E-VENTFUL Book Party with Linda Francis Lee
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Our first ever E-VENTFUL Book Party went down this afternoon and the turnout was great! Linda Francis Lee, author of the delightful new book Emily & Einstein, answered questions and shared stories with our party goers for over an hour. She also announced the grand prize winner of her “Who’s Your Einstein?” Photo Contest which has been a regular feature here on the site the last couple of weeks. Linda Hildner’s Mr. Bo Jangles was selected as the prize pooch of the bunch!
Here is a full transcript of the E-VENT for those who missed it live…
BookTrib: Welcome to the book party E-VENT for Linda Francis Lee, author of EMILY AND EINSTEIN! Watch the video above and the chat will begin shortly.
BookTrib: Let’s welcome Linda Francis Lee as she announces the winner of the “Who is Your Einstein?” Facebook Photo Contest.
TokyoSuperFrog: Hi Linda!
LindaFrancisLee: Hello! Thank you for being here!
Cathryn Benjamin: Hi Linda!!
caribousmom: Welcome Linda – loved your book!
LindaFrancisLee: Hello! This is so exciting!
Cathryn Benjamin: Thanks for allowing us the oppotunity to chat with you
BookTrib: And the winner of the “Who is Your Einstein?” Facebook Photo Contest is…
LindaFrancisLee: The hard part of me chatting is getting me to stop!
Cathryn Benjamin: haha! Me too
LindaFrancisLee: And Caribousmom, I’m so thrilled you enjoyed Einstein!
circledwagons: do you have a dog?
caribousmom: I stayed up very late to finish it
LindaFrancisLee: And the winner of the Who’s Your Einstein dog photo contest is….
bookbrainy: Me too!
LindaFrancisLee: Mr. Bo Jangles!!!
BookTrib: Congratulations! We’ll be in touch to send you the $25 PETCO gift card from our contest sponsor PETCO of Norwalk. Thanks to all who entered – we loved all of your adorable dogs!
B00kW0rm: Congratulations!
kdurham2: what a fun dog name!!
caribousmom: Congrats!
Cathryn Benjamin: Congrats Mr. Bo Jangles!
TokyoSuperFrog: Woohoo!
bookbrainy: What a cute pup
Betty Lewis: Congrats!!
caribousmom: I have a question…how did you come up with the idea of reincarnating Emily’s husband into the character of Einstein? I found it so original!
LindaFrancisLee: @circledwagons, we lost our sweet Sophie, and writing Einstein was a way to show how much I loved her!
circledwagons: Mr. Bo Jangles was my favorite – great choice!
BookTrib: Here is the winning photo
laura lanham: welcome and so glad to meet you
Mia Castile: congratulations on your novel
Andy Sparks: Hi Linda – Congrats on your new book.
caribousmom: Linda – I’m sorry about the loss of Sophie – it is so hard to lose one of our “fur children”
laura lanham: I love loved the book I laughed then cried then laughed and cried, had to sit with a box of tissues in my lap lol
LindaFrancisLee: Thanks so much to everyone!
Andy Sparks: I won your Valentine’s Day contest with a copy of your book. I haven’t started yet, but can’t wait to read it!
Cathryn Benjamin: Linda-Do you have any writing must haves(i.e food, music, etc)?
LindaFrancisLee: @caribousmom It was a combination of knowing I had a dog of a man, and wanting to figure out what to do with him to redeem him. Then I happened upon a dog statue and thought Ah Ha!
caribousmom: LOL – I like that “dog of a man”!
kdurham2: I have only had my pup for a year and a half and I can’t remember life without her
Betty Lewis: Good thing you decided to make him a dog…and not a statue lol
LindaFrancisLee: laura lanham thank you! I actually laughed and cried when I was writing!
laura lanham: Was any part of the characters written based on people close to you or even you yourself?
caribousmom: I must say, I truly loved Emily – she is a great character. I loved how her exterior perfection covers up her self-doubt
LindaFrancisLee: Cathryn, for some reason I need a window. I don’t necessarily see what is going on outside, but looking out into the sky seems to open my mind
LindaFrancisLee: Laura, Sophie had so much personality. She could be glad to see me, or angry at me and ignore me. And I thought how great to make a dog just like that. Hence Einstein and his moods!
laura lanham: I am still cleaning the coffe off the pages of my book from the er uhmmm pudgy hand …bell scenareo comment rflho..laughed so hard I sent it spewing
LindaFrancisLee: Caribousmom, I loved Emily too. I was thinking alot about the adage, fake it until you make it, and I though Emily was perfect for that. Don’t let anyone see the soft mush on the inside!
laura lanham: I must have windows around me opne as well…windows are a source inspiration as they let the prisms of light in which inspires the mind
bookbrainy: What kind of dog was the statue?
