Technologically Challenged

My computer just died so I'm trying to type a post on Fletch's stupid Mac book WHICH I HATE SO MUCH and I can't tell if the problem is this stupid computer or if my stupid hosting platform Typepad is the problem.  Regardless, everything's all screwy (and stupid) so this is going to be quick.

First, do me a proper and check out the trailer for this film:

http://www.thedukes-movie.com/

Not only am I totally in love with the concept - which looks like Ocean's Eleven meets The Sunshine Boys - but I'm all excited because I'm supposed to be on a panel with star Robert Davi next year.  (It's a session within a whole weekend of sessions for a conservative PAC so I won't be talking about it here.)

What else?  Oh, I'm told that the cover for Pretty in Plaid is up on Amazon now but I don't know how to open another browser on Mac to link to it BECAUSE I HATE IT AND REFUSE TO LEARN.  Interested to hear what you think - about the cover, and not about my preference for PCs.

Finally, I'll post more details when I'm not on this devil machine, but if you're local, I'm doing an interview live from the Hideout on Dec. 5th.  The host promises me it's not going to be an ambush like that one time I accidentally got booked on an ex-Black Panther's show because the radio publicist didn't understand that Bitter Is the New Black wasn't a book about race relations.  Anyway, the Hideout is a bar and there's a five dollar cover charge and it should be fun.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to kick this stupid computer down a couple of flights of stairs.

Comments

[Jill Lengyel]

Hehe, I TOTALLY understand your hatred for MAC computers. I am a long time hater of these systems and immediately mute the tv if one of those dreadful Apple commercials comes on with the two characters representing the battling PC vs. MAC. Why does the PC guy have to be an older, fatter version of Bill Gates and the MAC guy be a trendy yet nerdy guy who always outwits him? Seriously. We're over it MAC. Pull your stupid commercials because we're sick of seeing them. And we loyal PC users REFUSE to switch to your ass-backwards system.
My point: you're right Jen, MAC sucks. Hope the kick down the stairs broke it to pieces.

[angeelew]

WTF!! Who cares about the cover, be it a metallic-y cartoony drawing, or a photo of super cute ARGYLE (get over it) socks, hard cover or soft cover ... what REALLY matters is what lies BENEATH the book cover ... JEN'S writing, which will make me laugh out loud, expel through my nose whatever beverage I'm drinking while I'm reading it, and quite possibly make me pee myself (the first two did happen with all her books ... the last one ALMOST happened while reading Such a Pretty Fat).

Jeez ... plaid, argyle, WHATEVER. They are all staples in a preppy wardrobe, and anyone who was a prep knows that ABOVE those socks is a super-cute pink and green PLAID oxford with a green sweater vest and pink bermuda shorts that perfectly MATCH the socks. Okay, we'd have to push the socks down to crew length, but again, WHATEVER.

What I really love? The TITLE of the book. Actually, the titles of ALL your books, Jen! I love how the titles never stop short but include some wonderfully smart-ass reflection of this particular episode of your life! Kinda reminds me of the titles of every single paper I wrote during undergrad and grad school. I think some of my professors graded me on my titles alone. Oh god, not that I'm implying that my titles were, in any possible way, as AWESOME as Jen's titles! Not EVEN close!

[Kellee]

Um - Kel - hate to be a nitpicker, but you misspelled Cincinnati. Common mistake though. Maybe if you actually visited here (not for a sporting event, for our teams unfortunately suck) you would see it is a great area. Myself being from just north of Cincy I will claim it for my own. At least we can unite in a hatred for all things Clevaland!

[Jen N.]

Bummed that the new book is coming out in hardcover. Of course I'll buy it immediately rather than wait until paperback but it makes it very difficult to read while balancing on my unsteady feet on a packed BART train. I know nothing about book publishing but is it that you'll make more on hardcovers? I would think you'd make up for that in volume if you went straight to paperback...

[carla]

Cute!

[Kelly]

Hi Jen! Great cover for the new book. The first three books have given me much entertainment to where I can't put them down!!

