Comments on: Things Have Changed . . .

By: Cally

Cally — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 20:06:24 +0000

I love the new covers but I don’t think I can bare to part ways with my old copy of “Tell Me Lies”. I love the little “Trust Me” Valentine hearts on the cover. In fact, I’m reading the book right now for the third time. Of course, it is a bit worn out at the spine because I got my cousin hooked on Jenny Crusie books as well. As far as “Crazy For You,” its perfect that its getting a new cover because while I’ve read it several times, I have never owned it. I can’t wait to buy it for myself! Woot!

By: Meredith B.

Meredith B. — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:50:10 +0000

Oh, romantic comedy is selling in stores, anyway. It isn’t the fasted growing or highest grossing subgenre, but it’s definitely selling, particularly in the current economy.

By: Jenny

Jenny — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 00:05:34 +0000

I pronounced it “Blaze” with more “s” than “z.” Feel free to pronounce it any way you want. Once you buy the book, it’s your story.

By: Kira

Kira — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 22:41:41 +0000

It’ll be right before Jenny’s birthday.

By: Beki

Beki — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:03:23 +0000

Sigh, I remember that feeling. It’s like a whole new romance in a way. And I second the “keep writing,” Jenny!

By: GatorPerson

GatorPerson — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 20:59:23 +0000

How do you pronounce Blaise?

By: Jenny

Jenny — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 20:47:58 +0000

Thank you, Elizabeth, and welcome to Argh!

By: marly

marly — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 20:32:11 +0000

You’re right – it has to something that can’t be construed as “look at the good thing I’m doing – aren’t I wonderful?”. I think the that Jenny and Lani have figured out that the kindness has to be inherent. They make it clear that the characters are more likely to show this side of themselves when no one is watching or listening and that’s the kind of man I want to write. Or maybe I feel that’s the kind of man that’s worthy of a terrific female protagonist. At any rate, I’m pretty sure I’ve been missing the boat there. Even if the guy has a lot to learn – or almost everything to learn about what’s necessary for happiness, he’s got to somehow show he has that core of goodness. If he’s survived very bad things and doesn’t have any illusions left, he still needs that worthiness. It may be buried deep inside, but I think it has to be demonstrated that it’s there. If he’s bad to the bone, there has to be something redeemable. Even if it only comes out in private, or especially if it only comes out in private. So, I have to fix my guy, but it can’t be a cheap cop-out fix and it has to be believable and consistent with his character. I want readers to care about him. I just have to work harder to make that happen. In fact, I think I have to take him apart and put him back together again.

By: Diane (TT)

Diane (TT) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 19:46:05 +0000

Marly – do be careful that it otherwise fits with his character and the story. I read a book in which the male lead volunteered with disadvantaged kids. It was a substitute for ACTUALLY showing him to be a compassionate and loving guy,and it came across as cheap, I thought.

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 19:31:50 +0000

A little of topic, but.. I just wanted to tell you I’m a new fan and I absoultely love your books. I picked up Bet Me at the library not know who you were, and I was hooked. I went back and got all your other books that they had, and have since read and reread a lot of them. I’m currently working on purchasing them all, and am looking forward to reading the few I haven’t gotten a chance to read yet. I hope you never stop writing and am so happy to have discovered you!!!

By: Kate George

Kate George — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 19:00:35 +0000

Totally O.T.! I rented Penelope on your recommendation, Jenny. What a delightful story. You’re correct. They got it right. I love the way that story played out. I won’t say anymore incase someone hasn’t seen it. Don’t want to spoil it. But thanks very much. I’m sharing this one with my daughters. Now I have to go see which girl should have got the guy in 4 weddings and a funeral!

By: marly

marly — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 18:05:48 +0000

I almost forgot – the thing I loved the most in Lani’s new opening scene’s first draft? Tobias has that sweetness thing going on – the sausage under the waffle. I think this might be why my guy (the one on paper) doesn’t come across as totally lovable, and that’s been making me nuts. Gorgeous or not, wealthy or not – if they’re not kind, in a VISIBLY demonstrated way, they’re just not good enough. I can’t believe I didn’t put this together before. Forehead smack. Back to the drawing board.

By: Jenny

Jenny — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 17:04:34 +0000

The Cinderella Deal.

By: Laurel Bowman

Laurel Bowman — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 11:47:43 +0000

I am coming up blank for what TCD means. It is referred to in some of the earlier posts. Please enlighten me. Thanks

By: marly

marly — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 07:17:50 +0000

So, as someone mentioned, I re-read The Cinderella Deal, and it had been a few years, and then, because you can’t read just one, I also read the old Temptation edition of Getting Rid of Bradley. They’re both wonderful, but I noticed a connection I hadn’t made before. There’s Zack and he’s a masculine, unkempt cop and a pushover for the dogs. He brings dirty, orphaned Pete home to Lucy. Linc is fastidious and straight-laced and still sings to poor half- toothless, falling over, scruffy, homely Jupiter. There are other examples, too. Anyway, my point is that these kindnesses to these unlovely creatures are so endearing. I could fall hard for these guys for that alone. Come to think of it, I did fall for a guy who is unfailingly kind to animals, especially the misfits. It’s a wonderful character trait – one that says, “You can trust this guy with just about anything. He may not be perfect, but his humanity shines through.” It’s so well done, a really brilliant device to make these men come alive. Yeah, definitely brilliant. Now I have to figure out a way to do that, because that little bit of sweetness? The male protagonist has to have it.

By: Jackie

Jackie — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 04:24:00 +0000

Funny you should mention that….. I still liked the book.

By: Jenny

Jenny — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 03:44:17 +0000

I believe there was some headhopping.
Which reminds me: massive headhopping in TCD. Sorry. I was young and didn’t know any better.

By: Lou

Lou — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 02:51:59 +0000

Cleaned up “Bradley”??? The original is my very, very favorite book!!

I especially loved the line, “Barefoot all the way up…”

By: Sharon

Sharon — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 01:55:24 +0000

Your editor sounds like one smart woman. She knows that anything with your name on it will be well written and that you have a loyal following. I would not deny myself the pleasure of reading a Crusie book -mystery, paranomal romance or romantic comedy -they all will be winners!!

By: Jenny

Jenny — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 00:19:43 +0000

The book came out at the tail end of Loveswept when they were pretty much slapping anything on the cover. It was the last gasp of a dying line that was pretty low rent to begin with. I didn’t see the cover until they sent me the books, but it wouldn’t have made any difference.