Lauren Myracle

What about some girl talk? Lauren Myracle answers my questions about writing, Internet Messaging, cookies and more! And, whether you’re a teen or tween, you can be sure you’ll find a Lauren Myracle’s book you’ll love.
Warning: the TTYL series are advised for older readers (not tweens), as the themes and language are quite explicit.

Hi Lauren, I’m glad to see you on Veronika Asks! Could you  say a few words about yourself to our readers?
Okey-doke. Well, I’m a writer. I write books for tweens and teens and I LOVE IT. The common thread in my books is that they’re all about friendship, in one way or another, because that’s something I’m endlessly fascinated by. My “Internet Series” books are for teens, while my “Winnie” books (ELEVEN and TWELVE) are for the tween set. . .but I find that there’s a lot of overlap between the readerships.

Then, if you could describe yourself with three words…
Hmm. I think I’ll go with…whimsical, sassy (sassy! sassy is so…sassy!), and kind.

You’re Taurus, aren’t you? Those Bulls, they are known for being warmhearted, determined but also very self-indulgent. Are you a typical Bull, Lauren?
Um, that would be a yes, I suppose. Although I need to work on being more self-indulgent. I’m actually quite monkish at times, but then at other times, I indulge, indulge, indulge!

So, now let’s talk a bit about TTYL, TTFN and L8r, g8r. Tell us more about this series.
Oh, they’re about three dear friends–Zoe, Maddie, and Angela–and their ups and downs as they navigate the crazy terrain of high school. And they’re all told in Instant Messages.

Why did you write this series only with IM messages? Isn’t it too difficult?
Difficult? Heck yeah! But awfully fun, too. And for readers, it’s like getting to eavesdrop of the girls’ inner lives, which I think is appealing. Anyway, I’m always up for a challenge!

And then comes Rhymes with Witches. What is it about?
Popularity gone bad

I also read you write a series with two novels already out, Eleven and Twelve. Tell us more! (will there be a Thirteen?)
I love those books! Thanks for asking about them. I think of them as the ttyl books’ little sister. All the same drama–friends, boys, etc.–but just a little…cleaner. And yes! THIRTEEN is in the works!

How did you start writing?
Well, I picked up a pen…just kidding! Um, I always knew I wanted to be a writer, so at some point in my very early twenties, I said to myself basically, “Put up or shut up.” Meaning, do it or don’t–but if you don’t, then you can’t go whining about it!

How do you write (how, where, when)?
WELL. First you should know that I’ve got three kids, which is both delightful and endlessly complicating. So first I get up, get them up, get the boys off to school or camp or whatever, and, three days a week, drop my daughter off at a wonderful caregiver’s house. And then I go STRAIGHT to Starbucks and get busy writing. I write there because 1) the coffee rocks (and just hush, you anti-Starbuckers!); 2) there are no laundry-machine-ish distractions; and 3) it’s just the most efficient way of getting in as much writing time as I can before going back to get my daughter at noon. Then, while my daughter sleeps, I tend to the busywork deets of being a writer, such as answering fan mail and dealing with other correspondence. Although sometimes I fall asleep. I do love taking naps!

Is there a book you wish you’d written?
Oh, heavens. Anything by Flannery O’Connor. And if I’d written To Kill a Mockingbird? I’d be hugging myself constantly and telling myself how brilliant I am!

Which book(s) would you advise for a perfect girly beach read?
Fireworks! It’s an awesome collection of summer love stories. Verrrrrrry fun!

Off-subject, but still: why this passion for cookies?
Because they’re so yummy, of course! MUST BE HOMEMADE. Just FYI.

What do you think about eBooks?
Never read one.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on How to be Bad, a road trip novel, with two other fabulous YA novelists, E. Lockhart and Sarah Mlynowski. It is soooo much fun. (Oh, and that’s a way to avoid the loneliness pitfall of writing, too. Co-write a book with a buddy! Or two!) I’m also finishing up Thirteen, which is the sequel to Eleven and Twelve, and I’ve just started a prequel to a book of mine called Rhymes with Witches. Eee-gads!