[Malia]

Jen, the new book cover is adorable! And I HAVE those socks!

[Tanya]

I love the new cover!! I would totally wear those socks!

I agree with the comment from the Detroit poster earlier. You should do a book signing here!! We would love to see you!!

[Sweet Herald]

Thank you, Tiffany. That was driving me nuts. I goggled him and knew I had seen him from somewhere before but none of his work listed sounded familiar. Now I know where I saw him!

[Bella]

The cover isn't my favorite, but I don't really mind what it looks like - I can't wait for May 09 for the book to come out!!!

Oh, and I'm a Mac girl all the way. But then again, I'm also a liberal. I guess it just goes to show that you writing reaches across all lines. :)

Seriously, I love you, and can't wait to read the new book.

[Mirinda]

It could be that I was distracted by my chatty 3 year old standing beside me...but when it first popped up on Amazon I thought it was a white bottle on an argyle background. Ha. Took a minute to realize it was feet and legs. Plus it's argyle. Sorry!

[Tiffany]

Who knew Robert Davi is the villian from The Goonies. I remember him singing in that movie too when Chunk was in the back of his car. Best Movie Ever.

First thought when i saw the new cover- that's not plaid- that is argyle. I was expecting a plaid button up or something. Can't wait until it comes out, though.

[jennifer dunn]

I thought all of the covers of the books were cute, but I'm sort of confused on this one. Why would a book that has the word plaid in the title have argyle socks on the cover? I'm sure I'll like the book but it sure is a strange choice for a cover.

[manda]

note to sparkly jules: go to the library and check out her books! They are SOOOOOO good, and un-put-downable. And when I had an absolutely horrible job, reading Bitter mad those few days of life bearable. Thank heavens I left that job. You must read the books!

[manda]

Ok, I'm a ditz, or maybe it's too early on a hangover sunday, but I didn't even realize they were argyle as opposed to plaid until I read the first comment. I love knee-high argyle socks, and that's as far as my thought process goes. I'm PSYCHED for it!! But I can't get it till spring, so would you post one of your "books I like" posts? I'm looking for some good books to put on my christmas list! Thanks!!

[mavsfanforlife]

I love you girl but argyle ain't plaid. A little disappointed in the cover.

[Erica]

I like the cover, just add the metallic part back for the eye-cathcing effect...I found your book while walking through Barnes and Noble and the big red bag caught my eye...You have me hooked!

Oh, and on the Mac...I'm a Windows user myself right now, but I've had 2 laptops crap out on me...I'm going to switch to a Mac book soon, I hear nothing but positive responses about them.

Hope you and Fletch have a Great Thanksgiving!

[Kel]

Jen, so excited for the book - if you hit Cincinatti again, I'm going to contact your "cruise directors" & inform them, in a charming, yet forceful fashion that Columbus is really the only true city in Ohio.

[Veronica]

The cover is very cute, though not my favorite. Like many other commenters, I am surprised that it's not like the other covers you've had. Why fix something that's not broken, you know? But it's still cute--and I like the argyle! :)

[crj]

I love you and can't wait to read your new book, but I must agree with many others...not my favorite cover! I would prefer to see something in the same family with the first three books. Sorry. But on the bright side; you still totally rock!!!!

[Rachel]

I like it but it's totally argyle! I have to admit though, I really liked the cover theme you had going on with the other books.

[Gretchen]

I love the cover! Very cute! It is now on my Amazon wish list!

[Jen]

I like the cover - totally expected the pink and green - but was surprised it didn't quite match the others. Cute though.

You should definitely hit San Antonio this time around - I would so be there with cocktails.

[SallyHP]

Cute Cover! Maybe you're being ironic with the different pattern and they don't even know it?! :) I really enjoy your books and would be stoked to see you in Boston!

[LOTUS]

Robert Davi just commented on your blog. Hawt.

[Amy M]

one word.

ADORABLE!!!!

