Sneak Leak

Happy post Thanksgiving!!! I hope you all had a great holiday. As Alisha mentioned I was in O’ahu, Hawaii and I had a much needed break. I worked every day except for Thanksgiving but it felt different doing it on the deck of our beach rental.

Thanks to Alisha for writing such an ah-mazing blah-g while I was gone. I have to say, I saw her before I left and while she always looks stunning, she did seem more at ease. So I can vouch for the authenticity of her joyful ending. Yay office elf!

I also want to thank you all for your honest feedback regarding the title for Phoenix Five. The tribe has spoken. Most of you are not fans of the title. Soooooo I am in the process of tearing out my highlights trying to find a new one. Which I will certainly run by you before I commit. You did seem happy with the little teaser I posted so I am going to give you more.

In the (nameless) novel there is a letter from the mysterious person who leaks these journals but I’ll save that for the book and skip right to the first entry. This is from Sheridan Spencer. She uses a screenplay-type format because she is obsessed with acting. ENJOY!

Tuesday 9.6.11

INTERIOR. NOBLE HIGH—ALMOST LUNCHTIME.

A classroom stretches out before us. SHERIDAN SPENCER, an alluring freshman, sits center row, center seat. Poised, she click-starts her pen and writes.

Morning One as a Noble High freshman did not involve a lot of hand-holding. Like, none, in fact. Which was fine. It’s just not what I’m used to.

One might assume I do well in new situations because I channel celebrities for confidence. Like, right now for example, I am pretending to be Blake Lively. But if I’m being totally honest, which I am, first days are hard no matter how famous you act.

When I (as Blake) arrive someplace new I’m greeted right away. I’m given a tour of the set and offered a Dr. Pepper on ice, no straw. My trailer is decorated to my exact specifications; boho-chic and stocked with Original, Tropical, and Tart-N-Tangy Skittles. But this morning? Notsomuch. The only rainbow I tasted came from the Lucky Charms burp I tried to suppress at the Pick and Flick. (That’s what everyone calls the pick-up/drop-off curb.)

FLASHBACK.

It happened as I watched the taillights on my dad’s 750Li disappear into the morning fog. I was standing with my very best friend, Audri Dunsing. She always rides with me because we live in the same gated community and…well, more on her later. The point is we were just standing on the Pick and Flick because we didn’t know where to go yet. I guess we could have followed everyone else, but we were kind of stunned because our middle school was tiny and this place is huge. Anyway, it’s raining and I’m trying to open my zebra umbrella. Backpacks are bashing into us and it’s total chaos. O’course, that’s when Audri gets a whiff of my burp and decides to shout:

Ewwwwww, Sheridan! Digestive tract issues much?

I managed to apply more Russian Red lipstick, which helped me hold on to a bit of Blake. But not enough. I was seriously mortified. So I go: Sick! What is that smell? while fanning the air all innocent. Then I fan-smacked some older Blair Waldorf–type in the neck.

Sorry, it was an accident. (Me.)

You’re the accident! (Her.)

Remember those old cartoons where the coyote runs off a cliff and freezes in the air? It isn’t until he looks down and realizes he’s in trouble that he falls. Well, that’s kind of what happened to me when Blair and her friends started laughing. I realized I wasn’t really Blake Lively and my confidence took a dive—whistle sound effects and all. Which turned me back into me: Sheridan Spencer, future star of the screens, including but not limited to TV, film, computer, and tablet. Current blooper.

Anyway, I pull Audri off the main path and onto the grass lawn—which is huge, by the way. As big as Spencer BMW (my dad’s dealership), which has, like, hundreds of sedans and SUVs, and I go: Thanks a lot, Audri!

O’course she starts speed-blinking and I know exactly where this is going. Yes, I have a stronger stage presence than Audri. (I’ve played leads in Wizard of Oz, Wicked, Annie, Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast, Hansel and Gretel, High School Musical, The Little Mermaid, Grease, and six holiday tributes to the birth of Jesus.) But when it comes to fake crying? She’s the best. Our old drama coach called her Meryl Weep.