Now, the Nothing-to-do-with-books question: you’ve found $100 in your pocket (lucky you!), how will you use that money?
Hmm. Something frivolous and fun. I’d probably go to this great store in Old Town called White Balcony and buy silly random things like stone eggs and “Bad Girls” lip balm and gorgeous whimsical journals! (Either that or–um, yeah–give it all to charity…)

Would you like to add something, Lauren?
Nah, I’m good. But thanks.

“Tea or Coffee?”

Saturday evening. Going out or reading a book ? book
Holidays. Beach or Mountains ? beach
Country or City ? country. no, city! I don’t know! Both!
Watching a movie. Comedy or Drama (or something else ?) Comedy
Shy or Easy-going ? both
Serious or Funny ? both
Traveler or not ? traveler
Sporty or not ? sadly not
The Leader or not ? Um…I can be bossy, if that’s what you mean! But it’s always good-hearted…

“Favorite…”

TV show: Grey’s Anatomy
Movie : Harold and Maude
Book : To Kill a Mockingbird
City : Atlanta
Food : chocolate chip cookie
Music : almost ALL
Favourite place to write: Starbucks
Quote or motto : This is your one life. Use it wisely.

Thank you, Lauren!
You can learn more about Lauren and her novels on her website:
http://www.laurenmyracle.com/

M.Apostolina #2

Always funny and listening to Madonna, M. Apostolina is back and he tells everything ! The Truth about one of the most mysterious YA authors… and some hot news about his next books ! Ready?