[Kelly]

Love, love, love the cover. Oh, and do you know where my macbook is that my husband bought last year because he figured I'd spend more time in bed than on the computer? In a cabinet. I hate that thing.

[Kelly]

Look what else is pretty in plaid:

http://www.amazon.com/Pretty-Plaid-Barbie-Target-Exclusive/dp/B000N6BKX2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1227392867&sr=8-3

[Jessica]

Love the cover.

[Robert Davi]

Jen,,Thank you for the shout out but please we are MUCH younger than the SUNSHINE BOYS ,,,ahahah ,,ROBERT DAVI

[kylie]

oh and...new york, boston, someplae close to ct please! (not actually ct, i wouldn't want to subject you to that torture)

[kylie]

I think the covers cute, but nothing like the other books. A tad bit disappointed i am.

and macs are god.

youre lucky i dont totally kill you for hating them.

[Stephanie]

I love the new cover, I totally pictured green and pink.

I love my Mac, I am a recent covert from over the summer, but I had pretty much every problem talked about with Vista in the Mac commercials.

Pretty please with a bottle of wine will you come to Detroit for a book signing this year. I was in Chicago when Bright Lights, Big Ass was released and the night you were at the Borders on Michigan Ave, I had tickets for Wicked, so I couldn't see you.

[sparkly_jules]

Uh, sorry, but I thought it was cleavage at first, also.

And an editor fucked up somewhere because as several people already mentioned, it's argyle and not plaid (this granddaughter of Scots/Irish should know).

And sorry, weird and ugly, also. It looks "Elfish" but in the Will Farrell sense. I know you didn't get to pick the cover Jen, but perhaps steer your editor to these comments....who green- (and pink-)lighted those socks?

I haven't read any of your books--only because I'm broke--on my to do list, I swear. If you books are half as good as your blog....:-)

Sorry about the cover.

Jules

[Kate]

I personally love the cover. I pre-ordered the book the moment I found it on Amazon. I could care less what the cover looks like as long as the inside is pure Jen Lancaster!

I kick myself for not getting to see you in Boston and trust me, if you're out our way again this year, I don't care if I have to shove all the little retarded children I teach over a cliff, I'm coming to see you!

[Jimmie]

I've been reading since "Bitter" came out in stores from the very beginning. You absolutely hooked me with that book and let me tell you how excited I was when I was strolling around B&N one day and suddenly caught a metallic red purse out of the corner of my eye.

"OMG Jen Lancaster has another book out!" was my immediate reaction, followed by a beeline to grab the book and a careful, deliberate walk up to the cash register.

I have to go with everyone else on this one, I don't think this book is going to get that reaction. People who are new to you may not realize you have another book coming out and probably won't stumble upon it quite as easily as I did years ago.

Love the concept, but couldn't we draw some socks in the lovely metallic print we all love. :)

Not to rain on your parade though, I'm sure you will sell tons and get plenty of new fabulous and addicted readers. I'm absolutely excited that the new book will be out in May and I can't wait. It's already on my Wish List and my birthday is in May so I think I know what I'll be getting.

[Sils]

Where can I get those socks?

I hate Macs. My best friend just bought one and I threatented to end our friendship if he becomes one of those borderline psychotics who preaches the gospel of all that is white and shiney. (Weird how much mac users and Tori Amos fans have in common, with the rabid fandom.)

[AtlantaDebbie]

Don't care what cover looks like!! Want this to be available to my Kindle. Jenn! Do something!!
PS - please come back to Atlanta on your tour cause this May I will be in town not on cruise ship and missing you like I did last year.
PPS - get book on Kindle
PPPS - please get book on Kindle

[Kristian]

Whyyyy have you not yet commented on the Twilight movie/books?
Please? With Lacoste shirts and cupcakes on top?
Am I the ONLY person obsessed with it's coming out?

[Kathy]

Had this been the cover of the first Jen Lancaster book I saw on a shelf, I would not have become a Jen Lancaster reader and huge fan. I would have walked past this one.....Are they trying to save a buck or two at Jen's expense? Looks cheap.