Why did you call me out on that burp? (Me. Not letting it go.)

Sniffle, sniffle. I’m sorry. (Meryl.)

She took off her signature blue-framed glasses, jammed them in the pocket of her Lucky Brand denim jacket, and wiped her wet cheeks. I rolled my eyes.

Watch those tears little freshman! (Some random blond guy.)

He had choppy layers and blue eyes like Niall Horan from One Direction. But zero of Niall’s charm. I’m guessing from his rounded shoulders that he underdelivered on stage presence too. Anyway, after the tears comment he said: I drove the convertible. If you make it rain I’m going to stuff you in my trunk. Then he jingled his car keys in Audri’s face the way my mom used to do with the twins.

What was that for? I asked after he left.

Audri shrugged and put her glasses back on.

FLASHBACK OVER.

Whatever Zero Direction meant about the rain, he was right. It’s been pouring for hours. The good news is there have been no further embarrassments. The horrible news is that Audri and I don’t have a single class together. Not even lunch. And so far no one has made any effort to meet me. Maybe tomorrow I’ll channel a more approachable blonde like Reese Witherspoon.

Ms. Silver just gave us the ten minute warning. So far she’s my favorite teacher. All we’ve done is write in these journals. She wants us to fill these pages by the end of the year. She swears she won’t read them. To prove it she gave us these leather cases with locks on them. She said she’d flip through the journals at the end of the year to make sure they’re full but that’s it. All she cares about is getting us away from computers. I’m going to record everything and eventually adapt these memoirs into a one-woman show. I can’t wait to tell Audri so she can do it too.

OMG! So the guy beside me has been scribbling furiously in his journal. Hold on. I’m gonna peek.

OMG! OMG! I side-eyed him at the exact same time he was side-eyeing me. It was a simultaneous side-eye. I smiled my eyes into narrow crinkles (like Blake’s). I must look fetching in my Russian Red lipstick because he got all nervous and looked away. And it looks like he’s drawing hearts!

Are his hearts for me? Is he even cute? I want to peek again but—

The bell.

To Be Continued…

END SCENE.


 Thoughts??? Do you like it so far?

Since my shoutout was illegible last week I am going to do it over. Also I am posting a special guest in this week’s Chihuahuawatch. I saw this guy in Hawaii and he was begging me to make him a star.

TTYW,

Lisi

31 Comments

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  • Hey Lisi! Miss the title Phoenix Five but I loved the sneak peak you gave us. I will get this book for sure!

  • Maggie says:

    Wuddup with everyone? I am in love with my adventure time hat and am working out special effects for a girl scouts alice in wonderland movie.

  • Haylee says:

    I’m listening to Kiss Me by Ed Sheeran right now and my FEELS! Ugh, that song’s just perf.

  • valerie says:

    I absolutely loved the leak and the Niall Horan/Zero Direction comments!!! The book sounds absolutely amazing and I can’t wait to get my hands on it!!

  • Gabby says:

    I do. Couldn’t cause a events lately. Wuub, wuub, wuub!

  • Haylee says:

    How come no one comments anymore?

  • Haylee says:

    I’m so going to read this book Lisi! Even though the character sounds younger than she is, surely it’ll make for a fun, fast read. Plus I don’t know any Sheridan 🙂

  • Isabella says:

    Really, really good Lisi. I read the entire Clique series and I feel this will suit as a very good parent series of The Clique. Hopefully i will be as good as an author as you in the future! Writing is my passion ♡

  • Gale says:

    Amazing! This blog looks just like my old one! It’s on a totally different topic but it has pretty much the same page layout and design. Great choice of colors!

