Taylor Lautner’s Wax Figure Now at Madame Tussauds London

Posted on 26. Jan, 2012 by dazzledforever.

Taylor Lautner’s wax figure is now on display at the London location of Madame Tussauds. The figure is currently placed side by side with Robert Pattinson’s wax figure, but visitors are asked to vote which actor’s wax figure should get their own exclusive area. Visit the museum and cast your vote now through February 3rd.

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DRAWN Blog Tour and Book Giveaway with Author Marie Lamba

Posted on 25. Jan, 2012 by lisa.

We are thrilled to be the next stop on the DRAWN blog tour with author Marie Lamba today!

Maria answers some questions for us and and comes to us with a paperback copy of DRAWN for one lucky reader! Leave a comment under this post for your chance to win DRAWN! Deadline is Tuesday, Jan 31st (International entries are welcome!) But first, let’s talk about the book:

The grounds of Blanchley Castle seem the perfect spot for some afternoon sketching. But Michelle soon learns that within these walls are rooms and artifacts filled with the stories of the people from its past. Tourists are shown around the castle-turned-museum by guides costumed in Medieval attire, however there is something strange about some of the “employees” who seem to play the part a little too well.

Past and present are blurred as Michelle comes to find herself part of a romance that bridges centuries. But is this romance real or is it time to start questioning her own sanity?

Mysterious and enchanting, DRAWN is a breath of fresh air. If you are looking for a page turner with a unique twist, then look no further.

TM: The premise behind DRAWN is such a unique one. How did you come up with, or develop the idea?

MARIA: The idea developed over many years, starting back in high school when an artist visited my class. She showed paintings she’d done of an old house. Within the shadows of her art were figures of a man in Revolutionary garb, of a woman in a wedding dress, and emerging from the darkness was an angry face. Spirits, she said. Ghosts that just appeared in her works. She said she channeled them through her art.

That got me thinking…

As a senior in college, I spent a semester living in England, wandering through old graveyards, and exploring castles and dreary castle dungeons.

That really got me thinking…

As time went on, I fell in love with the medieval era. Knights and quests and the ill-fated lovers in troubadour ballads. Adding into this mix was my own background as an artist. I started to wonder, what if an artist really could draw a ghost? And what if that ghost were from medieval times? If she could meet this ghost and they formed a bond, would that be an ill-fated love, or a love worth dying for?

Drawn became that story.

Is there a particular castle or castles in England that you modeled Blanchley Castle after, or histories that you drew inspiration from with regard to the medieval stories of the characters from Blanchley Castle’s past?

I definitely modeled Blanchley Castle on Warwick Castle in England. From the little chapel to the grassy green and the dank cobweb-draped dungeon, Warwick Castle haunts my novel, just as surely as Christopher haunts Michelle in the book. Warwick Castle is beautifully preserved, and part of it is populated with lifelike wax figures, which really brings the middle ages alive. You can’t help but imagine what it was like to live there.

Other true-ish details in the book: Michelle’s new school Wallingford Academy hosts a costumed banquet at the castle, and Warwick Castle actually does host themed banquets on its grounds.
Also, critical final scenes in the novel take place during a Ghost Tour at Blanchley Castle, complete with psychics and ghost hunting equipment. And, yup, you guessed it, these really have been held at the castle…and they continue to be! In fact there’s one coming up in April, if you’re interested.
Paranormal Nights, the site that runs the tours, talks about Warwick Castle saying, “Here death and revenge have bared their teeth, perhaps leaving a legacy so that in dark places here we may brush with shades of the past?”

Maybe they’re talking about Michelle’s brush with Christopher, like in this scene from Drawn when she first meets him at the castle: 

With a jolt I remember the drawing of that guy in my sketchbook. To get his attention, I clear my throat.

In an instant, he stands, grabs my arm and shoves me against the wall. His face is close. His eyes filled with fury.

Sharp stones bite into my back. Tears spring into my eyes. “Let go!” I shout. I try to pull from his grip.

His glare softens, his grip loosens. “Forgive me. I thought…”

“You thought what?” I pull my arm from him.

He takes a step back. “I beg your pardon. I was taken by surprise. There have been dangers…”

I’m rubbing my arm. Blinking away tears.

