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

Friday Oct 23, 2009

Posted at 12:58PM Oct 23, 2009 by Anna in General  |  Comments[41]

Hello lovelies,

I ran into a friend the other night--a guy, which makes this story extra amusing--and he told me he took some "Which Luxe Girl Are You?" quiz on the site, and that it told him he was an Elizabeth. Which is a little silly, and I love the idea that a boy would fit the Elizabeth archetype; but it also reminded me that one of the most gratifying things you hear as an author is that a reader has seen something of themselves in your characters. It's one of the best things fiction does-- to articulate some corner of existence so that a reader recognizes their own nebulous experience, begins to see it with greater clarity and light. To be a part of that as reader or a writer feels pretty special.


People often ask me which of my characters I relate to most--Diana, obviously!-- but they all have pieces of me in them, and I hope I write them all with heart and sympathy. Anyway, I'd love if you all would indulge me and tell me if there are qualities in the Luxe girls that feel particularly familiar or relatable to you, and which girls, and why?

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Comments:

I relate most with Diana, but I share Elizabeth's sense of responsibility and Penelope's ambition and jealous nature.

Posted by Vienna on October 23, 2009 at 03:42 PM EDT #

I feel as though i relate to Diana the most. I have a bit of her recklessness in me. Though in a way, im a bit of a Penelope. Looks aside, i get kind of jelous, and feel as though what i say goes, and if it doesnt, well i get put off. Though i have Elizabeths sweet nature and responsibility in me. Who ever i am alike, I must say, Each girl is Extremely unique. You should be proud.

Posted by Jamie on October 23, 2009 at 04:04 PM EDT #

I am definitley a Diana. I am a girl that doesn't like conventions all that much. I just want to be comfortable with myself and my surroundings. I love books, and I have Diana's genuine heart and passionate nature.

Posted by Kendyl on October 23, 2009 at 05:43 PM EDT #

well i think i used to be like Elizabeth because of her responsibility, good manners and thinking about her family before herself. I still am but I feel more like Diana now especially when it comes love? But i have Penelope's jealously and her need for attention and to look the best. I'm also like Lina because I want to fit in with everyone else and have what i dont have. I actually share abit of all their qualities:)

Posted by LingLing on October 23, 2009 at 06:13 PM EDT #

I'm a bit of an Elizabeth and Diana, Diana for the obvious reasons and Elizabeth because and not to sound concieted but I never really think about what i want and need just what other people want and sometimes what they think of me. Of course I have crazy plots like Penny and they actually are kinda evil most of the time and I have the total ambitious nature of lina I'm not very rich but I plan on attending Yale. I'll bring my cute west coastness and loosen everyone up!

Posted by Fiona on October 23, 2009 at 08:11 PM EDT #

I'm think I'm most like Diana, but i definatly have Penelope's devious side. I'm alway plotting something or trying to figure out how to get what I want.

Posted by Bridget on October 23, 2009 at 09:53 PM EDT #

5 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Luv ya, Bri

Posted by Bridget on October 23, 2009 at 09:54 PM EDT #

Hey! I am Diana! I am mischeivious, adventures, and daring... But I have a "type" of guys... and I totally like "Teddy-like" guys... so im both

Posted by Katie Maraghy on October 24, 2009 at 12:47 AM EDT #

OMG I just finished Rumors and I can't belieevveeeee that Will dies!!! Noooooooooooooooooo!!! Whyyyyyy!!! They were sooo close to getting their happily ever after! Anna, pleasseeee have your books suddenly have magic and bring Will back to life!! I can't stand to think about poor Elizabeth having the love of her life ripped away from her! Anna, the Luxe series is AMAZING and I can't wait to read envy...but now I'm so sad!! Why did he have to die? Elizabeth "came back from the dead," so can't Will??? He could just be wounded and then thrown into jail but Elizabeth thinks he is dead so doesn't search for him, but hears of his survival and finds him and then they go out to California together! I know it's not going to happen but I can't help my wishful thinking! Anyways, keep up the awesome writing...but please, no more deaths!...unless it's penelope :)

Posted by Maresa on October 24, 2009 at 06:56 AM EDT #

I know! I was so sad! It's not fair to Elizabeth, but then again neither is life.

Posted by Bridget on October 24, 2009 at 10:55 AM EDT #

4 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Bridget on October 24, 2009 at 10:57 AM EDT #

i am most like Diana because i always have my nose stuck in a book :) and im always going places and haveing nice "advenures"...but my looks are like Penelope and when i am angry wow i have a rage like she does :D....so yeah....Elizabeth is probably the least that i relate to she is the goody goody but i like how she is very romantic.

Posted by melinda assi on October 24, 2009 at 01:14 PM EDT #

I think I'm most like Elizabeth, because I've always been a people-pleaser, and pretty passive most of the time.

