Everyone Worth Knowing by Lauren Weisberger

I'd never seen anything like it. The I-love-Lauren web sites. The I-hate-Lauren web sites. Incredible. I don't recall a time when a writer has evoked such emotion in readers! Ms. Weisberger, (in)famously known for her debut book, The Devil Wears Prada, now has a new novel out about the glammed-out New York City life entitled, Everyone Worth Knowing. The press has been sometimes good, sometimes bad. But really I think any negative press is merely a halo effect of different people's attitudes toward women's fiction, including such genres as romance and chick lit. Some people just hate it when women do stuff well and get accolades for it.

So, why does this young, energetic, attractive writer evoke such emotion in readers (which is what you're supposed to do as a writer)? I believe it's because she taps into some deeply rooted personal issues and emotions that women contend with throughout their entire lives. Was Devil Wears Prada really about fashion? Was it really an inside look into magazines, editors, and the latest rising-star designers? Maybe on the surface. But if you take a manicured nail and scratch just a teeny bit below the surface (don't chip a nail, gals), you'll note themes that make us women squirm with discomfort.

Maybe Devil Wears Prada really tapped into the emotions women experience in a strained mother-daughter relationship. Hmm? Always trying to please. Always looking for acceptance, validation, and nodding approval by the the most important woman in our lives? Our moms? Yet, while we try to gain acceptance and approval ("Look, Mah! Over here! Watch me!"), we also want to break away and prove to ourselves we don't need their acceptance. We can be ourselves, on our own and we don't have to turn to our mothers for an A-okay. (We also hope we don't have to turn into our mothers at all!)

Okay, this isn't fair to admit, but my relationship with my own mommy dearest is pretty good. But to say that I didn't go through phases of seeking parental approval while fighting for freedom like anybody else would be a big, fat, hairy lie. I've seen women's lives destroyed over the cruelty of their mothers. That just ain't fair. So, I'll tell you what my mother told me while growing up...

"Of course, you can do that. You can do anything you want."

That was her standard answer. Okay, that may have been or not have been a truth in reality, but I still believe it today. (I think she still believes it too!) It never occurred to me to consider that I couldn't do something.

So, that's my take on Devil Wears Prada, it's just one big metaphor for the mother-daughter relationship, and that's why the book ruffles our feathers and keeps us up all night turning page after page. We want to find out if our heroine will be all right. Cuz if she turns out all right, then maybe we will too.

As for Everyone Worth Knowing, it's on my reading list (I gotta read Lipstick Jungle, too, you know), but I'm already looking forward to Ms. Weisberger's themes, (acceptance? belonging? self expression? fitting in?) as I am sure the story will end up being a roman a clef ... tapping into all of our deepest darkest secrets and issues.

Tah-tah fah now! Myki

November is National Novel Writing Month

Has anyone ever told you that you should write a book? Well, maybe the time has come. November is National Novel Writing Month (NANOWRIMO). The idea is to write 50,000 words in that time. If you're insane enough for the challenge (and it's my guess about 60,000 people are this year), go to http://www.nanowrimo.com and sign up. Founder, Chris Baty, also has a book entitled, No Plot, No Problem, to help you get started. Get the book now so you'll be prepared for November!

What does this mean for moi during next month? Will the antics continue or will I be too busy hacking away--er--I mean tapping away on my keyboard creating like the writing fool that I am? Oh, pet, be rest assured, the antics will continue. After all, life is about balance even for the imbalanced. Speaking of imbalance, I certainly couldn't let a closet full of dancing shoes sit idly for an entire month, now could I? Buh-bye, Myki

New Title of Chick Lit

I have the official title of my chick lit that sold to Berkley Books!

Tulle Little, Tulle Late

Very fitting, considering the awful predicament poor wedding-obsessed Nina Robertson gets herself into. Funny book. Sexy, too. Got a real LOLA factor (laugh-out-loud action).

Been on the road, but things are settled down now. Writing, writing, writing to finish the next contracted book, Cashmere Boulevard. But "settled down" is a relative term, as it will all change since I am going out this Thursday night and Friday night with Becca, Denisee, and probably Meggy-Weggy. All my co-whores in one place. Which means nothing but trouble, trouble, trouble.

Yeah, yeah, I know what you're thinking, "Instant slut...just add vodka." Very funny. But vodka ain't my poison of choice, so that's out the window. Besides, I'll be too busy carousing and making trouble for others to find myself in my own slippery pickle. Gah-bye! --Myki