“I have hurt you.” His voice is surprisingly gentle. He’s around my age and wears a brown woolen cape over an emerald-green tunic that fits him better than most of the rental costumes I’d seen tonight. His square jaw and strong chin add ruggedness to his face, and his eyes…

His eyes are studying me. I feel my cheeks burn.

Oh, wait, that all happened at Blanchley Castle, not Warwick Castle. My bad.

You’ve had a previous book, WHAT I MEANT…, published by Random House and then began your own publishing company. As an independent publisher and a writer, what have been the greatest rewards and challenges for you along the way to bringing your work to readers, without some of the advantages of having a “big name” behind you.

The greatest reward is having total control of your novel. It’s very old school. I have final say over the cover (and in the case of Drawn I got to draw the cover, too), I picked the paper color, the typeface used, and what appeared on the back cover. It’s all my vision through and through. Really exciting for an author.

The greatest challenge is letting people know that this book exists. Getting wonderful reviews for Drawn and for my other indie YA novel Over My Head has been so gratifying, but it doesn’t mean much if interested readers never find my books. That’s a bit of a heartbreak for a writer…

The good news is that my novels can be ordered through any bookstore and found online on Amazon and BarnesandNoble.com and Smashwords.com, but unless folks know where to look, the titles can definitely get lost. Here’s were readers can really make a difference, honestly. If you find a book you love, any book, but especially independently published titles like Drawn, then you can give it wings just by telling your friends to read it, by sharing it online, posting reviews about it, blogging about it. Talking up your favorite books gives your favorite writers the boost they need to write more of the stuff that you’d like to see. It’s all word of mouth. Talk about old school!

It’s also noteworthy that you are an agent, too. You wear many hats in the literature industry! And must be full of wisdom and advice for aspiring writers. When you are going through countless queries from hopeful authors, what helps a story or idea stand apart from all the others? As an agent what kind of query grabs your interest?

It’s really interesting as an author to now be sitting as an agent on the receiving end of query letters. Endlessly fascinating, and I feel like each time I go to my agent inbox I’m on a treasure hunt. The submissions vary widely from the ridiculous to the brilliant.

When it comes to the query letter, I wish I could tell every single writer who sends me a wacky letter to be more careful, to not blow their chances by making goofy mistakes. Simple things like getting my name right (!) and spelling words correctly (!!) and following my submission guidelines (!!!) will mean I’ll actually read the full letter and start to read the first 20 pages pasted into the bottom of the email. You can find my guidelines, and the types of projects I represent by going here: http://jdlit.com/submitpages/mariesubmit.html

What grabs my interest in a query is a writer with a clear sense of story. Describe your book idea in a way that makes me sit up and think, hey, this sounds interesting. The stories that stand out are ones with a strong voice. Ones that are written with confidence. Ones that don’t remind me of something I’ve already read, but that feel fresh and real.

And here are some general submission tips: Get right into the heart of your story when you write a book. If the novel starts off with a lot of back story, or characters driving to a destination where the story starts, or a character looking to buy a property where things will happen, well you’ll probably lose me long before I reach the good stuff.

Also, don’t tell an agent things like “this is the best book you’ll ever read,” or “this will be a best seller,” or “I know Hollywood is going to want to make this into a movie.” It really marks you as an amateur. Instead, let the agent come to that conclusion. If your book is fabulous, it will definitely speak for itself.

And the best writing advice I can offer? Never give up. I spent 10 years writing and perfecting my first novel, and that one never sold. If I gave up then, I would have never written What I Meant… or Over My Head or Drawn. If writing is your dream, work hard at it, keep improving, and never ever get discouraged. Remember that big dreams always take time.

Dream big!

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Authors to Give Away Books and Swag to Raise Funds for House Fire Victims

Posted on 23. Jan, 2012 by lisa.

There has been an online outpouring of love for the Santos family who recently lost everything in a tragic house fire. Twilight Mom and book blogger of OnceUponATwilight.com, Yara Santos is very well loved and respected within the social literary community and that community wasted no time in organizing efforts to help her family through this most devastating and emotional time.

Numerous authors like Lani Woodland are hosting drawings for those who donate to the relief fund set up for the Santos family. Prizes include books and swag: 

All you have to do is donate money to Yara’s fund, then forward the paypal payment email to us at laniwoodland at myself dot com. You can erase the donation amount. We just need proof you donated. Then we will use random.org to pick a winner. This is open Internationally. We will keep this running for the next week. Ending at 11:59 Jan 28th. Thank you!