LindaFrancisLee: Bookbrainy, it was the statue of Balto in Central Park. I was working on the plot, wondering what to do with my dog of a man, then walked through a tunnel and there was Balto. Suddenly Sandy had to be a Dog!
bookbrainy: If Emily and Einstein became a movie, who would play Emily?
caribousmom: Great questions, Bookbrainy – I was actually thinking this would make a GREAT movie (maybe a Disney movie??!?!)
LindaFrancisLee: Bookbrainy, How about Anne Hathaway?
Cathryn Benjamin: Anna Hathaway would be great!
B00kW0rm: That sounds perfect!
LindaFrancisLee: Cathryn, I love her!
caribousmom: I agree – Anne Hathaway would be perfect
LindaFrancisLee: Anyone else you guys think would make a good Emily?
B00kW0rm: …and what about Einstein
TokyoSuperFrog: I know you’re from Texas… did your Texas upbringing have any influence on your writing?
Cathryn Benjamin: Me too, She is so fun and witty but can bang out such a great serious role too
laura lanham: Sandra Bullock is good in those type of roles
LindaFrancisLee: Bookworm, too funny! How about Hugh Grant?
B00kW0rm: great choice!
laura lanham: didnt sandra bullock and hugh grant do a movie together once ?
caribousmom: I like Natalie Portman as an Emily
kdurham2: i liked anne hathaway with jake gyllenhall (MS)
B00kW0rm: @LindaFrancisLee – do you find writing cathartic?
LindaFrancisLee: TokyoSuperFrog, So much about me is very much Texas, even after all these years of living in NYC. And it was trying to figure out how to fit in in NYC that I started studying NYers.
LindaFrancisLee: Laura, Two Weeks notice
B00kW0rm: that must have been great practice for creating characters
LindaFrancisLee: Caribousmom, talk about bringing some weight to the role!
caribousmom: LOL!
LindaFrancisLee: Kdurham1, I just saw something with Jake and Anne. Can’t remember what it was…sort of odd. But man oh man is he good looking!
laura lanham: or matthew mcconihay[spell?]he does good looking jerk real well lol
kdurham2: linda, most of your books have been of the girlie variety, have you or would you write some other genre? what genre would it be?
LindaFrancisLee: Bookworm, I writing to make sense of all the stuff that circles in my head.
caribousmom: Laura: Yup, Matthew would be a good Sandy!
laura lanham: are you actually a runner/jogger?
LindaFrancisLee: Laura, when I wrote Devil in the Junior League, I saw Matthew M so clearly as Sawyer Jackson
caribousmom: Since we’re talking about movies – any chance this could be made into a movie??
Cathryn Benjamin: Linda-What is one guilty pleasure that you have?
LindaFrancisLee: Kdurham2, I have to say, I’m sort of stuck on the girlie variety.
I like anything that involves women finding themselves, helping themselves find a better life. And hopefully with a little humor. caribousmom: I love women’s fiction…
LindaFrancisLee: Laura, I run every day in Central Park. Those scenes with Emily are VERY authentic, especially the first time I ran Heartbreak Hill!
kdurham2: no harm in the girlie, i just always wonder if an author thought of maybe going out of their comfort zone in their writing
laura lanham: are you actually married to the hunky, loving, ice cream shoveling, stock broker?
LindaFrancisLee: Caribousmom, Wouldn’t E&E be dreamy as a movie!
BookTrib: Linda, the BookTrib Team loves New York City. What are some of your favorite places?
caribousmom: I liked how you redeemed Sandy’s mother – she was so unlikable, but in the end, I had empathy for her. YES, E&E would be an awesome movie (I actually saw it that way in my head as I read it).