  • Laila says:

    ZOMG. TURTLES.
    I LOVE TURTLES!
    You don’t show turtles after a Sneak Leak. I mean, come on. Too much awesome in one go – how’s one supposed to process this?

    x) INTRIGUING beginning. As usual, I can’t wait to read it. As usual, I probably won’t get to read it until I’m 651 years old -_-‘

    • C Golightly says:

      It sounds like it’s coming along nicely! Only one small edit– When Sheridan is listing her (very, very impressive) list of leading roles, she outlines Wicked as one of her no doubt dazzling undertakings. The thing is — and you probably know this, so I hope I’m not being a nuisance– since Wicked is still on Broadway and touring nationally, the rights aren’t available to perform it on any lower level, like regionally or in a community theater or anything. So unless Sheridan was cast on Broadway/ a National Tour, her playing the leading role in that show (at least, a legally performed version) would not quite be possible yet. However, you probably are well aware of this. Just wanted to add that into the mix, on the off chance that it ends up mattering.

      Thanks Lisi!

  • hi says:

    how about something with locks or secrets… idk like five locks or something…. or not lol

  • Dara says:

    Ah! I thought the little sneak peek was awesome. Great work, I can’t wait for when it finally arrives! 😀

  • Meghan says:

    I like the Phoenix Five title simply because of the old prank from Berkeley on Stanford.
    I know basically nothing except for the leaks, so I have no business helping with this title. Don’t make it like the clique titles or any of your other books though. I’m done with the puns and people would make fun of me if they saw me reading a book with a punny title. Phoenix Five is way different from anything you have done, and I really liked that title. The puns are cute, but this book seems more sophisticated, and for slightly older readers. Just my input.

  • Ari says:

    Omigawsh Lisi! That’s absolutely ah-mazing! No doubt you’re my favourite authour in the whole entire world! But I really like the title “The Phoenix Five.”

  • Julia says:

    Dear Lisi (or anyone else listening),
    I have a big problem-o. So there is this guy. Actually, 3 guys which is overwhelming and has never happened to me before. Of course. I’m on in 7th grade, but who cares.
    Any-who, first guy .We have been friends for a while now. We used to talk a lot, but now I never see him. We still text, and when we do he is funny and sweet. Yes, I have a small crush. But then at school he is totally different!
    Next guy is short. Actually, he is super tall, but that isn’t the point. We have also been friends, but since I was almost 6! He is nice and sweet and funny but he is more into being friends with girls, not liking them. He apparently likes me though, but I think that is a rumor.
    Last guy. My friend is literally obsessed with him, but I know him so I have been trying to talk to him for her, but we never got on that topic. I can’t tell my friend anything, because I barely, barely like him, but she will freak. 🙁 Please help!
    P.S. I just wanted to let anyone know that I am not a huge butthole who is obsessed with guys. Actually, I barely even think about these guys, let alone any guy. 🙂
    Loved your book, Lisi! Sounds ah-mazing.

  • Maggie says:

    It’s completely ah-mazing as usual, I’ve never been over seas so I’m kind of envious of your Hawaiian Vay-cay. I didn’t know that was were they were filming catching fire until I read Aria’s comment. Makes sense. So anyway, I love your story and can’t wait for it to come out! I know it’s coming out in 2013 but is there a apecific month or season you think it will come out on? Just curious. Like a monkey. Named George. Lol my brother’s watching that show because Adventure Time (THE BEST SHOW EVER!) just ended.
    ~Maggie~

  • It’s really good. Your voice is outstanding!

  • Lillie says:

    Lisi,
    I gotta be honest with you . . . I’m not liking it that much so far. It sounds way too Clique-y, or maybe that’s just Sheridan’s character.
    Hopefully, you’ll have some more diverse characters than Gossip Girl wannabes.
    The writing in her journal sounds like it’s coming from a 6th Grader, not a Freshman in High School.
    Glad you had a much-needed break in lovely Hawaii.

  • Arianna says:

    I do like it!!! It’s great!!! I can’t wait to read it!!

  • KK says:

    So happy you’re back from Hawaii but I’m glad you got well deserved time off. I love the sneak peek you gave us of “the phoenix five”. Cant wait until it comes out because Ill be the first to buy it!!!

    xox
    KK

  • Arianna says:

    LISI! You were in the exact location they were filming Catching Fire!!! You could have saw Jennifer Lawerence or Josh Hutcherson!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I can’t- I just can’t right now.

    Okay, I’m going to read the sneak peek now, because I kinda stopped once I realized you were chilling the the Huinger Games peeps.

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