Thursday, May 16, 2013

Shakespeare's in love with Lian Dolan....plus a book giveaway

Introduction by Kathryn Hamilton

**Giveaway is now closed**

Give a big CLC welcome to Lian Dolan, who joins us today to celebrate the release of her sophomore novel Elizabeth the First Wife and share her fantasy movie cast. Chances are you already know who Lian is but may not realize it. She has made quite the name for herself outside of the literary world. She has a nationally syndicated radio show, "Satellite Sisters," that she hosts with her sisters and she has a blog about motherhood called The Chaos Chronicles which was developed into a sitcom. As if that’s not enough to keep her busy, Lian also regularly contributes to Oprah.com as a relationship exert, has made several TV appearances and does frequent speaking engagements. Whew! Lian is known for her wit and her high level of energy. She sounds like someone we’d love to be friends with! Lian had considerable success with her first novel Helen of Pasadena which made it to the L.A. Times bestseller list, and no doubt will continue to find herself on many more best seller lists.

You can find Lian at her website, Facebook and Twitter.

Thanks to Wunderkind PR, we have FIVE copies of Elizabeth the First Wife for some lucky US readers!

(Please note that this post contains potential spoilers for the novel.)

This was a fantastic exercise because I'm terrible at The Casting Game. I think every movie should star Kate Winslet and/or Hugh Jackman, but I understand that’s not always possible. So here goes:

Katie Holmes as Elizabeth Lancaster (Hip 30 -something Shakespeare Professor who loves the Bard and US Weekly with equal zeal.) I saw a picture of the never- aging Katie Holmes after I finished the book and I thought, “That’s Elizabeth!” Like my main character, Katie was married to action star and played second fiddle in the press to her man. But then, out of nowhere, Katie rebounds with a spectacular divorce coup followed by a Broadway show and a Bobbie Brown contract. Yeah, Katie. Take that, Tom. Katie’s self-discovery story mirrors Elizabeth’s and she’s got the right hair for the part.

James Marsden as FX Fahey (Elizabeth’s college sweetheart, then husband who crushed her heart then went on to become one of the top-grossing action stars of all time. Still, as likable as a Yellow Lab.) Who doesn’t like James Marsden of Enchanted and X-Men? He can play a good guy, a bad guy or a storybook prince who wears tights in NYC. He sings, he dances, heck, he’s the reason I’ve watched 27 Dresses like, 27 times. He’s so darn likable—and really sexy -- he’d be perfect for hard-to-hate, easy-on-the-eyes FX Fahey.

Freddie Prinze Jr. as Rafa Moreno (The dark horse in the love triangle who’s also the Chief of Staff for a US Congressman and looks spectacular in white button-down shirts.) Yes, Freddie Prinze Jr. because it’s time for a FPJ revival. Where’s he been since She’s All That? Why does Sarah Michelle Geller get to keep him to herself? He’s too cute to be a househusband. I’d love to see Freddie back on the big screen as the sharp, behind the scenes political operative.

Charlize Theron as Bumble Lancaster (Elizabeth’s older, more glamorous sister. A former Hollywood PR person now married to a US Congressman/zillionaire.) I think Charlize needs a fast-talking comedic role every once in a while. She plays so many earnest, drab parts to prove that she can act, forever trying to camouflage the fact that she’s the most beautiful person on the planet. We get it, Charlize, you can act. Now go have some fun in a film and a decent wardrobe.

Hugh Jackman as Taz Buchanan (Brilliant, but demanding, Australian director hired to stage an avant-garde production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream) Oh, wait! There is a role for Hugh Jackman. Phew. How clever of me to write an Australian right into the book to assure the appearance of Wolverine. Do you think he’ll shave his head and wear a sarong in order to play Taz? I hope so.

Thanks to Lian for sharing her casting choices and to Wunderkind for sharing her book with our readers.


How to win Elizabeth the First Wife:
Please comment below with your e-mail address. (Please note: Entries without an e-mail address will NOT be counted. You can use AT and DOT to avoid spam. Or provide a link to your Facebook page or blog if you can receive messages there.)

1. Please tell us: What is your favorite movie based on a Shakespeare play? (Ex. Either version of Romeo and Juliet; West Side Story, which is based on R&J.)
2. Follow this blog and post a comment saying you are a follower (if you already follow, that's fine too).
3. Post this contest on Facebook or Twitter or in your blog, and leave a comment saying where you've posted it.
4. Join Chick Lit Central on Facebook. Edit settings if you don't want to receive a lot of messages at your e-mail account. Please read our posting guidelines as well. (If you're already a member, let us know that too.)

5. Follow us on Twitter and/or Pinterest.
6. Add a friend to our Facebook group. (Tell us who you added.) Be sure to remind them to edit their settings.


US only. Giveaway ends May 21st at midnight EST.

24 comments:

Bookaholic said...

Reading about Lian's dream cast and why...made me want to read this book really bad!!...'sounds' ah-mazing!!!!!
PIGSRCUTE1@YAHOO.COM
=) C.

Nova said...

I love "Ten Things I Hate About You".

sparkle40175AThotmailDOTcom

I follow CLC by email.

I follow CLC by GFC.

I follow CLC on pinterest.

I am a fan of CLC on facebook.

Amy Alkon said...

I read Lian's last book, "Helen of Pasadena," which was hilarious, and can't wait to read this one!