Good morning, Veronika. Or is it evening where you are?
Hi, M.! Yes, evening already. So, ready to answer my questions?
Sure. I’ve never done an interview by IM before. This should be interesting!
Wow! An IM newbie! It won’t be long, we already talked a bit about you on the first interview, so now it will be very “Dark Cindy”!
Yes, that’s me. Cool.
So, now, be careful, I’m recording, everything you will say will be used against you
Uh. Ok, I stand warned! Thank God I’ve already had my espresso!
I was thinking about it and wondering if I should ask you about it or not
I can’t start my morning without it.
Talking about morning, could you tell us about your Type-Day? From the start…til the very end, to see how hard a writer works?
Sure. Usually I wake up by 7:30 on weekdays and generally go to an 8:30 yoga class Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Then it’s back to the apartment to begin writing…I usually write until about 1 o’clock, and go out for lunch. Usually about two hours and with friends. Then it’s back to writing until around 6:30 or 7 pm, depending on how good it’s going. Nothing too exotic!
So, authors are little bees
I guess so. Little worker bees.
I remember a type-day by Michele Jaffe, it’s the same thing : busy little bees
It’s really just about focusing on the work at hand – whatever that might be
Soooo, here is “Dark Cindy”, not too sad to put an end the “Cindy vs Meri” Trilogy?
I was very sad to finish it. I’m very much in love with the characters, but…
But?
The trilogy felt like a natural conclusion. I don’t want to be one of those authors who extend a series unnaturally. Sometimes I feel like YA authors go on and on with a series purely for money. And I get it – we all like money – but I want to be true to my audience and my characters.
Even if your publisher asks you to find something because the readers can’t get enough of Meri and Cindy?
I’m not saying that another Cindy v. Meri book is out of the question – I’d like to continue with them – but creatively I feel I need a break. And please, Meri can’t possibly be done torturing Cindy. And I do leave the door open at the end of “Dark Cindy”…In “Dark Cindy,” Cindy comes to realize that in order to fight an evil person in great shoes, you’ve got to act – and dress – the part!
A fashion transformation, then, sounds cool
So she transforms herself. No longer will she be the “good girl.” To fight a bee, she’s going to sting like a bee. Oh, yes, a huge fashion transformation. But more importantly, a transformation in her mind.
Ok. Talking about surprises and little scandals, there was a juicy one some time ago. Do you remember?
Ha! That was me.
Want the readers to know the real you or let them discover by themselves?
To be honest, I never thought it would be a scandal. Several readers had emailed me at MySpace asking me to put my picture up…I was resistant at first, since I don’t think I photograph well – even writers are vain! – but I eventually posted my picture. And then – whoa! – all hell broke loose. Readers were shocked to discover that I was a guy!
That’s true that a man writing about sorority girls is kind of strange. You ask yourself how you can find ideas and know girl’s psychology!
Is it? Men write about women frequently, and vice-versa. I mean, Flaubert was a man, and he wrote Madame Bovery, right?
Well, right, another male author took the same example
But I think what surprised people in my case is the fact that the Meri v. Cindy books are written in first-person from Cindy – as her diary. Maybe that “directness” led people to assume that a woman was writing the books. But I take it as a compliment that people thought the writer was a woman. It must mean I did something right.
There is a question I wanted to ask you since I read “Meri Strikes Back”. How old are the girls you’re writing for? Do you have an age limit? Because let’s be frank, some of the talkings and scenes are really trashy
That’s a difficult question. When I wrote the first “Hazing Meri Sugarman,” I assumed the audience would be adults, so I didnt hold back anything. And then…when the book was bought by the teen division of “Simon & Schuster,” I assumed I’d have to tone things down – like the language, the sex. But I didn’t have to! So obviously, I knew who my target audience was when I write the next two, but…I decided not to tone anything down. I don’t want to talk down to teen readers, or dillute anything. So I just wrote what I really wanted to write. Which meant that I didn’t hold back on the sex! LOL.
Is “Dark Cindy” as direct as Meri Strikes Back?
More so, I think, because Cindy is really dealing with issues that relate to being herself – in her mind, sexually – in all aspects of her life.
Readers, you’re warned
Ha! And of course, there’s also the fact that, this time, you get to read Meri’s diary entries, as well, and of course, being Meri, things get a little kinky!
Warned twice (M.Apostolina flashes a big smiley smile)
