My friend Lauren thought she was sending good news when she emailed: “The Clique is on Business Insider’s list– 37 Best Books We’ve Ever Read! ” Good? I think nawt. My first thought was, “37? How random. I kind of like it.” My second thought was, “It’s a sign! Here I am contemplating a Clique follow-up and it appears on this list!  I heart your mysterious ways, Universe!!!” Then I read the blurb:

[The Clique is] definitely complete trash, but at the time I totally loved and related to the savagery of the girlfriend group the plot revolves around. They also had the best clothes. — Caroline Cakebread

Needless to say, my third, fourth and fifth thoughts were not as upbeat as one and two. Out of 37 novels, why was mine the only one that got dissed? Would I ever be good enough to sit at the adult table? And why did Caroline put it on a “best books” list if she thought it was complete trash?

Had it been an unkind review (of which I’ve had many) I would have accepted it with grace because critics criticize. That’s what they do. But this wasn’t supposed to be a critique. It was supposed to be a praise-fest. At least that’s what the title inferred.

Lauren said I should be grateful I made the list. My friend Amy wondered if Caroline downplayed her praise because The Clique isn’t very “literary” and she was ashamed of her pick. I agreed with both of them. But it wasn’t enough. I needed to hear it from Ms. Cakebread herself. (Oh yes I dzid!)

Keep in mind, I am not one to track down my detractors. But I do believe everything in life is either a gift or a lesson. And since this didn’t feel like a gift and I couldn’t figure out the lesson…

Behold Monday’s Twitter exchange:

ME: Thank you for including me. I was confused by the “complete trash” comment since you chose it for the list. I’m going to blog about this on Wednesday. I’d love your take if you’re interested.

CAKEBREAD: Ah yes, I hope I didn’t insult you. By ‘trash’ I meant the subject matter–wealthy teenager girl drama–and not the plot-lines, which I actually think are excellent and well suited for the audience you are trying to reach.

ME: It did not read the way you intended.

CAKEBREAD: It might have just been poor word choice on my part…Very curious though, are you planning to ‘trash’ me back?

ME: I would never do that. I look for life lessons and silver linings. Your words felt like a sucker punch to the gut, I’d rather learn from it than punch back.

CAKEBREAD: Oh, ok, I am so sorry about that! I sincerely am a big fan of the series and think they taught me a lot during my own tumultuous pre-teen years if that lessens the punch at all.

While the series may have taught Ms. Cakebread “a lot”, she failed to learn that words matter. They are the wardrobe of our thoughts. We must dress them accordingly.

And what did I learn?

1. When someone hurts you, take a moment to consider what might be going on with them. Most times their behavior has more to do with their shortcomings than yours.
2. Blog don’t bitch. Not everyone is going to act, say, do, or write what you want. In fact, most people won’t. Find a productive way to make sense of it. For me, that’s writing. What is it for you?
3. Caroline Cakebread was very kind to respond to my texts. I believe she is a good person (with a great last name). Caroline, care to chime in? We’re all friends here. Anything to add? FYI- Nothing says I’m sorry like a stellar review of The Dirty Book Club.

TTYW

Lisi

The list:

http://www.businessinsider.com/best-young-adult-book-reading-recommendations

The post The Clique: Trash Talking or Talking Trash? appeared first on Lisi Harrison.

Here’s what she said:

That seriously brings a tear to my eye. The left one. The right one is throbbing from staring at a computer for the last five hours. Those girls were as much a part of my life as they were yours. They lived inside my head for years and took 30 years to form. Writing fiction is like getting a golden ticket to travel to a new universe. One that plays by your rules and is inhabited by the creatures you create. It’s also a really cheap form of therapy. I get to work out all of my angst and issues and you get to read about them. Hmmm, maybe that’s not therapy. Maybe that’s more of a perversion–some form of mental flashing. Whatever you want to call it I am grateful. Grateful as a reader, a compulsive writer, and a pale California girl who has found a way to connect with people like you.

Thank you for the kind words Taylor! So proud to have you in the Clique.

TTYW,

Lisi

The post Clique Connection appeared first on Lisi Harrison.

It comes with being a writer, or human, I guess. Some people get me, some don’t. Thank Gawd for those, like Alex, who do.

(Foul language has been censored for your reading pleasure)

Caroline says:

The post Calling All Cliques appeared first on Lisi Harrison.

What do you say? Can we at least try it once and see how it goes?

Shhhhhh. Don’t speak. I’ll leave you with the details and you can think about it. But don’t think too long or someone else may come along and steal your spot. No pressure. Just saying…

If you’re feeling it–feeling us–click on this link: Little, Brown Live at the Lounge
on Tuesday, September 24th at 7pm EST / 4pm PST. I’ll be the one wearing the S.W.A.P. (Sealed With A Promise) bracelets and the shy smile. I’ll show you the colors and designs we chose and tell you how to get one for yourself. Of course we’ll chat about   PRETENDERS, boys, school, friends, fashion, my past series, my future series, our plans for the future.

