The Luxe - The Official Site :: letters-from-anna

Friday Sep 11, 2009

Posted at 01:33PM Sep 11, 2009 by Anna in General  |  Comments[63]

Hey ladies,
I am appearing with a couple of other YA authors at the Brooklyn Book Festival and also speaking on the topic of Love and Longing, so I was going through the first Luxe book, trying to find a passage well-suited to that theme. I think I am going to read from the part where Diana and Henry first meet, but anyway, the point is that it was so strange to look over that bit again. I wrote it so long ago, and these characters were so much less acquainted with each other than they are now, as I too know tons more about them today than I did when I wrote that scene. It’s a funny thing about writing a series… you learn more about your characters even after they are already out in the world, sleeping on bookshelves all over the place. Henry, in particular, seems foreign to me—his motives are so oblique, to Diana, probably also to himself, definitely to me. But then, isn’t that the way it is with people, too? When you first meet them, you have so little to go on, you make up a kind of fantasy version of a person’s intentions and inner life. Later, knowing them better, you wonder how you ever could have thought they were that person. Know what I mean?

Also: wish me luck! I am really, truly, humiliatingly shy about these things. Still, if any of you live in the area, you should come! The event is at 2 on Sunday, and there is more information at www.brooklynbookfestival.org/


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Comments:

I really wish I could be there. Megan Fox didn't come to my mind for Penelope but I guess I can see her in that role. I'm glad to see your blogs again too :). What kind of age is your new series for by the way? I can't wait for the next in The Luxe series but am really sad it's ending! Will the series be made into a book or is it likely to be? Take care!x

Posted by C on September 11, 2009 at 02:14 PM EDT #

When Henrey and Diana first meet is one of my favorite scenes! I think that would be good to read.

Posted by Bridget on September 11, 2009 at 02:41 PM EDT #

Good Luck I'm sure you'll do great!

Posted by Bridget on September 11, 2009 at 02:42 PM EDT #

Good Luck that is one of my favorite parts! Also the new cover looks amazing so excited about the new book!

Posted by Laurie on September 11, 2009 at 04:16 PM EDT #

I know! The dress on the cover of Splendor is gorgeous!

Posted by Bridget on September 11, 2009 at 04:27 PM EDT #

You have a lot of fans in Seattle and we feel soooo neglected of Authors please visit! You'll have flowers thrown at you. lol

Posted by Fionn on September 11, 2009 at 07:40 PM EDT #

WOW!!!! First of all let me tell you Anna that you chose well, I mean it, the part where Henry and Diana meet is my favorite, the way they flirt and just talk to each other is splendid! I wish you the best of lucks,hon! Let me let you know you have a BIG FAN here in Massachusetts. P.S. I love the dresses in all the series, they are simply gorgeous.

Posted by Ariel on September 12, 2009 at 11:25 AM EDT #

Wait! What? Splendor came out without me? How can this be??? Aaaaaaaaaaah! :-O

Posted by Emily on September 12, 2009 at 05:35 PM EDT #

Emily, Splendor did not come out but if you look up images of it you will be able to see the cover.

Posted by Bridget on September 12, 2009 at 08:32 PM EDT #

Are you able to pre-order Splendor? And is there a date yet as to when the final book will be available in store? Please say soon!!!!!!

Posted by lauren on September 13, 2009 at 03:17 AM EDT #

Splendor will come out on October 27 and you can pre-order it on Amazon.com. I can't wait fr it to come out!

Posted by Bridget on September 13, 2009 at 10:04 AM EDT #

I love that scene too! Especially because Henreey is so charming at that particular part. I knowyou'll do great! Everybody loves you!

Posted by Sarah on September 13, 2009 at 02:33 PM EDT #

Anna! I am sure you will do great! Don't be nervous! Your writing is captivating-- the audience will love it! Go for it! Good Luck! kate

Posted by Katie on September 13, 2009 at 08:13 PM EDT #

What is the font used for the letters? I don't mean ITC Edwardian Script, that is used for the cover and titles I have spent months searching and luck=( http://www.theluxefont.webs.com/ Anyways the very first time D&H meet alone was my favorite scene in the whole series. And my second favorite is in Envy when Henry doesn't know what to say to Diana when he sees her at the beginning of the novel and Elizabeth is being so understanding =)

Posted by Amelianna Dagger on September 13, 2009 at 08:43 PM EDT #

Good luck Anna!!!!! You'll do fantastic! I really wish that I could come but I live very far from there. :( Good luck once again! :)

Posted by Jenna on September 14, 2009 at 08:12 PM EDT #

You do realize that wishing her luck now is pointless. She already spoke yesterday.