So, you’re having a break with Meri and Cindy, but are you writing something else? Or are you coming back to the big screen?
I loved writing Meri’s diary entries. That was the most fun of “Dark Cindy.” Yes, I am.M. I’m completing a new novel called “Shake it Down,” and working on a television program.
Is it a secret or can we have a scoop? (the scoop, the scoop!)
Well, I usually don’t like to talk about a book until it’s almost about to be published, but…since it’s you….”Shake it Down” is a story about the conflict that develops between two Mexican sisters living in Texas. The older sister, who’s beholden to her Mexican roots, is a dancer, while her sister – who rejects the old ways and changes her hair from brown to blonde and wears blue contact lenses – is determined to be a rock star.
Sounds shaky!
It is, very. Lots of action – and a huge surprise twist at the end!
And the television program? I know, I ask too much question, but that’s why I’m nicknamed Veronika asks.
This you may already know about. It’s called “Pussycat Hustle.” It’s a half-hour animated comedy about jewel thief lesbian cats!
Wow, I see you don’t seem to want to change your style
I like to try all different sorts of things, actually. “Shake it Down” is very different for me in a lt of ways. Very dramatic in part, suspenseful, and hopefully very realistic and surprising.
I heard a story about Walmart…
Oh yes. Ugh! I’m banned at Walmart! My Meri v. Cindy books are too racy for them! Which is kind of silly, I think. Even stranger, some book stores in the U.S. refuse to put me in the teen section, and instead put me in the adult section. But my readers find me!
Lol, you have so many fans…Over 8000 friends on MySpace…How do you do that?
If someone wants to be my friend, I always say yes, since they’ve usually gotten my site from the books. It’s fun to hear direct feedback from readers, which before MySpace, auhtors didn’t regularly get. As for the number of readers, that changes. It goes up, it goes down. It’s also fun to talk to people who want to be writers, which a lot of friends do, so I’m always there to offer advice.
Yep, I noticed you regularly post Writers for Young Writers blogs
Yes, and I’ve gotten terrific feedback from those. One reader said she learned more from my posts then she had in two years of creative writing classes, so that’s very nice. But I could NEVER teach! I would not have the patience!
There are so many groups for Romance and Teen writers…do you belong to one of them? Or do you have yours?
I’ve been invited to join many groups, though I don’t always have time to participate in them. Basically, I interact with readers directly on my MySpace page through comments, emails, andblogs. Whn I first joined MySpace, it was so overwhelming, it almost took time away from my writing! But “Meri” put a stop to that! Ha!
(Note for readers: M.Apostolina sends profile comments faster than anyone else)
It’s only polite.
And that ’s cool
If someone takes the time to comment, I feel I should be kind enough to respond.
Well, now we talked about your news, your upcoming projects… do you have something you’d like to add?
Hmmm. I’m not sure, except that I love writing, and I’m looking forward to entertaining readers for MANY years to come. I can’t believe how much fun it is to do! Oh, by the way. Great, I’m sure the readers will love to spend time with your books for looong looong years
I may also be writing a middle-school series, so on that one I’ll have to tone down the sex and language. Ha!
Aw, aw, I remembered a question! Would you like to see Meri on screen?
I would, yes! That would be a lot of fun!
Have some suggestions for the cast?
It changes on a daily basis for me, but I’m open to any suggestions readers might have!!
Should do a contest like that
Who do you think would be a good Meri?
Hey, who is asking questions?
Hehe.
Well, let’s see… Rachel McAdams, why not
She’d be great, of course. She’s a very good actress.
To be frank, I’m more interested in discovering who’ll be Keith!
But I’m disappointed you’re not recommending a great French teen actress. Yes, perfect Keith. Ha!
A french teen actress? I didn’t really think about it
Sure, why not? I’m obsessed with Isabelle Huppert, by the way.
Ah, I knew it, so is Meri
She has to be the greatest living actress in all of cinema! Yes, Meri and I share that in common.
And gourmet food
Yes, yes! Hehe. I guess three’s more “Meri” in me than I’m willing to admit. Uh oh!
So, I think that I asked everything that might interest your readers, I’d better let you work, little Apostolina bee, to have a new great book by you on the shelves soon!
Thanks, Veronika. It was great talking to you. And so fun in this IM way!
That’s for sure. So, readers, run to the bookshop and pick “Dark Cindy”, it sounds really great!
Yeaaaa! But warning – read the first two in the series first. Otherwise you might get confused. Ok, time to make more espresso! Have a good night, Veronika.
Bye M., have a nice day and thanks for answering my questions
You’re welcome! Ciao!

