book just for you…and I’m sure the team at WORD would love to ship it to you!

NEW YORKERS! Don’t miss WORD’s fabulous Holiday Open House this year!! I’ll be book talking romance on Saturday December 10th at 1:30 with Michael Showalter and Emma Straub…there will be goodies and good books, and I’ll sign right there in person for you!

Questions? Comments? General holiday glee? Comment below and I’ll happily respond!

1 comment | posted in bookshelf, holiday season, things that are awesome

November 27, 2011

Great Stocking Stuffers for Writers – 2011 Edition!

By Sarah MacLean

Last year, sometime in mid-December, I posted 10 Great Stocking Stuffers for Writers…designed to help non-writers fill the socks of their insane, writerly loves with awesome, inexpensive, useful and tiny things! The post was very popular…and I figured, one more year writing, one more year of writing ideas. Some of these are repeats…but they’re just too good (and necessary) not to list. This list goes to 12!

1. The Pentel Graph Gear 1000 Automatic Pencil. I’ve tweeted about this, I’ve Facebooked about this, I basically expound about the awesome that is this pencil to any author who will listen. This is PERFECT for copy edits and typeset pages. Why? It’s mechanical, *and* it takes colored leads, which means you don’t have to spend half your copyediting time resharpening broken, soft Crayola coloreds. And it looks uber-fancy.

2. Pentel Colored Leads. If you buy the Pentel Automatic, you’ll need the leads. Amazon sells them in red and blue, but you can find other .5mm colored leads in other places on the web.

3. Stranger Than Fiction. Emma Thompson is a writer with writer’s block; Will Ferrel is just a guy…who happens to be the man she’s writing about. What ensues is a brilliantly funny, heartbreakingly wonderful movie that everyone can enjoy, and writers can appreciate on an entirely different level.

4. Stephen King’s On Writing. King is a writers’ writer. His process is undeniably effective and this book is not only a great resource, but also a great read.  He’s an inspiration. And every writer should have a copy of this book to dogear and mark up.

5. Flags. If they’re reading On Writing or editing their own books, they’re going to need flags in multiple colors. At least, I do. I have them in purses, on desks, in the junk drawer in my kitchen.

6. Sticky notes. They will need these in spades.  I have them in purses, on desks, in the bedroom, in the bathroom, in the junk drawer in my kitchen. Which means that when I’m in the middle of a book, there are stickies all over the house. ALL over. They have ideas, to-dos, and sometimes jibberish that made sense at the time on them. I like fun ones, like the Cavallini’s here…but Post-Its work, too, obvs!

7. Moleskine notebook. They were good enough for Hemingway. And that makes them good enough for me. I have one of these in red, and I honestly don’t leave home without it. They’re durable and the perfect size for jotting down ideas or actually writing while sitting and waiting for your dinner date. The key here is getting a size that’s actually functional. If I had a nickel for every teeny-tiny, useless notebook someone put in my stocking, I’d never have to write another book again.

8. Journal Bandolier. I have been coveting these for the last few days…since I discovered them. I love the *idea* of pencil cases…but I can’t use them. They’re never in the right place, and they’re a little too organized. If you saw my office while I’m deadlining, this would make sense to you. I can barely find the dog in there, let alone a perfectly perfect pencil case. BUT…I always know where my Journal is. And therefore…this Bandolier is perfect, because if I know where my journal is, with this thing, I also know where my  pens & pencils are!

9. Pens. If you’re a non-writer, here’s something you should know about the strange beings called writers. We are obsessive about our tools. Some of us are pen users, some pencils, some ballpoint, some gel, some fountain.  When it comes to pens…I myself, am a rollerball user.  I particularly like the Uni-Ball Vision Elite because it feels great, it glides well and it comes in awesome colors, like the purple one I linked. Yes. It’s $7. But I think it’s worth it.  If you know what kind of pen your writer likes to use, he/she will love you forever if you put one in his/her stocking.

10. Pencils. I’ve always been pencil-obsessed…I like the feel of lead on paper, the smooth glide of graphite always makes me feel like I’m writing well. I use Pencils to keep notes, to outline and to edit. Prior to this summer, my pencil of choice was the Muji graphite that comes in a pretty grey tube, but now, thanks to my father-in-law’s generous gift of a set of Palomino Blackwings, I’m a convert. I. LOVE. THESE. PENCILS. Like, in a way that is probably way too weird. Anyway. I recommend them if your writer is a pencil person.