Posted by Bridget on September 14, 2009 at 09:07 PM EDT #

when's she making this into a movie?!!? its AMAZING she has to!!!!!!!!

Posted by Diana on September 15, 2009 at 08:11 PM EDT #

When H & D meet is one of my favourite scenes. They're my 2 favourite characters. Love them <3

Posted by Chloe on September 16, 2009 at 12:32 PM EDT #

Anna, If the books were to become a movie. Who would you want to play the charecters? My aunt and I think Henry Cavill should play Henry. Blake Lively as Elizabeth. I can't think of anyone to do Diana justice.

Posted by Sal on September 16, 2009 at 09:27 PM EDT #

There is not a day that goes by that i am not thinking about books, however the luxe series is defintely one of my top 3, hands down, no questions asked. I am excited for you to go down to Brooklyn, lucky Americans! We Canadians love you too Anna! Now i am jumping up in down in my seat waiting for the last installment of the luxe series, i am so happy yet so sad! I cannot believe that the series will be over soon, it was just too marvelous! But no matter, i cannot wait to read more books from you, honestly. I will make my kids read the luxe! I just recently finish The Season (took me long enough, i know) and i adored it! It made me want to run to my shelf and read the luxe series again! But i know if i do then my wanting to read the last book will grow and i will be dissapointed to wait such a long time! October hurry up! :)

Posted by Kaitlyn on September 17, 2009 at 11:49 AM EDT #

Henry Cavill is too old to be Henry and Blake Lively would be a lot of money.

Posted by Bridget on September 17, 2009 at 04:44 PM EDT #

you are right most people are obliqe thats what makes them interesting.Its why your books are soo great i wish i was in NY but im a southern person i hope to 1day go and hopfuly see you. your a great writer

Posted by whitney on September 17, 2009 at 07:33 PM EDT #

Seems like all of us fans can't wait for Splendor to come out but dread the end of this wonderful series. Don't worry guys,take a breather,I know it's hard, hang in there!!!! Oh,also,I'm sure Anna will keep creating art.

Posted by Ariel on September 18, 2009 at 10:00 PM EDT #

I know! Its a bittersweet kind of thing. I'm positive that Anna will write more books. She can't let such talent go to waste.

Posted by Bridget on September 18, 2009 at 10:19 PM EDT #

Hi Anna! I'm from Australia, I was wondering what are the chances of you coming over here soon to do book signings?

Posted by Angelica on September 19, 2009 at 02:47 AM EDT #

anna if u could give us a clue as to what happens with henry and diana that would be good cause the suspense is killing me...i also want to know what happens to isabella cause shes kind of one of my favorites even though u dont hear about her much in the book i think shes gonna get like a divorce...she should anyway please please please give us a hint!!!!

Posted by yanna on September 19, 2009 at 01:11 PM EDT #

WAIT A MINUTE!!!!!!!! Nooooooo....I definetly don't agree with you,hon. I don't want to lose the magic. I actually want to wait,even if it's hard to do so. I understand we fans get excited and anxious but come on!

Posted by Ariel on September 19, 2009 at 03:07 PM EDT #

ANNA PLEASE CAN YOU WRITE ANOTHER BOOK AFTER SPLENDOR ALSO?? PLEASE? YOUR BOOKS ARE SOOOOO GOOD! :)

Posted by Aly on September 19, 2009 at 06:12 PM EDT #

I just LOVE these books! Its the best books I ever read. But please! dont make movies of them.....that would take away the characters from the readers. I wouldn´t like to see them in the shapes of some famous actors! Let us keep them in our minds. In that way these amazing books keep their magic!!! Besides..... Megan Fox........well I dont want to say anything more.......... LOVE THE BOOKS!!!

Posted by Hannah Nilsson on September 19, 2009 at 07:00 PM EDT #

OMG!!!!!!!!!! Hannah Nilsson, I totally agree with you! A movie would ruin the magic of the books! Being able to picture the charectors however you want to is one of a reader's nautural rights.