LindaFrancisLee: Cathryn, Guilty pleasure? Me? Project Runway, Top Chef, anything that I should not be watching and can’t pull myself away from!
M.J. Rose: Hi Linda I love your book!!!!
caribousmom: Haha – love Top Chef too :
Cathryn Benjamin: I love top chef! They always play it when I’m at the gym…Cruel!
LindaFrancisLee: Kdurham2, When I wrote E&E I very much wanted to push out of my comfort zone. I think in order to live fully we have to do that. I wanted to write something richer and deeper and still make it have fun parts. If that makes sense.
LindaFrancisLee: Hi M.J.!
M.J. Rose: When you get a chance I’d love to hear what inspired the book!
LindaFrancisLee: Laura, I’m really lucky that my husband is a true prince of a man!
laura lanham: Do you believe in angels and beings that guide us at troubling times of our lives.
Angela Smith: Hi Linda! It’s great to meet you! I am a huge fan of your writing!
LindaFrancisLee: M.J. I definitely wanted to deal with a dog of a man and making him a dog seemed only fitting!
Cathryn Benjamin: Linda-What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time when your not reading or writing?
M.J. Rose: I loved the book – I stayed up all night finishing it and cried at the end. You did a great job.
LindaFrancisLee: Laura, What I believe is that there is more to life than what we preceive as “reality”. It’s opening our minds to the power that is all around us, and not getting taken down by the struggles that everyone faces.
LindaFrancisLee: Hi Angela! Thanks so much!
laura lanham: Is there a new book in the works at this time?
LindaFrancisLee: Cathryn, I’m big on running and eating! I am always looking for great places to eat in NYC!
LindaFrancisLee: Thank you, M.J., Emily and Einstein was a magical experience for me. The characters and even the writing!
Cathryn Benjamin: Linda-Great! Any favourite foods?
Angela Smith: You’re welcome. I was especially smitten with Einstein. As a dog lover – I’ve got 6 of them – I was amazed at how well you seemed to capture the essence of Sandy with a dogs mind.
LindaFrancisLee: Laura, another book about a woman who learns how strong she really is, with a dash of enchantment.
Angela Smith: The scene in the shelter when sheo was put down broke my heart. I am always trying to rescue dogs across the country and that scene captured perfectly how I think the dogs who are put down feel.
Angela Smith: sorry I meant Shep*
LindaFrancisLee: Cathryn, It might be my Texas roots, but give me some Mexican food and a margarita and I’m happy. If that isn’t available, I adore the goat cheese tart at Balthazar in Soho
M.J. Rose: What’s the best Mexican in NYC – off topic but I’d love to know.
Cathryn Benjamin: Thats making me hungry!
caribousmom: Angela: I cried at that part where Shep was put down – I have a german shepherd and used to do GSD rescue…so it hit home for me.
bookbrainy: I LOVE MEXICAN!
LindaFrancisLee: Angela, when I wrote the scene with Shep it broke my heart. And every time I edited the manuscript, I cried at that scene! I wanted to set up the idea that through all of Einstein’s lack of goodness, there was a glimmer of feeling there that would come out later.
Angela Smith: Same here, Caribou. I just rescued a dog from an LA shelter- I was her last resort. It breaks my heart!
Tema Kissin: are you going to be touring with the book release? If so where and is it posted on your facebook?
LindaFrancisLee: Mama Mexico on Broadway and 103rd is really good. Or Rosa Mexican. Or….
Angela Smith: Well, it was a great scene, Linda! While it was heartbreaking, it spoke so much truth.
laura lanham: Linda I cannot stay any longer but it has been an honor and a privledge to meet, greet and speak with you. I am looking forward to the new book.
LindaFrancisLee: Caribousmom, ahhh!
Andy Sparks: The new book sounds great! What is the name going to be . . . or have you come up with a name yet?
LindaFrancisLee: Laura, thank you so much for being here. I am honored that you attended!
LindaFrancisLee: Hi Tema! No physical tour for this book. I am doing everything online, including my book party right here!
kdurham2: linda – what is your favorite part of the writing process, beginning middle or end?
LindaFrancisLee: Andy, no title yet. But she is a Texan who has moved to NYC and she is trying to figure the place out. NOT that it has anything to do with me!
caribousmom: I also have to go now – work is calling! I have really enjoyed talking to you, Linda – great book! I need to go back now and read your other ones
M.J. Rose: What’s your favorite part of the book, Linda?