You can visit M. Apostolina’s site
http://www.mapostolina.com

Zoe Rice

Zoe Rice accepted to inaugurate Veronika Asks and be my first-interviewed author. She speaks a little about her first novel, ” Pick me Up “, which was released in June 2006.

Hi Zoe! So, ready? Here we go!
Hi Veronika. Ok!
What would you like, first, to say to introduce yourself to our readers?
First, any opportunity to talk to readers is both welcome and fun. To find people who are excited about books just makes my day. I’m a former book editor who just had my first novel published. In the past, I edited the first three Shopaholic books by Sophie Kinsella, and she’s been so supportive as I tried to write my own funny chick-lit novel. I’m so happy when people love the book, which–lucky for me–has been often!
Ok! So, to talk about you: I’ve heard that Aquarius are usually original and don’t care about being different. They love change, are independent and intellectual. Are you a typical Aquarius?
In many ways I am a typical Aquarius. We’re supposed to be creative, I hear, and sensitive to others. I don’t know that much about astrology, but I do think I like to be different while still remaining one of the gang.
So, you’ve been an editor before, how did you start to write?
Being a book editor is very, very hard. You don’t usually get paid very well, but you work as hard as people who make four times your pay. Sometimes you get to work on your dream book, and then it’s all worth it. But sometimes you’re assigned a book you’re not in love with, and then it’s not as rewarding. In the end, I decided to create an ideal of the book I’d most like to read. I thought it would be more fun, and in many ways it was!
That’s cool! I love the idea to create a book you’d like to read.
That was really my greatest goal, and it really worked out.
Now, tell us, please, a bit more about your first novel, “Pick me up”…
Pick Me Up centers around Izzy Duncan, a gallery director in New York City. Unlike many chick lit characters, she loves her job and is great at it. Early on, though, changes at the gallery threaten her career. Now, she has to put her professional future in the hands of two men: one a painter with whom she fights constantly, but whose show is her next big project. And the other is her new boss, who seems to be the man of her dreams.
That sounds really great! It takes place in New York’s art world. Why did you choosethe world of art and not another? Did you research about it? Did you meet artists?
My second love after books/writing is art. I spent a semester studying History of Art in London, and it was tremendous fun. Also, my boyfriend is a painter and works for an art dealer, so I’m around that world a lot. I did research very carefully with one of the stars of the young gallery scene, and she was a lot of help.
I love art too. What are your favorites?
My favorite period is Modernism, although I also love the peacefulness of Renaissance art. I particularly like art that plays with language, like Jasper Johns, and I’m a big fan of Picasso’s cubism. I could probably take a lot of time just talking about artists!
Is your novel only for women and girls or would you like to reach another public?
The men who have read the novel so far are surprised at how much they enjoy it. While the primary audience is women, I’d say that guys who want to get in good with their girlfriends/moms/sisters should pick them up a copy! (I should also note that two of those men are my father and boyfriend. So they may be biased…)
The question every young writer would ask: How do you work in general? Do you need a special time or a special place (or state)? Never faced the “writer’s block”?
I don’t remember battling writer’s block. The actual writing was finished a year ago, but my publisher waited to put the book out in summer because it’s such a fun beach read. I like to write in the afternoon, when I’m least tired. I always have two enormous mugs of coffee first. Once I start, I get in a zone of focus. I find that hours will pass without me even noticing. If I can’t get that focus, though, the process is very tedious.
You have a great book cover. Did you pick it yourself?
Thanks so much Veronika! I was worried about the cover, because I think it’s so important to grab someone’s eye. When my publisher showed me the artist they wanted to use, I thought it seemed more sophisticated than what I wanted. But when I saw the drawing, I fell in love. I think the artist did great! I did give some key words to my publisher about what I wanted. Mostly: “pink!”
Aw, a girl’s favorite subject: I’ve noticed you own a cool blog about beauty products. Which ones are your favorite? Do you prefer modern cosmetics technology or old GrandMa’s tips? Do you have some tips to share with girls?
Ahh, yes. Real Girl Beauty has become surprisingly popular, and I’m grateful for everyone who sends in comments with advice. I like modern products best because they have innovative ingredients. I very much like Aveda’s lip tints, which have sunscreen. The most important beauty product is always sunscreen!
Returning to books and your novel, do you already have another project? Or would you like or continue a bit with Izzy? Or simply have a break and enjoy?
Right now I’m deciding whether to continue writing chick lit or to try out writing young adult. I have ideas for both, and my publisher is just waiting to see how Pick Me Up does in stores. I think at some point I’ll write young adult fiction. I like the idea of writing for eager young readers.
So you’re not interested in trying fantasy or mysteries (or something really different), you’ll continue with chick lit…
My favorite part of writing is making people laugh. I might try a chick lit mystery, where I could combine the two. But certain traits of chick lit–the humor, the female protagonist, the first person voice–really appeal to me and make the writing process more enjoyable.
And now the nothing-to-do-with-books question: you’ve just found 100 $ in your pocket, how will you use that money? Without thinking too long
I would buy a great dinner in New York. We’ve got super restaurants, but they’re expensive and so often it feels like a “splurge.” Every good chick lit character loves food!
Well, before starting the “pick an answer up” (don’t ask me why I chose that title would you like to say something to our readers?
Welcome to Veronika’s interview blog! I wish you great success. And anyone who wants to find me on MySpace and talk about the book is welcome. I do truly appreciate every reader who takes the time to enjoy (hopefully!) my novel.
Thank you so much, Zoe
Thanks Veronika! Best of luck to you, and I can’t wait to read your future interviews.
That’s really nice. So, ready for a quick “Pick an answer”?
Sure.