Posted by Bridget on September 19, 2009 at 07:43 PM EDT #

Ana I totally agree with Aly who said you should write another book after Splendor! PLEASE write another book in the series. Please!!!!!!! I feel like I dont wanna stop reading the Luxe series. Please!! Your books are soooooooooooooooooooooooo GOOD! Please write another after Splendor. Please. Im your biggest fan! Please. Also are you coming to Washington DC anytime?? For a book signing! If so please tell me! :)

Posted by Hallie on September 20, 2009 at 12:30 PM EDT #

Anna probably tied all the loose edges together, so another book would just be fluff. I think she should write a different series.

Posted by Bridget on September 20, 2009 at 01:57 PM EDT #

WE NEED A LUXE MOVIE!!!!!! heres some casting suggestions: Elizabeth- Nikki Reed Diana- Selena Gomez Penelope- Megan Fox Lina- Emma Watson Henry- Tom Felton Will- Taylor Lautner or Zac Efron Claire- Emma Roberts Teddy- Shia LaBeouf Aunt Edith- Julie Andrews Isabella- Ashley Tisdale Isaac- Lucas Grabeel Sound good?

Posted by Lindsay on September 20, 2009 at 04:27 PM EDT #

WE NEED A LUXE MOVIE!!!!!! heres some casting suggestions: Elizabeth- Nikki Reed, Diana- Selena Gomez, Penelope- Megan Fox, Lina- Emma Watson, Henry- Tom Felton, Will- Taylor Lautner or Zac Efron, Claire- Emma Roberts, Teddy- Shia LaBeouf, Aunt Edith- Julie Andrews, Isabella- Ashley Tisdale, Isaac- Lucas Grabeel Sound good?

Posted by Lindsay on September 20, 2009 at 04:28 PM EDT #

Lindsay you are CRAZY. You just thought of the most famous people off the top of your head that you've seen in popular movies or tv shows. You didnt even think if they were right. Its a miracle that you put all girls as girls and all guys as guys. And btw it does NOT sound good.

Posted by Bridget on September 20, 2009 at 06:39 PM EDT #

Hello, I've entered all the Luxe jewelry contests and of course I'vew always failed to win the fac tis I was wondering who originally made the jewelry and if it's possible to ask them to remake a custom peice for myself. If you have the information or can send my the information on who does have the information please post it in your next blog or e-mail me at fionadattan@comcast.net. Regards Fiona

Posted by Fiona on September 20, 2009 at 08:33 PM EDT #

Anna,do something,EVERYONE IS GOING CRAZY!!! Just gonna give a hint to the fans, it might be a good idea if you gals gave Anna some space. If she decides to make another book of the luxe series following Splendor,SPLENDID. But if she doesn't than we have to accept her decision. I am only going to say this, Anna if you stop with Splendor than I will be looking forward to another book you decide to write, make it something romantic,so romantic that it makes us have goosebumps.

Posted by Ariel on September 21, 2009 at 09:53 PM EDT #

Anna i love the Luxe series. i read the first 3 books in a week. i can not wait for Splendor to come out, i have already pre ordered it from Borders hahaha. my thoughts on the movie are that if they create one, it will only be good if they follow to book exactly. a lot of the time they make these movies from books and alter the story in some way i dont know about others but that makes me very angry. i would like to see a movie i just hope the follow the book becuase they are amazing and if the story was changed at all it would not be the master piece it is. let me know if you come to cuyahoga ohio.. thanks so much

Posted by Samantha on September 22, 2009 at 10:20 PM EDT #

yeah I totally know what you mean... I am writing a book. and everychapter i write i get to know a bit more about my chapters...haha its funny that you talk about them like if they were real persons...i talk about my characters like that too... I cant wait anymore for splendor i wish i could live near..i mean im from another country haha bye!

Posted by Mitsue on September 22, 2009 at 10:21 PM EDT #

also for characters i think... Elizabeth Holland-Sophia Myles, Diana Holland-Kiera Knightley, Mrs. Holland-Candice Bergen, William Keller-Josh Lucas, Henry Schoonmaker-James Franco, Penelope Hayes-Leighton Meester, i know i'm missing some characters but thats all i have time for. i dot have reasoning behind my choices. hope you like them as well.