[amy g]

OK... I didn't realize it's a prequel to "Bitter". Thanks for pointing that out, Pamela :)
The art makes much more sense to me now, but I'd still prefer a drawing that resembled the other 3 books to the current photo (regardless of the hardcover distinction).
I humbly withdraw my previous rant and will discontinue picking apart Jen's awesome achievement immediately!
As the great Roseanne Rosanadana used to say... "Oops... Never mind!"

[judith]

The pink in the cover makes it look like every other "pink" book. And we know it's not like those fluffy things.

It won't stand out on a bookstore table the way the other covers did.

(from a former Borders general manager)

[Melissa]

I'm one of those "collectors" who wants all of my books to "match." I've actually re-purchased books I already owned so that all of the author's books were of the same edition and coordinated on the shelf. With that in mind, kudos on the hardcover, but it won't match the previous paperbacks!

[Karen Mc in Dallas]

Ok, I'm not loving the cover. I just saw these socks on an SMU sorority girl who was with a group of Frat/Sorority couples playing "bar golf". The guys were all dressed like Rodney Daingerfield and Ted Knight in Caddyshack, and the girls were dressed in candy-colored polos and short skirts, with these damn socks!!! Each couple was colored-matched, with golf clubs and laminated score sheets, going from bar to bar playing "bar golf"!!! The object was to go to each bar listed on the score sheet, and see how many bars they could go to while still able to swing the club. A new-age drinking game for sure!!!

[Sandy]

I like the old covers better. Nice color scheme, but it looks like every other book out there. Loved the originality of the design on the covers of the last three. Still will read it regardless.

[Kara]

I like the colors and the argyle, but it doesn't match the other three covers!?! When I buy it and put it on my shelf with the other books, it will look different. That's my only concern.

I am actually very excited about a May release date; that's earlier than I thought. Keep us updated of the promotional tour!

[Pamela]

I do beleive that the book is basically a prequel to Bitter. It is about Jen growing up and what got her to the point where she was at in Bitter. So, in that sense, the cover art actually does work. My first concern about it was that it is not in keeping with the the other 3 covers with the drawings (dress, purse & underwear) and the metallic script - but then again, it is also hardcover instead of tradeback. I still think it is very cute (even though it is argyle...I was envisioning a private school kilt, myself) - and regardless, I would still read it, even if I HATED the cover! (Which I don't)

I do agree with Amy that cover art IS very important, but I am more of a "choose a book by the title" kind of girl - and Jen had me at "Bitter"!

Can't wait until May. PLEASE come to Toronto, ON on your next tour (or, at the very least - Detroit)!

[Molly]

I love the cover!

[amy g]

OK, so I decided maybe I was being too harsh on my "Plaid" cover assessment, so I went back to Amazon to give it a fresh look...
I HATE IT EVEN MORE NOW.
Cathy and Tracee... you're not wrong, it does have an optical illusion effect -- and not in a good way. At first glance, I looked to me like a drawing of CLEAVAGE!!
Ginny... you hit the nail on the head. It does look like it's being marketed to teenagers (young ones, at that). I get vaguely insulted when I look at it -- it's oddly patronizing, like the material inside (and subsequently the people who read it) are just overgrown little girls.
The first Jen Lancaster book I actually purchased was SAPF, and a big part of its appeal was the cover... as petty as it may sound, cover art IS important. The simple drawings that graced the covers of the first 3 books were perfect -- simple, eye-catching, and with an "everywoman" appeal... I have NO CLUE why the publishers would change horses midstream like this!
Jen... you deserve better. If I were you, I'd speak up.

[Tracee]

Well, regarding the new cover, I went to Amazon and did a search on your name. Please realize that my first glance was a small icon. To me, I thought it was an ASS painted green. Two more resizing of the cover actually provided a more decent view and I realized it was legs...with socks on.

It's a bit early in the morning. Perhaps it's just me and my blurry eyes.

Can't wait to read it!