“Tea or Coffee?” (yes, we changed the title since)

Saturday evening. Going out or reading a book ?Going out. There’s too much here to do!
Holidays. Beach or Mountains ?Mountains. I love hiking.
Country or City ?City city city. It’s all I’ve known.
Watching a movie. Comedy or Drama (or something else ?) ?Comedy.
Shy or Easy-going ?Easy-going most of the time.
Serious or Funny ?Funny, definitely!
Traveller or not ?I wish I were more so. So I’ll say yes.
Sporty or not ?Depends on the sport! Baseball/tennis yes, American football not so much.
Working on team or alone ?Alone, for me. I like to create my own little worlds.

“Favorite…”

TV show: Lost right now
Movie : Hmm. I do love the Bridget Jones Diary movie. The perfect chick flick! Also The Forty Year Old Virgin.
Book (and by the way, what are you reading during your free time ?) ? : Right now I’m reading Wickett’s Remedy, the second novel by the author of “Bee Season.” My favorite book is so hard! But I’ll say Confessions of a Shopaholic because I loved getting to work with Sophie Kinsella for the first time. She is brilliant, lovely, and hilarious!
Music : I like Gwen Stefani a lot, and Norah Jones. Also, like the character in the novel, I confess a soft spot for Robbie Williams.
City to visit : I’ve been lucky to see many of the cities I’ve wanted to. But I’d love to return to Paris. I went when I was 16, and even then I appreciated the art.
Favourite place to write: My apartment, with my cat right behind me.
Quote or motto : That’s a hard one! I’d say “Keep your chin up.” Because when you feel successful or pretty or outgoing, then others feel that too.

Thank you, Zoe!
You can visit Zoe’s site
http://www.zoerice.com

Rachel Weingarten

A retro interview with Rachel Weingarten, beauty guru and author of a new guide about beauty and fashion in the 40’s – 60’s, “Hello Gorgeous!” (IM Interview)

Rachel Weingarten: Hey Veronika!
Veronika asks: Hello! I’m happy you found some time to answer my questions. OK, so would you like, please, to introduce yourself to our readers…
Rachel Weingarten: Nice to meet all of you! and our lovely host(ess) Veronika, I’m Rachel Weingarten and I wrote a cool new book called: Hello Gorgeous! Beauty Products in America ’40s-’60s

Veronika asks: I’m fond of Astrology (and I check the horoscope sayings). According to those, Sagittarius usually  are straightforward, freedom-loving and careless. Are you a typical Sagittarius ?
Rachel Weingarten: It’s funny, I try not to believe my horoscope (but read it anyway I think that I am very much a Sag. I’m very optimistic and outgoing, but not at all careless! I’m hyper-responsible and have been since I was a little girl. I am freedom loving to a fault

Veronika asks: Tell us more about “Hello Gorgeous !”…
Rachel Weingarten: It’s a book about beauty advertising in America in the mid last century. It has over 300 images, 100 pieces of crazy/fun/interesting trivia and very brilliant (if I do so say myself) commentary throughout. While some people think that the subject of makeup might be ‘fluffy’ to me it clearly illustrates the way that women’s spending power has evolued…It’s going to be required reading in a few colleges in the states in Women’s Study, Marketing & Advertising classes- and that’s been a major thrill for me!

Veronika asks: That’s great ! Why did you choose the forties – sixties ? What (or who) gave you that idea ?
Rachel Weingarten: There are quite a few reasons. I’ve always been into makeup (and am a former celebrity makeup artist) and to me that time is when Hollywood really became a major presence in shaping the way that women viewed themselves. Economically, it was the first real time in history that marketers understood that women had a lot to say about how money was to be spent in this country/and the world, and it was also the first time that teenagers were perceived to be a strong economic power. In other words, the youth culture and strength of women was just being born!
Rachel Weingarten: (back to Sagittarius, I’m afraid that I’m a cliche’ Sag, since I just noticed the ’straightforward’ and ulp – I almost always tell it like it is!)