Posted by Samantha on September 22, 2009 at 11:03 PM EDT #

Anna today I have to go to a competition for school where I have to write an essay. Wish me Luck! <3 :-D

Posted by Emily on September 23, 2009 at 07:18 AM EDT #

By the way, wish me luck also on begging my parents to let go to barnes and noble to get Splendor the first day it comes out!

Posted by Emily on September 23, 2009 at 07:24 AM EDT #

i love your books and i was wondering if there was going to be a movie, when would it come out? but i suppose you havn't thought about that yet.

Posted by Ashlee on September 23, 2009 at 08:39 AM EDT #

I am definietly feeling the fan LOVE!!!!!! I agree with Samantha, if there is a movie than it is preferable that they make it just like the book series, although I've heard that sometimes directors or producers, WHATCHAMACALLIT, do the movies different because they can't make a movie that takes like 5 hours. PS.I still agree with you all!!!!!

Posted by Ariel on September 23, 2009 at 05:22 PM EDT #

Hey Anna!!! I LOVE all your books. I am midway through Envy. I can't put it down! I'm hoping to see the Luxe novels made into movies or a tv show one day. That would be amazing. Anyway, keep writing! Your writing is some of the best I've ever read.

Posted by Molly Hartman on September 23, 2009 at 09:58 PM EDT #

Ok people. Let's get a cast in here that would reflect the girls on the covers of the books and what Anna described them as: As Elizabeth Holland: Sara Paxton (from The Beautiful Life: she looks A LOT like the girl on the cover) As Penelope Hayes: Michelle Tratchenberg As Diana Holland: Taylor Momsen (from gossip girl) As Henry Schoonmaker: Billy Magnussen (from The Beautiful Life: resembles Henry) As Will Keller: either Taylor Lautner or Steven Strait As Teddy Cutting: Chace Crawford (from gossip girl) As Lina Broud: Jessica Stroup (from 90210) Those are your good choices for a cast for the main characters---TRUST ME. These people resemble your characters more than anyone I've seen. It would be a great cast. Sara Paxton and Michelle Tratchenberg make a perfect Elizabeth and Penelope. JUST LOOK AT THEM!!!!!

Posted by Molly Hartman on September 23, 2009 at 10:19 PM EDT #

Molly Hartman, you need to look outside of "popular shows". There are people that better resemble the charectors, but they arne't very famous yet. I like to search recent movies on IMDb and look at ALL the charectors instead of just the main charectors. I've put together an entire fantasy casts by doing that. THIS APPLIES TO EVERYONE: GOING FOR POPULAR ACTORS IS NOT ALWAYS THE BEST WAY TO FIND PEOPLE FOR A MOVIE. Also dont get carried away; we're not even sure if there's going to be a movie.

Posted by Bridget on September 24, 2009 at 03:02 PM EDT #

A Luxe movie would be awesome :) Here's my ideal cast: -Zac Efron as Henry Schoonmaker: He's a really good actor and has the charm and good looks Henry possesses so I think he would be a great Henry. -Megan Fox as Penelope Hayes: She looks EXACTLY like the discription of Penny in the book. Plus she's got the skank thing down pat. -Shailene Woodley (from The Secret Life of the American Teenager) as Diana -Emma Watson as Elizabeth Holland -Lucas Till (from the Hannah Montana Movie) as Will Keller -Penn Bladgely (from Gossip Girl) as Grayson Hayes -Emma Roberts as Carolina Broud

Posted by Samantha on September 25, 2009 at 04:49 PM EDT #

Noooo samantha...none of the characters that you said would suit. i think that for elizabeth, diana, and penelope and lina, the people on the cover of the book should play them..dont you think? who agrees with me? ANNA PLEASE WRITE A FIFTH BOOK! PLEASE! YOU ARE THE BEST AUTHOR IN THE ENTIRE WORLD. REALLY ARE!!

Posted by Hallie on September 25, 2009 at 05:10 PM EDT #

I hate hate people on the book!!! ha ha!! I sound so terrible, but they are so wierd looking!!! not at all how I imagined them!!