Posted by Charlotte on October 24, 2009 at 01:19 PM EDT #

I find it very interesting that you relate to Diana the most, Anna. I love her best out of out of all the characters and find myself constantly rooting for her and Henry. But honestly, I relate to Lina the most. I know what it feels like to want to be a part of a world that seems unattainable or above you. Like Lina I constantly want the approval of my peers and want to be part of the popular crowd, the way she wants to be accepted by New York's elite. I dream of being rich and adored like Lina and I can really relate to her.

Posted by Samantha on October 24, 2009 at 06:09 PM EDT #

I think in some ways I'm like Lina because I never really fit in with the "in crowd" in school but always wished I could. However now that I'm older I kinda like being different! I read your interview in RT Magazine that you have a new series coming out set in NY but in the 1920s! sounds great!

Posted by Rebecca on October 24, 2009 at 06:27 PM EDT #

Hmm i relate to Diana. I'm young and flamboyant like her but also a passionate story teller. I'm also like Penelope because i'm ambitious. And Henry because i often mess things up. Anddd Elizabeth because i do a lot of things for the greater good rather than what i really truly want. An odd mixture, i know ;)

Posted by AleyshaJane on October 25, 2009 at 12:55 AM EDT #

Wait a second... Your new series is set in the 1920s?? I love the 1920s! I'm so excited! I love your books, Anna. Luv ya, Bri

Posted by Bridget on October 25, 2009 at 09:53 AM EDT #

3 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Bridget on October 25, 2009 at 09:54 AM EDT #

I feel that I relate most to Lina's sense of aspiration. I was not lucky to be born into a weathly family, but I desire the perks and privileges (getting to travel) that come along with having money. I get really excited when I see things go well for her and I share her despair and embarrassment when her real status is uncovered. I am so excited to see her rise to the level of privilege these other girls were born into and that she has had to work so hard to get to. I'm backing her all the way!! Can't wait to buy Splendor! I'm counting down!!!!

Posted by Emri on October 25, 2009 at 12:59 PM EDT #

To be realistic, I would be most like Lina because I don't come from a family who is rich and sometimes resent authority figures. To be true to my heart I'm like Elizabeth because I strive to please others, but I also have a touch of Penelope in me...I do what I can to get the things I want (not as drastically, though). I love your series, and I'm soo excited for Splendor. I hope Teddy has a happy ending!

Posted by Danielle on October 25, 2009 at 01:02 PM EDT #

Honestly,I mostly relate to Diana,I love to read,especially the super romantic kind. I'm the type of hidden romantic girl,as you can predict I am extremely shy towards love.I believe that someday when the time comes I will find the perfect guy for me. I also dont really mind what other people think of me, even if they say I'm a geek! hee-hee XOXOXOXOXO's for you Anna

Posted by Ariel on October 25, 2009 at 02:12 PM EDT #

I am as envious as Penelope. As much as a follower of true love as Elizabeth. As ambitious at all costs as Lina. And as hopeful and naive as Diana. I am bits and pieces of all your characters.

Posted by Rania Dolce on October 25, 2009 at 07:14 PM EDT #

i think im a little caddy like penelope but romantic like diana and very reserved like elizabeth and i can be naive like lina but i think all the characters in one way or another have similar personalities

Posted by yanna on October 25, 2009 at 11:05 PM EDT #

Of coarse I would love to say that I am most like Diana... but quite honestly just because we think differently than others doesn't mean that I am most like her. I honestly think I am most like Penelope. Which is funny but true, I have a terrible temper and jealousy is sparked pretty easily in me. But I am good at manipulating people,so good at it in fact, that most of the time I forget I am even doing it.I might sound a little bitchy, but at least it is the honest truth. Haha.

Posted by jackie on October 25, 2009 at 11:59 PM EDT #

I am most like Elizabeth. I find I always try to act correctly and find family important. Elizabeth seem to search for fairy tales in her own way-- like Will was her prince. She is not like Diana in the sense she is not as extrevert and outgoing but still has as many ambitions and dreams as the next person. She really wants true love and once she finds it and knows it, it pains her so much to let it go.

Posted by c on October 26, 2009 at 04:54 AM EDT #

SPLENDOR TOMORROW! :D

Posted by Kaitlyn on October 26, 2009 at 11:04 AM EDT #

just read the first half of SPLENDOR!!!!! sooooo gooooooooood already. can't wait to finish it, however when i'm done i know i'll wish that i hadn't yet read any of the books yet and they can once again be new and thrilling and fantastic. this is such an amazing series. i love it :)

Posted by raena on October 26, 2009 at 02:13 PM EDT #

WE ONLY HAVE TO SURVIVE THIS LAST DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Bridget on October 26, 2009 at 04:17 PM EDT #

how did you get splendor so fast!! and i totally cant wait for tomorrow!!!! ITS GOING TO BE THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!! anyways, even though shes the villian, i must say i go most with penelope. man, that girl is SMART! but then there comes the diana bit in me, where there really is a line which i will not cross. i wont kill anybody if it means getting what i want! but i must say, i'm more for the teddy-type of guy, so theres my elizabeth :D ONLY ONE MORE DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by mary on October 26, 2009 at 04:48 PM EDT #

I would be Diana because i have curly hair, and i have some other of the same features- physically and emotionally.