Cathryn Benjamin: Linda-What was your favourite book as a child?
LindaFrancisLee: Kdurham, I adore beginnings–it’s like the world is wide open. Middles are very hard. Then I love endings. Sort of like being a horse headed for the barn!
Andy Sparks: Well I’m looking forward to seeing the new book! I’ll keep checking!!!!!
LindaFrancisLee: Caribousmom, thank you for coming! And I love that you took the time to join us! Keep me posted if you read any others! xox
caribousmom: Will do
Andy Sparks: I must go now also. It was so nice of you to allow everyone to chat with you. Thanks so much!!!!
LindaFrancisLee: M.J. one of my favorite parts was the scene with Einstein and his mishap in the kitchen!
Andy Sparks: It makes you “real”!!!!
Jennifer Orozco: hi., sorry I’m late!
Martha Davis: I haven’t had a chance to read this yet but it’s high on my “I want to read this” list.
Martha Davis: You may have answered this already but what was your inspiration for the book.
Andrew Masi: hi there! what inspired u 2 write this book?
Kathryn Poulin: Late as well, sounds like a great book!
Angela Smith: Linda, do you have dogs of your own? If so, how many? you seem like a dog person since you so perfectly wrote the character of Einstein.
LindaFrancisLee: Andy! Thank you for being here! Hope to see you again soon on Facebook! xox
Carrie Thomson: Hello. Sorry I’m late. Life interrupted.
LindaFrancisLee: H Jennifer! Thanks for coming
Andy Sparks: Oh I’ll be there!!!! Have a great day!
LindaFrancisLee: Martha and Andrew, I wanted to write about a dog of a man, but also I wanted to write a woman who had hit a bump in the road and see what she would do about it. How strong is she really?
Cathryn Benjamin: -Linda, What is ‘a day in the life’ of Linda Francis Lee like?
LindaFrancisLee: Hi Kathryn!
LindaFrancisLee: Hi Carrie!
Lora W. Fields: Sounds like a wonderful story. I’ll have to buy a copy to read.
Andrew Masi: this book should b an inspiration for all people who r having bumps in the road of life.
LindaFrancisLee: Thanks Angela! I had a golden retriever named Sophie for many years. She was with me all the time, and it was so hard to get over her when she died. In some ways writing Einstein helped me deal with Sophie.
Carrie Thomson: Did you learn anything about yourself in writing this book?
Angela Smith: That would be me – My life is a nightmare at the moment, so it was nice to read a book and feel inspired by the characters strength and wisdom!
jennydillseed: hello everyone
kdurham2: Have you found a new fur baby since sophie died?
Angela Smith: That’s too funny, Linda. I have a dog named Sophie too. She’s an italian greyhound though…big difference!
LindaFrancisLee: Cathryn, I get up, commute to my office, which just so happens to be in the next room! Best commute ever! I do email before I run, then come back and work on the book.
Sharon Davis Roell: Will be reading E&E soon – looking forward to it. Have to finish “The Devil in the Junior League” first.
LindaFrancisLee: Thanks Lora, and hello Jenny!
Jennifer Orozco: i was able to read abit of it through the st. martin’s read it first program (email) and I can’t wait to get my hands on the book now.
Cathryn Benjamin: Thats nice and convenient!
LindaFrancisLee: Thank you, Andrew!
Paula M King: Real dog love is raising a Leader Dog for a blind person or hosting a Breeding Stock Mom, whose puppies become Leader Dogs.
jennydillseed: I’m from a very, very cat household…is this book still for me?
Ricki Marking-Camuto: I am always leary of books with dogs in them – is it sad in any way?
LindaFrancisLee: Carrie, I think I wrote the book because I had been learning so much about myself at the time, if that makes sense.
Andrew Masi: how hard was it to write this book?
Lora W. Fields: I’ll add review when I have finished the book. I guess I’ll be back on Amazon today.
Martha Davis: Oh my gosh, I loved The Devil in the Junior League.
LindaFrancisLee: Kdurham2, Not yet. But writing Einstein helped me get to a place where I am ready again for a new dog!