If you are an author who would also like to include some of your swag or books for the prize pot feel free to contact me.

Please visit Lani’s blog for all the details! http://www.laniwoodland.blogspot.com/2012/01/helping-out-friend.html

Other efforts include the gathering of basic needs like clothing, and day to day useful items. To inquire as to the family’s specific needs at this time and where to send items, please send an email to: [email protected]

Monetary donations may be sent via PayPal by clicking on the Donate button. (above) Every cent goes directly to the Santos family. Feel free to add the link or donate button code to your blog or website. (see below)

There is also a book drive to replace Yara’s extensive collection in time for her birthday on Feb 25th, and to gather books for her boys (age 5 and 10). Please visit Mundie Moms here:  http://mundiemoms.blogspot.com/2012/01/yara-birthday-book-drive.html for details on Yara’s Birthday Book Drive. 

A Facebook Page is in the works and will be the central location for all donation information and updates. We will be sure to share that link when it is available. 

Many thanks to the online community of fans, blogs, authors, twitterers, Facebookers, and friends for what you have done to spread the word. Tragic events can open hearts and inspire thousands, as you’ve each proven.

*Paypal Donation Link:

https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=6jPdkZ1fkmrau-nCealopWESTh9z47NHDMdSvuDbXXaDtsr5mJaPzSIwE0a&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f8e263663d3faee8db2b24f7b84f1819343fd6c338b1d9d60

*Donate Button code:

<form action=”https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr” method=”post”>
<input type=”hidden” name=”cmd” value=”_s-xclick”>
<input type=”hidden” name=”hosted_button_id” value=”FQPR2Y8CCGK44″>
<input type=”image” src=”https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif” border=”0″ name=”submit” alt=”PayPal – The safer, easier way to pay online!”>
<img alt=”" border=”0″ src=”https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif” width=”1″ height=”1″>
</form>

*NOTE: Add </form> in the line directly above the first line of code if the button does not take you to the donation page for the Yara Santos Family Fund. 

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Breaking Dawn – Part 1 Surpasses $700 Million Mark

Posted on 22. Jan, 2012 by Amanda31.

Lionsgate and Summit today announced that Breaking Dawn – Part 1 surpassed the $700 million mark in global box office sales, putting it on track to be the highest grossing Twilight Saga film thus far. Here’s the press release, via Deadline.

Santa Monica, CA January 22, 2012 – Summit Entertainment, a LIONSGATE company, announced today that the fourth installment in the blockbuster TWILIGHT SAGA franchise – THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN – PART 1 has grossed an estimated $701.3 million in global box office receipts since the film’s release on November 18, 2011. THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN – PART 1 is on its way to becoming the highest grossing film in the series to date looking to surpass the worldwide box office gross of THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON which tallied $709.8 million. The two other two films in the franchise THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE and TWILIGHT have each grossed $698.5 million and $390.4 respectively and the franchise continues to break records. Upcoming releases of THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN – PART 1 internationally include Japan and China.

Not only has the TWILIGHT SAGA’s global fan base supported the films during their theatrical release, but audiences worldwide have continued to support this cultural phenomenon both on and off the screen. THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN – PART 1 will be available on Blu-ray, DVD, and VOD on February 11, 2012.

Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group Co-Chairmen Rob Friedman and Patrick Wachsberger stated: “The milestone is important on several fronts and illustrates the vitality of the franchise on a global scale even after four films. Stephenie Meyer’s story and characters were brought to the screen this time via the talented hands of Bill Condon along with the cast and crew that has been with the film franchise since its inception. We are very proud of the success the franchise has experienced and anticipate the saga’s conclusion this November.”

The next chapter in THE TWILIGHT SAGA, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN – PART 2 will arrive in theatres on November 16, 2012. Academy Award winner Bill Condon directed both the first and second part of the two-part finale starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner. The project, based on the fourth novel in author Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series, was written by Melissa Rosenberg with Wyck Godfrey, Karen Rosenfelt and Stephenie Meyer producing.

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Peter Facinelli to Co-Host Live with Kelly!

Posted on 21. Jan, 2012 by dazzledforever.

