Friday, March 26, 2010

Friday Frenzy

Friday, March 26, 2010
I can't decide on a topic. Probably because I have too much on my mind. 'Focus' is not in my vocabulary this moment, so instead you will get a peek into my chaotic brain. Behold a frenzy of thoughts.

*I finished the line edits on INTO THE WILD and turned them in on time. I have to say I had a fabulous time writing that story and though I don't like to name favorites when talking about my stories, ITW is one of them.

*Though the official release isn't until April 1, OUT OF EDEN is already on sale (subliminal message: buy your copy now) at Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com

*Over the last couple of weeks, more fabulous reviews have rolled in for OUT OF EDEN. Here's the latest from Romance Junkies!

"OUT OF EDEN is a sexy and charming story that held me enthralled from the very start. Author Beth Ciotta has definitely caught the pulse of life in a small town with all of its quirks and characters. The story flowed quickly and I really enjoyed every moment, particularly the interaction between Kylie and the other residents of Eden. I can’t wait until September 2010 and Ms. Ciotta’s next book, INTO THE WILD, which is about Kylie’s older, and very adventurous brother, Spenser." -- 4.5 Blue Ribbons, Cheryl McInnis, Romance Junkies

Excuse me a moment while I happy dance.

Back now.

*Although I'm hard at work on promotions and creating new story proposals, I'm not on deadline and therefore have been able to catch up on a few movies.

The Ugly Truth -- Although it got horrid reviews, I thought it would be worth it simply to see Gerard Butler (who I adore) in action. I was wrong.

Inglorious Basterds -- Brilliant. Yes, I had to close my eyes during a couple of disgusting, violent parts, but the acting was top notch and the writing--imaginative and well-crafted. As a writer, I was inspired!

State of Play -- Thumbs up! A political thriller that had me hooked and intrigued from beginning to end. Kudos to actors Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Robin Wright, and Rachel McAdams. Impressive.

9 -- Charming! I'm not sure I understood it 100%, but it didn't matter. I was mesmerized by this imaginative and tender story. A rag doll that awakens in a post-apocalyptic future holds the key to humanity's salvation. I mean, come on!

*Barb/Elle invited some powerhouse guest bloggers to SIS. Not to be outdone, I followed her lead. Stay tuned for posts from dynamic authors, M.J. Rose, Terry Spear, and Julia Templeton! Coming in April and May!

*And lastly... Barb/Elle turned me onto a post that I have to share. If you're a writer, no matter where you are in your career, The Things You Choose is a must read. (Thank you for sharing your wisdom, Laura Resnick!)

Thus ends my Friday Frenzy. What about you? Thoughts on my thoughts? Thoughts of your own? The floor, er, blog, is open.
SIS Beth

12 comments:

SIS BJ said...

Hi Beth

Congrats on another awesome review. My copy is on the way.

Inglorious Basterds was great. Loved it!

I'll have to check out that post.

Mary Stella said...

Yep. I didn't like The Ugly Truth either. Even Gerard Butler couldn't save it. I have higher hopes for The Bounty Hunter with Gerard and Jennifer Anniston.

I just saw Crazy Heart. Although I thought the performances by Jeff Bridges and Maggie Gylenhall were very good the story itself was sort of cliched.

At the movie, they ran a preview for Date Night with Tina Fey and Steve Carrell. THAT one looks like it will be hysterically funny.

Congrats on more great reviews for Out of Eden!

Chris Behrens said...

Beth,

Any more good reviews and we'll have to make the Blog bigger to accommodate your head! :P I have yet to see any of those movies, but '9' and 'Basterds' are definitely on the list (Brighthouse Movies On Demand, here I come...)
Just saw "Monsters vs Aliens' though, which was cute but not great.

Beth Ciotta said...

BJ, I thought Inglorious Basterds rocked. The acting was incredible. I wasn't anticipating that 2/3 of the movie was in French and German. So cool!

Thank you for ordering OUT OF EDEN. I hope you enjoy it!

SIS Beth

Beth Ciotta said...

Mary, unfortunately The Bounty Hunter is getting slammed in reviews as well. And the previews didn't do it for me. So disappointing. However I did see the previews for DATE NIGHT and I agree, that looks like a hoot!

Crazy Heart is on my list. Looking forward to it!

SIS Beth

Tori Lennox said...

I have Out of Eden ready and waiting in my Amazon shopping cart. :)

Alyson Reuben said...

Yeah, Beth, that's a great article by Laura Resnick! Perseverance ensures triumph even more than talent, which is actually very encouraging for me. I write every single day because I'm compelled to. BUT on some days what I end up with is only fit for the trashcan! Still, I try.

I soooo much want to watch Inglorious Basterds! But I haven't yet because I'm afraid it'll interfere with my WIP, since my storyline deals with WWII. Other movies I wanna watch but am avoiding right now are The Boy In The Striped Pajamas and Downfall (which has been out a while, but I just recently heard of it). I make it a rule never to watch or read anything (fictional) similar to what I'm writing at the moment, because I have a ridiculous tendency to make comparisons, which often leaves me feeling that my story isn't up to snuff.

You bet I'll be buying Out Of Eden! I've also already read the mini-synopsis for Into The Wild, and I love the premise for it. The character's adventurous professions intrigue me! I'm sure it'll be a load of fun to read. And when I finish it I'll try my absolute hardest to keep my big mouth shut and not give away any spoilers! *grin*

Elle J Rossi said...

Beth,

Great review! Dance your feet off. You totally deserve it.

And, um, nobody get mad, but I already have my copy of Out of Eden! Woo-hoo!!!!

Loved the post by Laura Resnick. She inspired me tremendously.

I haven't seen any of those movies, but am happy for the recommendations. I usually wait for them to hit HBO, but maybe I'll check On Demand soon.

SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi

Beth Ciotta said...

Krys/Chris, I think I'm too insecure to ever get a big head. LOL.

I saw Mosters vs Aliens awhile back and actually enjoyed it very much. I liked he 'message'. As for big upcoming movies, I'm looking forward to Robin Hood starring Russell Crowe.

OH! How could I forget? I saw Public Enemy with Johnny Depp. VERY good! Highly recommend!

SIS Beth

Beth Ciotta said...

Tori, you're a doll! Hope you enjoy!!

SIS Beth

Beth Ciotta said...

Alyson, Barb/Elle turned me onto that Resnick essay and I was so glad. Very timely for me.

As far as staying away from movies and books consisting of similar subject matter to what you're working on. I go back and forth myself. Sometimes I find it intimidating but other times inspiring. I guess it depends on my mood. At any rate, I totally understand! As far as those movies, We have DOWNFALL at my library. Goes out a lot and every one has said it was excellent.

As far as OOE and ITW, your enthusiasm makes me all giggly. :) Thanks for the smile!

SIS Beth

Beth Ciotta said...

Hey, Barb/Elle! Thanks again for sharing that Resnick link. Soooo great!

AS for the movies, I'm sure you'd like Inglorious Basterds. But I do think you and Lar would enjoy STATE OF PLAY. And I think you'd really enjoy Johnny Depp in PUBLIC ENEMIES. Don't watch THE UGLY TRYTH. You'd throw a shoe through the TV screen. :)

I forgot to mention, the next DVD on my TBW list is MJ's THIS IS IT.

SIS Beth

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