Angela Smith: Jenny – the book is great for anyone, you don’t have to be a dog person. It’s a great story of hope and strength when times get tough.
Carrie Thomson: Yes, it does Linda. Thank you for answering.
Cathryn Benjamin: I love books that contain “Self-growth” in a character. It’s really inspiring!
LindaFrancisLee: Angela, I find reading about others getting through hard times helps me get through hard times!
Linda Kish: I’m late. I’m just going to read along and try to catch up.
kdurham2: how awesome that a book could be lethargic.
LindaFrancisLee: Thanks, Sharon!
jennydillseed: sounds like it’s right up my alley everything i’ve heard about this book has been positive!
Terry Martini: Will have to put this one on my wishlist – sounds like a great read!
Angela Smith: Yes, other people’s stories often inspire hope for those of us facing hard times – even when the story is fiction.
Cathryn Benjamin: Linda- If you could bring to life one of your chacters from any of your books to spend a day with, who would you chose?
LindaFrancisLee: Jenny, I think this book is more about anyone finding strength in themselves than it is about specifically a dog.
Stacy Melendez: Hi ya’ll Welcome Linda
LindaFrancisLee: Ricki, I think someone said their laughed with tears in their eyes. The difference about this dog book is that it’s a dog with a soul of a man.
Paula M King: Yes, we find great strenght from our beloved pets. I always get great joy and benefits from them.
kdurham2: Linda,thank you for your time. I must go. I am going to have to go find your previous books and catch up.
Lora W. Fields: All of my dogs (present and past) hold a special place in my heart. It is amazing how they each have their own personalities.
Jennifer Orozco: The premise is fascinating. It really took me by surprise.
Jim Wiesner: Just catching up here, I have had the pleasure of owning several dogs over the years, it’s so hard when they leave you, but always a pleasure to give a good home to another loyal pet!
LindaFrancisLee: Andrew, it took me two years to write it!
Sharon Davis Roell: Have to get back to work. Loved the chat.
LindaFrancisLee: Thank you Lora!
Angela Smith: I need to get going now…It was great to be able to chat with you, Linda! Looking forward to seeing what you come up with next!
bookinbingo: Hello everyone! I would have joined in anyway but my “Book Buddy” on my blog made sure I did. She is my grand puppy and through her and her pictures I let me readers know what it going on in my life.
LindaFrancisLee: Cathryn, I would love to spend the day with a dog who has the soul of a man!
bookinbingo: Oh, Angela, one quick ? please..I miss my own dog, Arthur, and can’t seem to bring myself to get another one. Perhaps Linda, you book will help me get to that point?
Jennifer Orozco: I have a border collie, and sometimes I’m caught off guard by how he stares at me. As if someone is in there. I’d love to know what goes through his head…Or maybe not. LOL.
LindaFrancisLee: Bye Angela! Thanks for being here!
Linda Kish: Our 7 dogs keep me going all day long.
Angela Smith: Bookinbingo, it is very hard when you lose a dog, but when you get a new one and give them a home it’s the most wonderful gift. A shelter dog, especially, will be eternally grateful!
LindaFrancisLee: Bookinbingo, I think the process of getting over a beloved pet is different for everyone. Some people say it’s best to jump right back in. Others need time. I don’t think it can be pushed. I’m sure you’ll “feel” it when it’s time.
Linda Kish: Only one is mine but I still get the pleasure of tending to the rest.
bookinbingo: Thank you, Linda, and I am off to Amazon to order your book now! Bye!
LindaFrancisLee: Thank you for chatting Sharon!!
LindaFrancisLee: Thank you, Bookbinbingo!
Angela Smith: bye, Linda! bye all!
Jim Wiesner: Linda, I will just have to read your book, you sound like a very kind hearted person and have a very good soul.
orchid7: Linda: I think your new book looks great! I’ve heard some really good things about it, and am looking forward to reading it myself. The cover is adorable, too!
LindaFrancisLee: Hi Jim! The posts were coming in so fast I am catching up! Thank you for coming. I hope you’ll let me know if you get the book and what you think!
LindaFrancisLee: Thank you, Orchid7!
Linda Kish: Shelter dogs are so grateful for having a new forever home.