11. Fingerless gloves. Hey, hands get cold. And writers need their fingers. So I’m pro fingerless gloves for several reasons…not the least of which is that repetitive stress symptoms can be relieved by keeping wrists warm. Also, fingerless gloves are snazzy. And, lucky for you, very very popular.

12. Caffeine. Some of us are tea drinkers, some coffee drinkers, some like our Diet Coke (I’m looking at you, Carrie Ryan) a bit too much…but almost all of us need a jolt of caffeine now and then. So…a fun additional gift? How about a gift certificate to Adagio Teas (my favorite) or Starbucks (or your writer’s preferred coffee haunt), or a pound of fresh-roasted beans shipped from Gorilla Coffee in Brooklyn, or, if Carrie’s on your list, how about an IOU for a case of Diet Coke?

2 comments | posted in holiday season, on writing, things that are awesome

August 5, 2011

The Raider Barbie? OH. MY. Yes!

By Sarah MacLean

Taggerts + Montgomeries = <3

How did I not know until this very moment that Mattel once put out a collectors’ edition Barbie & Ken as characters from Jude Deveraux’s The Raider?

Why did no one tell me this??? And, more importantly, why has no one thought to gift me with this AMAZING thing???

First, I do not hide the fact that Jude Deveraux is one of the writers (if not, THE writer) who made me want to be a romance novelist…and The Raider, starring Jessica Taggert and Alexander Montgomery in a Scarlet Pimpernel style spy story/romance/old school AWESOMENESS, is one of my favorites of hers (after The Black Lyon, which I will be discussing in detail in September).

But…but…Ken as Alex!!! Barbie as Jessica!!! I mean…SERIOUSLY?

Seriously. And check out this description!!

This giftset features Barbie® and Ken® dolls as romance novel characters. Barbie® doll wears a violet blue dress that falls off her shoulders with a neckline trimmed in white lace and the violet blue taffeta bodice is boned and fitted. It laces up the front in lilac satin ribbon to finish in a bow just under the bust. An overskirt of periwinkle chiffon is pulled up at the left hip to reveal a very full underskirt of violet blue floral jacquard. A sash of teal iridescent chiffon falls around the edge of the overskirt. A small bouquet of lilac and white flowers covers the area where the two chiffon fabrics come together. She has long blond tousled hair. Ken® doll has long brown windswept hair. He is wearing a sheer white cotton shirt and tight black pants accented with a black belt. Black knee high cuffed and buckled boots complete his ruggedly handsome look.

I have so many questions!! How did Mattel decide to make a romance novel collectors’ edition? Is Ken wearing makeup? Why is Ken trademarked?! Do men the world over have to pay rights on their name? How did they choose The Raider? And did Jude plotz when she heard about this (for the record, I would totally plotz)?

But, most importantly, why is this not still a thing?? Why can’t I get Barbies of Devil & Honoria, or Josie & Mayne, or Fallon & Dominic?!? Then I could invite my friends over and we could PLAY BARBIES. WITH DEVIL CYNSTER (Aside: You can bet I’ll be taking off all of Ken’s clothes on that one).

UPDATE: Yes. Ken is wearing makeup! *And* he appears to have a 5 o’clock shadow! Who says Barbies are unrealistic! This is totally how romance heroes look! Check out this glamour shot!

Ok, readers…here’s the question…if you could have ANY romance novel couple in doll form, who would it be? And would there be special features or props that the dolls would need to have? Tell me in comments!

18 comments | posted in dream boys, on romance, things that are awesome

July 28, 2011

Today, in Things that Are Awesome: Grandma Superhero Therapy

By Sarah MacLean

A few years ago, French photographer Sacha Goldberger found his 91-year-old Hungarian grandmother Frederika feeling lonely and depressed. To cheer her up, he suggested that they shoot a series of outrageous photographs in unusual costumes, poses, and locations.

Do not miss Mamika’s MySpace Blog, which is truly awesome. Truly

Leave a comment | posted in art for art's sake, the internets, things that are awesome