Veronika asks: Okay… so you’ve been a former celebrity makeup artist. Many girls would say it’s the dream job!
Rachel Weingarten: In many ways it was, since I always loved doing makeup, so in essence it was a dream come true. That being said, our dreams (when they become reality) aren’t always exactly what we thought that they might be. There was a lot of bad in all of the good….
Veronika asks: As usual, isn’t it ?
Rachel Weingarten: agreed. I still look back fondly at that time, but don’t think it’s a career that I’d go into now. It’s unbelievable the insecurity that the most beautiful women in the world seem to face, and it can be a real downer. Add to that the very weird Hollywood lifestyle, and I feel happier away from it.
Veronika asks: (Yes, sitting in front of the TV we always think that Hollywood is Heaven, without any problems)

Veronika asks: People often say they write about what they’d like to experience themselves. Would you like to bring the 40’s – 60’s back?
Rachel Weingarten: No, I can’t say that I would. While it was a more ‘innocent’ time, (if you can call living in the brand new nuclear era/post WWII era innocent) it was also a time when the women’s movement was still trudging uphill. We (as women) take for granted the fact that we can choose any career that we want, and be able to support ourselves, and make choices about who to marry (and even if we want to get married) but the truth is, that the women who came before us worked hard and fought harder to make our lives easier. Also, I love my computer and other conveniences
Veronika asks: Right!
Rachel Weingarten: Also, my parents are European immigrants, and went through the Holocaust, so no, I can’t say that living in the ’40s would be great.
Rachel Weingarten: The ’60s on the other hand, especially in swinging London might have been very cool indeed! And all the crazy clothes and makeup!

Veronika asks: That’s right, I’m a nostalgic myself (but especially about 80’s)
Rachel Weingarten: The best thing about our own time is that we can dress any way we want any day of the week! (can you imagine living in the ’50s and wearing girdles to school, or gloves and hats?)
Rachel Weingarten: I grew up in the 80s, and I’m still nostalgic! I looooooove 80s music, makeup but not the hideous hair
Veronika asks: Whoops, love the hair!
Rachel Weingarten: that’s because you didn’t see my hideous hair in the 80s!

Veronika asks: But talking about make-up, were the 40’s better?
Rachel Weingarten: in terms of the quality?
Veronika asks: Yes, and even in terms of how women used to wear make-up
Rachel Weingarten: interesting question. I LOVE the look of the forties, the glamorous hair, makeup, nails…the makeup cases were exquisite too. that being said, in our own times the formulations are magnificent! we’ve used technology to create products that make us look better, or even like we’re not wearing makeup….but…..there was something so sexy about the fact that women could get all dressed up, powdered, lipsticked just to go to the store. so it’s the best and worst in a way!
Veronika asks: It was more “Hollywoodian”
Rachel Weingarten: but also keep in mind that back then that was the ONLY way to look! in our times whether you find it beautiful or not, individuality is the order of the day…
Rachel Weingarten: Yes. It was all in homage to the Hollywood look, then again they also smoked because it was considered very sophisticated!

Veronika asks: How did you research the book?
Rachel Weingarten: OMG. It was a nightmare- in the best possible way I have always loved history, pop culture and social history, so I’ve always been a voracious reader and remembered quite a bit about what I’d read. I then had to spend weeks in the library looking through old newspapers, magazines, and books to confirm that what I remembered was correct. I also interviewed tons of people. From people who were actresses back then (one of Grace Kelly’s bridesmaids) to people in advertising, to makeup artists, to hollywood people. it was EXHAUSTING!!! but soo much fun
Veronika asks: I imagine…
Rachel Weingarten: and it’s something that I love, so it was an adventure..

Veronika asks: Will you continue with guides ? Or would you like to write a novel ?
Rachel Weingarten: I’m working on two non fiction books, and am also working on the beginnings of a novel. A friend of mine told me that I have to write a novel since she has nothing good to read!