Jim Wiesner: I will for sure Linda
Paula M King: Linda, I will definately have to read your book-and soon.
circledwagons: I am anxious to read your book. Amazon promises to have it to me before the weekend!
LindaFrancisLee: Paula! Thank you!
LindaFrancisLee: Jennifer, the premise surprised me too!
Lora W. Fields: I added your book to my Amazon ‘cart’. I want to be certain it is in my next order. Today perhaps?
BookTrib: Thank you all for coming! Please feel free to sign our guest book at http://booktrib.com/e-ventful-book-party-with-linda-francis-lee.
Angela Smith: @ Linda Kish: The shelter dogs really are so grateful! It’s amazing how much love and devotion they have for their new family and it’s so sad that many of them never get the chance to share their love with others.
Cathryn Benjamin: Linda-Did you come across any challenges while writing ‘Emily and Einstein’?
BookTrib: We are about to announce the winners of the 15 Doggie Bags filled with BookTrib goodies, treats for your pup from EarthAnimal.com, and a $25 gift certificate to TheNewYorkDogShop.com! If you are chosen, please email einstein@booktrib.com with your mailing address.
LindaFrancisLee: Angela, I agree about shelter dogs! And Cathryn, the hard part was making sure that I got all the “voices” right.
Cathryn Benjamin: Great, BookTrib
eureka79: Hi all!
Angela Smith: I hope that the one scene in E&E, where Shep is put down and his fear shows through, will encourage more people to adopt a shelter dog. You absolutely nailed their emotions, Linda! What an amazing job!
eureka79: Just got my email that this was happening. I’m doing homework right now so not sure how much I’ll be able to particpate but wanted to say hi. I love books! Any and all books!
LindaFrancisLee: Thanks to everyone for coming to the Chat! What fun! And thank you to BookTrib for such a wonderful party!! Hi Eureka79!
Cathryn Benjamin: Well you did fantastic at getting the ‘voices’ right. The characters are flawless!
BookTrib: The winners are: Caribousmom, Laura Lanham, Angela Smith, Andy Sparks, kdurham2, Cathryn Benjamin, Lora W. Fields, Jennifer Orozco, Tema Kissin, Martha Davis, Kathryn Poulin, Carrie Thomson, Sharon Davis Roell, Linda Kish, Jim Wiesner
Jennifer Orozco: Thank you for coming and sharing your ideas and work with us.
eureka79: Hi Linda!
eureka79: I haven’t read your books yet but I’ll be on the look out!
BookTrib: Again, winners email us to claim your prize! einstein@booktrib.com
Cathryn Benjamin: Thank you so much Linda and BookTrib my pooches will love their goodies!eureka79: This book party chat is a fantastic idea!
Carrie Thomson: Thank you for chatting with us, Linda! I’ve added E&E to my list of Must Reads.
LindaFrancisLee: See you all on Facebook! xox
BookTrib: Any extra questions for Linda, please email us at einstein@booktrib.com
BookTrib: That’s all for Linda Francis Lee’s BookTrib E-VENT. Linda, thank you so much for joining us today! EMILY AND EINSTEIN is a fabulous book.
Jennifer Orozco: my duke will love his surprises! thanks booktrib.
Martha Davis: Thank you, I can’t wait to read this book. I have two rescue dogs. And love them with all my heart, see you on facebook.
Cathryn Benjamin: Bye and Thank you!
Carrie Thomson: And thank you BookTrib for hosting this chat! Also thanks for the prize. Whoot!
BookTrib: Thank you all for chatting!
beachreader28: Animal lovers are usually warm-hearted people. Francis, you sound like a very warm person.
Martha Davis: thank you linda and book trib
LindaFrancisLee: Thank you! Now back to the next book! xoxo
Martha Davis: yippee another book
eureka79: Bye Linda, glad I checked in just in time to say hi!
theresakp: Hi! It took me a while to log in & now I have to leave for a doc appt – lol – but I just wanted to say I love the story & used to have my own Einstein (who passed away a few years ago).
Jim Wiesner: Thanks Linda and Booktrib!
Linda Kish: Thanks so much. This was fun.
A huge thanks to Linda for taking the time to answer questions and to everyone who attended! If you haven’t already, be sure to pick up a copy of Emily & Einstein!
For more information on E-VENTFUL Book Parties, email info@booktrib.com.