Peter Facinelli will be joining Kelly Ripa as a guest co-host on Live with Kelly! on Thursday, February 2nd. 

Via digital spy

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Twilight Mom Loses Everything In Devastating House Fire

Posted on 21. Jan, 2012 by lisa.

Yesterday,a fellow Twilight Mom, Book Blogger at OnceUponATwilight.com, and dear friend to many lost everything in a devastating house fire. Thankfully, the family is entirely safe. But, Yara (aka “Twilights Dance”), and her family have a difficult and emotional road ahead of them as they do what they can to pick up the pieces. 

Please give what you can, no amount is too small. Every cent donated will go directly to helping Yara’s family as they are in need of clothing and all the essentials of everyday life.

Send your prayers and keep them in your thoughts in the coming weeks and months. 

Thank You! 

Lisa Hansen – Owner, TwilightMOMS.com

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Diane Kruger Rumored to Play The Seeker in The Host

Posted on 20. Jan, 2012 by Amanda31.

According to Deadline, Diane Kruger is in talks to play the Seeker in The Host movie.

Diane Kruger is negotiating to star alongside Saoirse Ronan, Max Irons and Jake Abel in The Host, the Andrew Niccol-directed adaptation of the Stephenie Meyer science fiction novel … The Inglourious Basterds star will play The Seeker, who is charged with overseeing the conversion of a young rebel soldier (Ronan) whose consciousness has been infiltrated by Wanderer, a soul that has taken control of bodies and minds but who is daunted by the young human’s spirit — and obsessed with the memories of her boyfriend and her brother — and sets out to track them down. The Seeker pursues her, knowing that the conversion of the rebel will lead to the discovery and eradication of the rebel movement.

What do you think!?

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Christopher Heyerdahl to join HBO’s True Blood

Posted on 20. Jan, 2012 by amydod.

Entertainment Weekly is reporting that Christopher Heyerdahl will be joining the upcoming season of True Blood.

The Twilight and Hell on Wheels actor has joined the cast of HBO’s True Blood season five in a recurring role.  He’ll play Dieter Braun, an ancient, powerful vampire who plays a large part in the intelligence of the Authority, plus is really awesome at coming up with creative ways to torture people.

Read more over on EW 

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Video: Jackson Rathbone talks with Young Hollywood

Posted on 19. Jan, 2012 by dazzledforever.

Via Twilight Lexicon

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TwilightMOMS Blackout

Posted on 17. Jan, 2012 by lisa.

A 24 hour Blackout Protest by Wikipedia, WordPress, TwitPic, Reddit, and others will begin at midnight
in opposition to the proposed Stop Online Piracy Act making it’s way through US Congress. TwilightMOMS.com will join in the SOPA Blackout Protest January 18th.

While we are a mere speck compared to web giants like Wikipedia, we still hope to bring awareness on this issue to our audience and encourage everyone to learn more about SOPA and PIPA.

This bill would dramatically change the Internet and criminalize virtually any person posting pictures, links, music clips, video clips, etc. on social networking sites like Facebook, or fansites like TwilightMOMS, average blogs, video uploading sites like YouTube, news sharing sites like Reddit, picture sharing sites like TwitPic, even hobbyist sites such as Pinterest. The list is endless.

The Internet is the most essential communication and information sharing tool for Americans, and for people everywhere. Please research SOPA  / PIPA and speak out! 

*Feel free to take the image above and post it to your blog/website/social network…while you still can!

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Target to Show Breaking Dawn Part 2 Scene at Part 1 DVD Release Parties

Posted on 17. Jan, 2012 by Amanda31.

Debating how to spend the eve before the release of the Breaking Dawn Part 1 DVD? This announcement from Target may help you make that decision. According to Entertainment Weekly:

Target will extend store hours in nearly 500 stores across the country on Feb. 10 to host a DVD/Blu-ray event for The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn — Part 1, which hits shelves at midnight. Beginning at 11 p.m., fans will be treated to the exclusive world-premiere of a scene from the fifth and final film, in theaters this November. The scene will not be available on Target’s exclusive Limited-Collector’s Edition DVD. That does, however, come with an authentic prop flower from Bella and Edward’s wedding scene. To search for participating stores, go to Target.com/Twilight.

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Immortals DVD release set

Posted on 16. Jan, 2012 by amydod.