TinaB said...

"Ten Things I Hate About You" based on "The Taming of the Shrew".
I follow u on fb and pinterest
Brannanflooring@aol.com

Anonymous said...

Kiss me Kate -Taming of the shrew!

Just going to download the new book loved the last one

Sad there is no part for Julia Roberts

Nancya@hfsconsultants.com

Lauren McCormick said...

I loved reading your cast choices. It gave me the perfect picture in my head of who your characters are. I'm really looking forward to reading this book. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
My favorite movie is West Side Story. Ever since seeing it as a young girl I've watched it over and over again. It's definitely a good, "I feel like crying" movie!!
I am a member of CLC and follow on Facebook, by email, and Pinterest.
itzhunicAThotmailDOTcom

Jessica said...

1. I honestly can't think of a movie that was based on a Shakespeare play. I'm not really into plays.
2. I follow this blog through GFC.
3. I tweeted this https://twitter.com/xxpaperhearts/status/335095106015203329
4. I'm a member of Chick Lit Central on facebook.
5. I follow through twitter and pinterest.

Thanks!
-Jessica M
walkingcorpse11@hotmail.com

Mary Jo Burke said...

Taming of the Shrew, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton version.

maryjo(at)maryjoburke(dot)com

DarcyO said...

1. I'll go with West Side Story.
2. Follow blog with GFC.
3. Tweeted: https://twitter.com/darcy1956/status/335156880567566338
4. I'm a member of Chick Lit Central on Facebook.
5. I follow on Twitter.

valleyreader (at) gmail (dot) com

Unknown said...

Scotland PA. whic is based on Macbeth.

I follow by email.

I follow CLC on facebook.

I follow on twitter.

kumquat8 at hotmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

West Side Story

I am a GFC follower

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

pascale said...

I just listened to the Sattelite Sisters interview Amy Hatvany (Heart Like Mine) an AMAZING writer. Great interview. I listened to the SS's a few years ago but lost track of them. From the web site, I see they are on KABC in LA. Going to check that out.

So, I guess West Side Story.

I follow CLC blog
I follow CLC on FB
LOVE CLC: great recommedations.

pascale.poitras@verizon.net

bn100 said...

Romeo and Juliet with Leonardo DiCaprio

I follow the blog

bn100candg at hotmail dot com

Unknown said...

I would say West Side Story.

I follow email:sumsum085@aol.com

I follow CLC by email.

I follow CLC by GFC.

I follow CLC on pinterest.

I am a fan of CLC on facebook.

Preet said...

Lian's dream cast is something else and they'd be fantastic.

My favorite Shakespeare adaption is "Ten Things I Hate About You". "She's the Man" is not far behind though.

kaur_chanpreet(at)hotmail(dot)com

I follow CLC by:e-mail, GFC, facebook, and twitter. I am also a member of the group on facebook..

Unknown said...

My favorite Shakespeare movie version is of course the more abstract version of Romeo and Juliet with Leaonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes! I really loves the passion, the action and the disfunctionality of every part of it!

I have been flowing via GFC-Jovon Tucker

My email: mrsjtucker2012[at]gmail[dot]com

I have requested to be a part of the FB group, YAY and have been following you on Twitter @Book2Buzz

I tweeted about the contest and interview and here is the link : https://twitter.com/Book2Buzz/status/335609448812912641

I am trying to add a friend to the FB group but to be honest I don't know how to...plus I am currently waiting to be approved!!!!

Thanks so much for the giveaway and interview!!!!

Jilleen said...

Thanks for the giveaway. I loved Helen of Pasadena. I have not listened to the SS, so I need to go check that out!

Kiss me Kate - Taming of the Shrew!

I follow by email and GFC

I follow on Pinterest

I follow on fFB

I follow on Twitter

Great post! Thanks again
Jill at Seaside Book Nook

seasidebooknook@yahoo.com

JROSEN60 said...

1. 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU
2. I follow this blog
4. I am a member on fb
5. I follow on twitter

Hailey Fish said...

10 Things I Hate About You is my favorite movie based on Shakespeare

I follow this blog

I'm follow on Twitter/Pinterest

I'm a member of CLC on FB.

fishiegirl22@yahoo.com

Mrs Mommy Booknerd said...

I love the funky version of Romeo and Juliet

I follow CLC on pinterest.

I am a fan of CLC on facebook.

mrsmommybooknerdsbookreviews @ gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Can't wait to read this novel. Loved HELEN OF PASADENA. Favorite Shakespeare film? R&J with Claire & Leonardo!follow/belong/affliate/etc with CLC
writeoncindy(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Ten Things I Hate About You
I follow the blog
I follow CLC on Facebook
I follow on Twitter

SuzyQ4PR(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

West Side Story!

melinda.garza15@yahoo.com

I foolow this blog.
I follow on FB.
I follow on twitter.
I follow on Pinterest.

Melissa said...

Thanks for participating and talking about your favorite Shakespeare themed movies. I definitely agree with Ten Things I Hate About You!

Thanks to Lian for sharing her cast list for her book and to Wunderkind PR for sharing the book with our winners.

Random.org chose FIVE winners from all entries with contact info.

Congrats to:
35-DarcyO
52-Summer Grinstead
69-Jovon Tucker
74-Jilleen
93-cindy r