Veronika asks: By the way, what are your preferences, talking about cosmetics ? Some pieces of advice?
Rachel Weingarten: hmmm. I love the pop culture aspects, the fact that it’s history but it’s fun and interesting, I also know a ton about cosmetics and love sharing my info with everyone!
Veronika asks: You should open a blog about it
Rachel Weingarten: what kind of advice? on cosmetics, or beauty, or defining your own style
Veronika asks: On beauty products, for example
Rachel Weingarten: Ah. I’m working on something new not yet launched! Not a blog per se, but a cultural exploration of cosmetics and the beauty industry
Rachel Weingarten: Okay advice: I believe (as corny as it sounds) that each and every person on earth has a unique beauty, and that you should not try to copy the magazines if it makes you feel bad, but if you see a new technique for eyes or lips to give it a shot. I also don’t think that you need to spend a fortune to look beautiful. I think that when it comes down to it, it’s always self confidence that makes you shine!

Veronika asks: Well, I have an usual question: the nothing-in-common-with-books question one. You’ve just found 100 $ in your pocket, how will you use the money?
Rachel Weingarten: ooh. good question. i’d probably buy books. i’d give some to charity, and then maybe treat a friend to a girly movie…okay, who am i kidding i’d blow it on lipgloss!!!!!!!!
Veronika asks: lol
Rachel Weingarten: I’m predictable!
Veronika asks: Oh, Rachel, you said that self confidence makes you shiny! Why lipgloss ?
Rachel Weingarten: nah, i really would get books first, then lipgloss, then movies and make sure to give some to a good cause
Veronika asks: That’s a good program
Rachel Weingarten: i’m addicted to lipgloss! i don’t need a lot to make me feel good. I don’t mean that people need a bareface, but i also mean that you don’t have to go and change everything about yourself to try to conform to what society considers beautiful!
Veronika asks: Sure
Rachel Weingarten: i knew that we were on the same page!

Veronika asks: Well, is there something you’d like to add? About your book, your projects, fashion?
Rachel Weingarten: Oh, I was going to actually add something about you, but I’ll incorporate everything into a ‘closing’ statement!
Veronika asks: Me? Ooh…
Rachel Weingarten: I think that it’s amazing to look to our past to figure out how we got to be where we are. So for that reason, yeah, I love looking at the asthetics of the mid last century, from the hair to the lips to the eyes and more….but, and it’s a big but (not that kind!) look at you, you live in France, and are enamored with books and have the self confidence, talent, drive and interest to create an online environment to share your love of books with others. So in a nutshell, I love the journey that we as creative women are on. And yes, I love lipgloss, because it’s fun and makes me feel anything from dramatic, to sweet. In our own times, you don’t have to have only one label, I can be a girly, independent author and still giggle over eyeshadow with a close friend. make sense?
Veronika asks: Yes. Exactly.
Rachel Weingarten: whew!
Veronika asks: That’s really nice to say that.
Rachel Weingarten: it’s what I believe! I told you that I was impressed! (and I don’t impress that easily)
Veronika asks:
Rachel Weingarten: I also think that we have a responsibility to make the world better, and it doesn’t mean that there’s only one way to do it. If I bring joy to someone’s life with a book, or if you share your bliss, your love for books with others, you’ve actually increased all of the good feelings in the world.
Veronika asks: I hope so.
Rachel Weingarten: Again, corny but true! I also believe that whatever age or stage you are in your life you should always be helping others get to their next stage, and hope that they’ll continue to do the same for others. Karma baby!
Veronika asks: I totally agree!
Rachel Weingarten: Henri Bendel department store in NYC on 5th Avenue is doing an entire week of Hello Gorgeous! they’re even decorating the windows with a mannequin who will be wearing a ‘dress’ made out of my books. It’s from July 11-17 ! I’ll be there signing books that Wednesday evening and all day Sunday…

Veronika asks: Thanks for coming and answering my questions Ms. Weingarten!
Rachel Weingarten: It has been my pleasure chatting with you and getting to know you! And I look forward to hearing great things about you in the future! Actually, keep trying is probably the best life advice that I can give anyone!

Rachel’s website:
http://www.rachel-w.com/

Hello Gorgeous! page:
http://www.hellogorgeousguide.com/