News

Feb

February Books

February has been an amazing reading month so far. Out of the four books I’ve finished, I’ve loved three of them to bits. First up was Cracked Up to Be, by Courtney Summers. When the book opens, perfect Parker Fadley is on probation at school and suicide watch by her parents, but we don’t know what’s driving this ex-cheerleader into her downward spiral. That question–and Parker’s connection with a new boy–drives the tension. But I loved Parker. I could identify with her perfectionism. All through the book, even at her prickliest, I wanted to hug her and take her to a good therapist. I love that the book acknowledges Parker had some issues before the pivotal incident. Love how it doesn’t tie everything up with a neat happily-ever-after. Healing isn’t that easy. This book…oh, it resonated with my inner recovering perfectionist in a huge way. I cried. I explained the...

Feb

Question Friday: Travel Edition

Jessica

I love a good "If…?" question, much to Steve’s chagrin. When we first started dating oh-so-many moons ago, I used to attack him with those conversation-starter books. This is one of my very most favorite "If…?" questions. I was just talking about it with a friend over coffee. If you could travel to any 5 countries, what would they be? (And, if you’re so inclined, why?) My answers are always changing, but at the moment I’d choose: Italy (again)GreeceIrelandIcelandSt. Martin Where would you go?

Feb

Research

Jessica

Hi, internets! So I’m working on some stuff for my new magic cupcake V-Day love book. And I have some research questions for you. My girl Emma, sweet sixteen and never been kissed, has harbored a long crush on her oblivious friend Jake. Now, as a teenager, I was no stranger to crushes on my best guy friends. There was M, and then the other M, and T, and oh sweet monkeys, B. Off and on for years. I martyred myself on a daily basis, giving them advice about the girls they did like. The line between friendship with a boy and boyfriendship, between love and In Love, was so blurry for me. Suffice it to say that I feel Emma’s pain. And there are certain songs that bring it all back for me. “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None the Richer is a good example. So…that’s my first question. What’s your best...

Feb

Theatre & Writing News

Jessica

First up, fellow DC theatre enthusiasts, check out the noms for the 2009 Helen Hayes Awards here! Steve and I have been refreshing that page all day, waiting for the announcement. Helen Hayes is like the DC equivalent of the Oscars. Two years ago I volunteered, and last year I went with Steve and a bunch of his grad school friends on free student tix. I’m hoping he’ll score some again this year. It’s really fun. Especially the reception afterward, which is basically…drama prom with open bar. My most favorite play from last year, Woolly Mammoth’s The K of D, is nowhere to be found. Since Kimberly Gilbert was 100% undeniably amazing in it (a one-woman show), we’re wondering if it wasn’t qualified in some way (it was in their small performance space). Otherwise she’d be my outstanding actress bet for sure. I’m also a little sad that Shakespeare Theatre’s...

Feb

Springalicious

Jessica

It’s been a beautiful weekend. It started with a trip to the mall on Friday night, where I bought my gorgeous bridesmaid’s dress. It’s a pretty, springy yellow, strapless and totally versatile. I will absolutely wear it again. I’m so grateful to Jill for choosing something I love! Afterwards Steve and I hung out at Barnes & Noble and I had tea and browsed the YA section while he read a few graphic novels. It was a perfectly adorkable Friday night date. He even bought me a few books as an early V-Day present (Fade by Lisa McMann, Pride by Rachel Vincent, Need by Carrie Jones, and Catalyst by Laurie Halse Anderson). Saturday we saw an amazing matinee, Sarah Ruhl’s Eurydice at Roundhouse. I’ve loved everything I’ve read by this playwright, and I was particularly excited to see this because I adore the Orpheus and Eurydice myth. (It’s my second-favorite Metamorphoses myth, after Baucis and...

February Books

Question Friday: Travel Edition

Research

Theatre & Writing News

Springalicious

FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA

BOOKS AND ANTHOLOGIES

POSTS FOR WRITERS