Posted by Kelly G. on October 26, 2009 at 06:57 PM EDT #

I can relate most to Diana. I share her love of reading and her sense for adventure. I have her same russet colored curls and of course, I also share her love for Henry! But, Elizabeth has depth in her-something only an older and wiser person has. She's responsible and romantic, which I am as well. The only thing I can relate to in regards to Penelope, is her love of Henry. I love how she is always plotting and pushing herself forward towards her goals.

Posted by Emily on October 26, 2009 at 08:23 PM EDT #

I'm like Edith, she's wiser and has more expierence. She's a hopless romantic and sounds adventurous. But she's older, I'm not that old but I act like I'm eighty. She's a kind smart spinster which is what I hope to be.

Posted by GabeFan on October 26, 2009 at 08:47 PM EDT #

tommorrow OMGGGG BEST DAY EVER

Posted by melinda on October 26, 2009 at 09:17 PM EDT #

I cannot wait to get the book today! Just have to survive 6 hours of school!

Posted by Kaitlyn on October 27, 2009 at 09:05 AM EDT #

My favourite character is Lina. The ones I most relate to are Lina and elizabeth kind of. I am like Lina because If I had lived in that time I would be in Linas place. I feel I have always wanted to wear really beautiful clothing and have really beautiful and long gorgeous hair i have never really gottten to. I am also like Lina because in the begining the things and people she desires she dosen't get. I am Like Elizabeth because I follow the rules. I also got her on the which Luxe girl are you quiz.

Posted by Daniellle on October 31, 2009 at 09:45 PM EDT #

Well this raises a fine question. I feel as though i am all three of them. More so Elizibeth, I feel her sense to please I feel as though i have a high standard for myself and i like that to be reflected to others. I am like Penelope in the fact that i have a friend too who many think is meraculous though she is always what they precced her to be emotionless not her own person. And of course i am like Diana in the sense that I will do what ever it takes no matter if it is frowned oppon if i feel it is truthful and nessicary, i am alsoi the youngest. So yes I have some of all of them. Sincerly, Brianne

Posted by Brianne on November 04, 2009 at 11:02 PM EST #

Plus Im like Penelope because i get very jealous and i like my voice to be one that is heard and i like my ideas to be used.Also i am like her in the sense taht i am unique, all my friends have long hair and thy always dress safe, me i make trends and i have short hair(and i work it?always get complements) I am like Elizabeth in the sense that i will do anything for my family. And like Diana convention is not my style.

Posted by Brianne on November 04, 2009 at 11:06 PM EST #

hi anna, i have just recently started reading the luxe serious through recommendation of my friends katie and juile! they are amazing books and i have decided to use envy as the book for my la project at school. i also have to write a 3-5 page report on the you and i was hoping that i could email you and ask you some questions. my email address is thirrin_oceanunicorn@yahoo.com thanks so much for being an amazing author Sidnee

Posted by Sidnee Crowley on November 12, 2009 at 09:07 PM EST #

I feel I relate most to Penelope, ironically my name actually is Penelope. The main reason I love The Luxe so much is because every action Penelope does I see myself in her, unfortunately for some reasons, but I definately have her jealous nature and desire to be in the spotlight. I can basically relate to all her actions and have been in the position where my best friend has been the one who shines and that hasn't settled well with me. Love your books Anna :) Thankyou for creating Penelope.

Posted by Penelope on December 27, 2009 at 04:04 AM EST #

I love Penelope. She is my favourite and although she is considered evil, i dont think so. SHe is just a bolder character. I can say that i am jealous, but im not really like Penelope. I want to be like her because i could use her self-confidence and ambition. Im pretty ambitious but not confident enough to get everything my way. The fact that she does something to be happy and get what she wants is admirable. I havent read splendor yet but I am happy that henry and penelope were together. I was quite surprised because i expected DIana and Henry to be together (which i didnt want) because so many books i read are so obvious but im happy that you made this series unexpected.

Posted by Nina on December 30, 2009 at 07:37 PM EST #

I think I relate a lot to Diana because I read to get away from this world and step into another, more romantic one. I also have a heart-shaped face, strangely enough but my hair is a horrible red-blonde. I soooo long for russet coloured hair like Diana or dark like Penelope's. Can't wait to find out the fate of the Hollands, Schoonmakers and Carolina's, of course. Love ya, Robyn xx

Posted by Robyn Cee on January 17, 2010 at 10:27 AM EST #

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