Posted by julia on September 25, 2009 at 08:39 PM EDT #

And the only person I like out of Samantah's list is Lucas Till from hannah montana as will. He WOULD be good, although a little young... and Penn Badgley would be good as grayson

Posted by julia downs on September 25, 2009 at 08:43 PM EDT #

Oh, the joys and woes this book causes us. I have to agree with everyone who doesn't want a movie to be made. Characters are fragile things. Everyone has their own imagining of them. I don't want my Diana, Henry, Elizabeth, Teddy, Penelope, Lina, Claire, Isabella, Isaac, Mr. Schoomaker, WIll, Snowden, or any of the other characters to be spoiled by any actor/actrist. But, knowing me, if the book ever does become a motion picture I will go see it. Sigh....

Posted by Rachael on September 26, 2009 at 09:27 AM EDT #

Oh no no no!!! I dont think that any of these actors would fit to the characters. As I said before....lets keep them in our own minds and have our own pictures of them. It would be soooo freaky with another twilight thing. I couldn´t stand this wonderful story be ruined by such a shallow thing as a hollywood movie!!

Posted by Hannah Nilsson on September 26, 2009 at 12:30 PM EDT #

FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Someone said it. If there is a movie, i dont want there to be one, Anna should hunt down the girls on the cover and see if they can act. they are so obviously meant to reflect the charectors. Also, the charectors are fragile and can easily be distroyed by a movie. just look at Twilight. It's horrible. If you talk about the books people think of the actors.

Posted by Bridget on September 26, 2009 at 12:31 PM EDT #

Hey! I love these books and i can't see Megan fox as Penelope. I wish that will keller could be orlando bloom and keira knightley as elizabeth. So excited for Splendor!!!! Wish the books were made into a movie!

Posted by Kelly G. on September 27, 2009 at 02:31 PM EDT #

Can you give us some sneak peeks for Splendor? October is so far away!!!! BTW i don't think the books should be made into movies, it would ruin it (i'd go see it anyways), But if they did, find the girls on the covers and teach them how to act. Is Carolina the girl on the cover? Anyway, can't wait till Splendor.:)

Posted by claire on September 27, 2009 at 05:05 PM EDT #

Hi I love your books in the Luxe series.I am up to Rumours.I was wondering can you name the girls on the cover in the books.My friends and I are confused of if the girls are Diana, Elizabeth or Penelope.Thank you so much for reading this message. Love, Annie

Posted by Annie on October 14, 2009 at 10:05 PM EDT #

for those of you like me that spent forever trying to find the font that they use in their letters to each other and since i have found it, id like to share it... its called beautiful es i downloaded it off of http://www.abstractfonts.com/font/11900 its not exact but its pretty close.

Posted by jennifer on April 01, 2010 at 09:01 PM EDT #

so... is the luxe being turned into a movie or not????????

Posted by fred on April 12, 2010 at 04:52 PM EDT #

hey! the books were AWESOME! but, i haven't been able to find a clear answer on weather or not they are going to be made into a movie! it would be really great if they were and if you could give us an time frame of when they might be in theaters!

Posted by Kelley on June 05, 2010 at 10:50 PM EDT #

its not bad to have a movie if the actors/actresses are the best for that character. for Elizabeth i was thinking Keira Knightley was perfect! exactly elizabeth & 4 Diana maybe Natalie Portman. i dont know i just think she looks a lot like Keira but dont know if she'd make a good Diana. for Penelope? Tammin Sursok is perfect. just make her pale & blue contacts. the girl on the cover of rumors is totally gorgeous thou i wish she was an actress

Posted by Gia on October 01, 2010 at 07:08 PM EDT #

Someone asked for the font for the letters. The font for the letters is Bickham Script Pro. It's very difficult to come by if you don't own a copy of Photoshop or if you aren't willing to pay for it.

Posted by A. on October 31, 2010 at 07:40 PM EDT #

I would cast it... Elizabeth Holland: Bethany Carkhuff (picture: http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTcwNDI1NjI5M15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMTY5MzYxMg@@._V1._SX498_SY321_.jpg) (IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2146195/) Penelope Hayes: brunette Katie Cassidy (picture: http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz299/kfbrowneyed20/Beverly/KatieCassidy.gif) (IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1556320/) Diana Holland: Skyler Samuels (picture:http://i2.listal.com/image/2009085/600full-skyler-samuels.jpg) (IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1321094/)

Posted by Kay on August 19, 2011 at 02:32 PM EDT #

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