Kellan Lutz’s film Immortals will be released on DVD March 6th. If you missed it at the theater you can see the trailer below.

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Preview of Ashley Greene on “Pan Am”

Posted on 16. Jan, 2012 by amydod.

You can see Ashley on ABC’s Pan Am on Sunday January 22nd.

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BLOODROSE Giveaway Winner

Posted on 13. Jan, 2012 by lisa.

Congratulations to Catie S, comment number 11, who is the winner of the BLOODROSE ARC giveaway! 

Thanks to everyone who entered and keep your eye out for more giveaways! 

*Winners are chosen using random.org

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Lionsgate CEO Talks About the Future of The Twilight Saga

Posted on 13. Jan, 2012 by Amanda31.

Now that Lionsgate has purchased Summit, its CEO is commenting to the LA Times on predictions for Breaking Dawn Part 2 and the future of The Twilight Saga.

“I’m anticipating ‘Breaking Dawn Part 2′ being $700 million-plus in worldwide box office,” said Jon Feltheimer [CEO of Lionsgate], predicting the next film would slightly outdo the $697 million global take of “Breaking Dawn Part 1.”

Asked whether the franchise would continue in some form for Lions Gate, he added, “It’s hard for me to imagine a movie that does $700 million-plus doesn’t have ongoing value. It’s an amazing franchise that they have done a great job of maintaining with absolutely no deterioration. So the simple answer is ‘Boy I hope so.’”

…Asked whether there was a possibility of bringing “Twilight” to television, Feltheimer answered, “I would certainly hope so.”

You can read the full article at the LA Times. A Twilight TV show?  Twilight mini-series? Hmmmm….

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Summit Purchased by Lionsgate for $412.5 Million

Posted on 13. Jan, 2012 by Amanda31.

Rumors had been circulating that a deal was in the works for Lionsgate (home of The Hunger Games) to purchase Summit, and it was officially announced today

Lionsgate has purchased Summit for $412.5 million, the companies announced on Friday.

The two independent studios have been circling each other for months. The deal is being structured as a leveraged buyout, in the form of cash and stock.

“We are uniting two powerful entertainment brands, bringing together two world-class feature film franchises to establish a commanding position in the young adult market, strengthening our global distribution infrastructure and creating a scalable platform that will result in significant and accretive financial benefits to Lionsgate shareholders,” Lionsgate Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jon Feltheimer and Vice Chairman Michael Burns said in a statement.

“Rob Friedman and Patrick Wachsberger have built a remarkable organization, and we’re pleased to welcome Summit’s talented team to the Lionsgate family,” the pair added. 

… However, insiders at both studios feel that Summit’s experience in transforming the vampire “Twilight” series into a global box office phenomenon can help Lionsgate pull off a similar feat with “The Hunger Games.” This could help turn the studio, a launching pad for mid-budget genre films, into a lekking ground for young adult film franchises.

You can read the full article at The Wrap. Interested to see what this means for Breaking Dawn Part 2 (if anything)!

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Kristen Stewart is the New Face of Balenciaga Perfume

Posted on 13. Jan, 2012 by Amanda31.

Kristen Stewart has been named the face of a yet-to-be-named Balenciaga’s fragrance. According to Gossip Cop:

Stewart said, “Balenciaga has always stood out to me… Even when I first began to consider fashion and admittedly rarely knew the brand I was wearing, I always recognized and loved Balenciaga.”

“The brand is just cool. That’s the way it is. I feel drawn to it. It provokes on a number of levels. It isn’t afraid or contrived. It hits a very cool balance, always. Always pretty undeniable,” she told WWD.

The fragrance is expected to be available in the fall.

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Robert Pattinson & Ashley Greene Visit the PCA Photobooth

Posted on 12. Jan, 2012 by Amanda31.

Robert Pattinson and Ashley Greene both stopped by MSN’s Wonderwall photobooth backstage at the People’s Choice Awards last night. Love these photos!

 

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Video: Robert Pattinson Accepts PCA for Water for Elephants

Posted on 12. Jan, 2012 by Amanda31.

Ashley Greene presented the award for Best Drama Movie at last night’s People’s Choice Awards, and the winner was Water for Elephants, for which Robert Pattinson accepted the award.

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Video: Ashley Greene Presenting at the PCAs

Posted on 12. Jan, 2012 by Amanda31.

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