Nervous? Don’t be. Megan McCafferty, author of Jessica Darling’s It List will be there too.

You will be able to submit questions for us to answer and you’ll also have the opportunity to ask us questions live, on video.

RSVP ASAP to guarantee a spot. I’m serious, hurry! (Too forward?) R.S.V.P.

Not only will we be giving away copies of PRETENDERS and JESSICA DARLING’S IT LIST, but you’ll have a chance to win a boxed set of the Monster High and Jessica Darling series and a new S.W.A.P. bracelet. We might even read from our old journals to prove how serious we are about taking this relationship to the next level. We’re talking real heart-on-the-sleeve stuff here.

All I’m asking is that you think about it. And that you decide to go for it. And that you RSVP right away. And that you ask us questions. And give us compliments. But only if you’re ready. Which you should be. Because I am. And we promised never to grow apart.

Think about it.

TTYTuesday (if you want.)

Lisi

(Please say yes.)

The post It’s Time We Had “The Talk” appeared first on Lisi Harrison.

It’s painful. And what’s worse? Mine is spreading. I am about to address your questions, none of which have anything to do with writing. I will give my opinion and dole out advice. All while silencing the voices that keep telling me I have no idea what I’m talking about. Although these ones might be right.

Dreamerhogwartsbeliever on Tumblr asked: If you could cast any young stars on the Hollywood scene at the moment for the second Clique movie, who would you pick? (Not including the girls from the first movie).

Emma Roberts as Massie

Karley Scott Collins as Claire.

Selena Gomez as Alicia.

   Bella Thorne as Dylan.

HELP!!!!!! I have spent the last HOUR trying to cast Kristen. ANY IDEAS???
A young Blake Livley is where my heads at.

Noah Cyrus as Layne. (LOVE THIS ONE!)

2. Lauren Hass on Twitter asks: What was the dream career that you wanted when you were a little kid?!

EhMaFraud: You’re looking at it. (When you’re reading one of my novels.)

3. Julia from my Blah-g comments asks: You and Kevy and married, correct? Or do you just live together and are in looovvee?

EhMaFraud: Yes we are married. But I prefer to call him my life-crush. It sounds more exciting.

4.  From Kathy off my blah-g comments:

“On Sunday my grade went on a field trip for a couple days with kids from another campus my school is associated with. I know the kids from there, we were together in primary. One of the girls there (code name Anabelle) was one of my friends from the school. But during the trip she did something really mean to me and I have no idea why.
Here’ what happened. She was talking to all my guy friends and keeping them away from me just to piss me off and make me jealous (excuse my language in this comment, I’m just really mad at the girl). I don’t know what I’ve ever done to make her want to hurt me, but for some reason she did. We went out to dinner one night, and there was just one friend of mine who was making our table the best one to be at, it was soooo much fun!! But than Anabelle was like, “oh can I talk to you?” so he went over to her table. She kept him there for a really long time. Then when he left, she said “what else can I do to make Kathy jealous?” A friend of mine that was at her table told me about it.
I’ve never done anything to hurt her and it really pisses me off that she’d do something like that to me. I felt like walking up to her and telling her she was a b!tch, but I didn’t. I thought I’d tell her over e-mail but I decided no to. I want to get revenge over her but I know it would be wrong. I don’t know what to do. I know I’m mad and that she shouldn’t be able to get away with it that easily, but I don’t know how I can get back at her with out acting like a total b!tch myself. I don’t wanna sink to her level.

This is a REALLY long comment and it means the world to me if you read it.
Any advice? I’d love to hear your say in the matter!!”

EhMaFraud: Kathy, few things hurt more than a friend turning on you, especially when you don’t know why. I understand the urge to fight back and hurt her the way she hurt you. Believe me, I do. But even a fake advice giver like myself can see that she’s trying to get a reaction out of you. So the best way to get her back is to ignore her. Imagine an invisible bubble around yourself and don’t let her in. The more she tries to penetrate the thicker your bubble gets. It may seem like you’re taking the easy way out but ignoring takes more strength than calling someone names. And please do NOT email anything to her. Emails can be changed, forwarded, posted, and used for evil. Write everything you WANT to say to her in a private journal, then say nothing. And remember, bubble up for safety!

Please label all future inquiries to Ask EhMaFraud and I will do my best to answer them.

TTYW,

Lisi

Proud Fraud Complex survivor since 2001.

The post EhMaFraud. appeared first on Lisi Harrison.

What’s a boyfast? If you read Bratfest at Tiffany’s you already know it’s what Massie Block suggested the Pretty Committee do when their boy obsessions got out of control. It’s a boy-free week. Time to focus on yourself, your friends, your family, and all that charity work you keep meaning to do. I’m not suggesting you delete any contacts or write the old fellas off completely. We are human, after all. I’m simply suggesting a week off. A cleanse if you will. A way to get back in control before the boys of summer come around. Because those ones are real trouble.

MAKE THE FAST LAST

1. Stop taking that phone with you. It sounds insane, like, “What next? Leave a lung in my locker?” But the more it’s with you the more you’ll be tempted to text and check texts. Can you leave it in the car during that trip to the mall? If not, ask a friend to hold it while you’re together. Anything to avoid temptation.

2. Plan a full on girl’s week of fun get-togethers that have nothing to do with boys.

3. All of you get 100 points at the beginning of the fast. If you mention a boy that is NOT a blood relative or a teacher and you lose a point. At the end of the fast, the one with the lowest score has to treat everyone else to (insert awesome thing here).

4. Fact. There are a lot of clothes out there that girls love and boys hate. Boyfriend jeans being at the top of the list. They make us feel thin and comfortable but they make guys think we poo’ed our Cosabellas. Trust me on this. No matter how high the heel, they still hate them. SO BUST THEM OUT! This week is all for you. Baggy sweats? Do it! Baseball cap instead of flatiron? Bring it! And for heaven’s sake, give that razor a break. (I say a bonus point for the girl with the hairiest legs by the end of the week.)

5. Okay, relax. I have a feeling a lot of you are all mad at me now because #4 implied that you dress and shave for boys and not your own dignity. That’s not what I’m suggesting. I’m simply trying to make a point. And that is what ever decision you make during the boyfast make sure it’s for you and not some guy you’re trying to impress. There are 52 weeks in a year. He shouldn’t get all of them.

Here is the pledge Massie wrote for the Pretty Committee in Bratfest at Tiffany’s. All together now:

I pledge the following to you,

To rid myself of boys

Done and done, they are through.

I’ll focus of fashion,

Study new trends in beauty,

Strengthen my friendships,

And tighten my booty.

You won’t find me flirting,

Or talking to guys

No texting, IMing,

No batting my eyes.

I’m above that now,

Been there done that,

Time for the LBRs

To have their turn at bat.

Let them wear tight clothes

And watch boring soccer (No offense, Kristen!)

Let them laugh at fart jokes,

Let them be the stalker!

It’s BFF time

No boys, not ever.

Because BFF has a new meaning

And that’s Boyfast Forever!

(Feel free to modify the words to your own liking.)

Alright, who’s in?

Tonight at sundown until next Wednesday sundown.  Let’s ride!

TTYW,

Lisi

The post Boyfast of Champions appeared first on Lisi Harrison.

and, like most wallets, it needed change. (Yep, pun intended. New site, same old humor.)

I know, I know. It looks sooooo different. And different can be scary. So place your virtual hand in mine and let’s explore our new hang spot together.

Look up. Top right corner.

Facebook? Hello, friend.
Twitter? Tuh-weet.
Pintrest? I thought you’d never ask.

One click and we’re connected. I realize you know how it works. But did you know that I have quit being a Twitter quitter? Pinky-swear. I will be tweeting constantly now, updating you on my latest #SIC (Sharing Is Caring) obsession. SIC is a quick look at something ah-mazing that I am compelled to share with you. Now look right. The five most recent tweets will be displayed over there, in the sidebar.

Wanna see what I see in my head? (Just the writing stuff, don’t worry.) Then follow me on Pinterest. All of my new characters have boards! Go on, introduce yourself to the Phoenix Five characters (Sheridan, Jagger, Lily, Vanessa, Duffy). Then say hello to the original 1962 Dirty Book Club members (Gloria, Marjorie, Dot, Liddy). The present day member boards are in the works so keep checking back for more. I am obsessed!

Now look all the way up. The Navigation Bar has my current bio, info on the books I’ve written and where they can be purchased online, and press interviews. Oh, see that button that says Follow? Click on that if you want to know when I’ve posted my Wednesday Blah-G. Yep. We’ve taken the guess work out of it. You’re welcome.

Look down.

Your Comments will be your comments. No surprise there.
My Comments will be weekly shout outs, birthday wishes, or other things I might want to mention based on your comments. I know, I need to get a dry erase board or something cuter than an index card. A photographer would also be nice. So would a bathroom break because I seriously have to pee. If anyone else has to go please do it now…

…Okay, I’m back.

Chihuahuawatch is really just an excuse to exploit my dog Bee Bee’s
ah-dorableness. And hawnestly? The title cracked us up. Go on, say it out loud. How fun is that?

Um, that was not hypothetical. I really want to know how fun it was. I want to know what you think of everything. After all, I built this site for you. (Truth? Alisha, my brilliant office elf did the building. I just barfed ideas all over her cute outfits and then went back to writing.) So start filling up your spacious new comments section. Homework can wait!

TTYW,
Lisi V 2.0

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