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

Friday Dec 19, 2008

Posted at 05:07PM Dec 19, 2008 by Anna in General  |  Comments[41]

Hello all,

I have to apologize for my disappearing act! Since I last posted here, I finished the third Luxe book and the weather totally changed. I believe I may have even been wearing sleeveless dresses then—and now it’s down coats and uggs whenever I go outside. The good news, though, is that Envy is a done deal and on her way to being printed and bound and decorated with a gorgeous girl in an elaborate gown. Now I have to rouse myself from my post-book relaxation (er, laziness) to work on the fourth installment, which is daunting but also very exciting. I bet some of you are just finishing up with your fall semesters at school, and can relate to this quasi-vegetal state that I find myself in, which comes after intense work. Of course, winter vacation always passes so quickly, and then it’s right back to the grind. Any tips for me on how to find my productive hat and get back to writing in a hurry here? Your ideas would be much appreciated!

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Comments:

i'm soo excited 4 Envy..its all i can tlk about..just ask any of my friends lol :D

Posted by Jaime on December 19, 2008 at 09:49 PM EST #

Um, if a dumb suburbanite thirteen-year-old's opinion is worth anything....all I do is write fanfiction. But when I'm really getting writer's block, just watch your favorite couples 'required watching' or 'required reading' for reference. For example, if I'm writing a Gossip Girl C/B fanfiction, I watch Chuck and Blair moments over and over again. Retrace my steps, so to speak. Or just relax, close your eyes, and listen to your favorite music over and over again until that magic called writing builds up behind your eyeballs and you drop everything and run to the nearest notebook/computer to jot down your thoughts! But I mean, your books are AMAZING, so I'm not exactly in a position to give advice, am I? *smiles awkwardly* and this wasn't really even advice....oh well. Daargh. Clicking 'send'....my hand hovers over the mouse....

Posted by Smilesz on December 19, 2008 at 10:54 PM EST #

heyy! i totaly agree with Smilesz, (i'm a writer too!) well, except for the fact that i livein the city. i tend to listen to music when i have writers block, or re-read my favorite books ;] i cant wait to see the cover of Envy! is there gonna be a casting call for the model? ;P luv aliceeee

Posted by Aliceee on December 20, 2008 at 12:19 AM EST #

I can't wait for Envy! I'm not a writer, but when I have to write a essay or something, I just take a nap and the ideas come to me in dreams or memory wise. Its really helpful also, because I'm fully aware when I just woke up, and can concentrate and work better. =D

Posted by Daisy on December 21, 2008 at 10:44 AM EST #

give yourself a deadline......and wait till the last moment of that deadline......then rush everything on that day..............jk...............thats what i do atleast...........cant wai 4 ENVY!!!!!!!!!! the cover is soooooooo georgus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by prit on December 21, 2008 at 01:31 PM EST #

I agree with the last person, deadlines are a good thing:) Just take one day at a time. I wanted to let you know that I love your books. They are beautifully written and I love that they switch between perspectives so that you get multiple sides to the same story. It's like the old saying "There are two sides to every story." I'm curious to know, will this series turn into a movie? I'm hoping it will:D

Posted by AG on December 22, 2008 at 03:34 AM EST #

Whenever I have to write a long piece, whether it is an essay or short story, I always make myself a deadline. Waiting until last minute may get the job done, but the quality may not be the best. Some good advice that I was given that I can give to you is to pace yourself. Set blocks of time to work on a few chapters or for editing so that you don't feel the stress of rushing everything until the end. As for inspiration, dreams help my mind think more creatively even if my dreams don't make sense. Music and flipping through fashion magazines might help too. Trying to get your brain to THINK creatively may help when you get to that chair and start writing. Best of luck, and I really want to read Envy now!

Posted by Sarah on December 22, 2008 at 08:53 AM EST #

I went to the bookstore to buy Envy but was devastated when I realized it wouldn't be published until January!!! I think my family is getting upset because I am always saying I wished I had Envy..... Btw, when I have to write something I usually make a list of words I want to use in the piece and make ideas for each word then compose a story etc. I LOVE your books and can't get enough of them!!!!!!!:)

Posted by Aquagrl on December 22, 2008 at 04:12 PM EST #

I would start writing a draft of the most exciting part, and just let your imagination run with it!! Can't wait for Envy!!!!

Posted by Regan on December 22, 2008 at 04:58 PM EST #

well all i have to say is your books are ah-mazing!i drove my mom crazy when Rumors came out becasue we were on vacation and i made her go with me to find a barnes&noble so i could buy the book :)and i love to write...when i am at a "dull spot" in my writing i just listen to music that first inspired me to write whatever i was writing and BAM it comes back. Also,i have the same (laziness) problem over break, i don't do anything somedays but then rush during others..haha :)i think that is what schools want- "you to work really hard, fry your brain, get off for two weeks, get so bored you want to go back, and then you have to".haha..just a thought. xoxo, S p.s i can't WAIT to read Envy!! :D

Posted by S on December 22, 2008 at 10:43 PM EST #

omg finally a new not ive been waiting for like ever!!!!! i love these books there awesome:)!!! if i'm ever writing something adn get writers block i usally re-read what i last did in the past day then close my eyes and think about what would be a good ending or middle. well your book are awesome!!!!!

Posted by Sarah on December 23, 2008 at 01:26 PM EST #

hi its me gain sry to bother but i found a website with the cover of envy..... heres the linkhttp://www.harpercollins.com/books/9780061345722/Envy_A_Luxe_Novel/index.aspx. i cant find the e-book but once i get it ill post it :)

Posted by Sarah on December 23, 2008 at 01:45 PM EST #

Okay, here it is short & sweet.... I want the dress on the cover of Luxe for my wedding gown!!!! It is soooo GORGEOUS AND BEAUTIFUL!!!

Posted by Aquagrl on December 23, 2008 at 04:24 PM EST #

Whenever I write something (like the eight minute speech I have to have written by the end of Christmas break. Ugh) I usually try to just get it over with and write it all in one day, if possible. Of course, I bet writing about glamorous society girls is a lot more fun than writing a speech, and is sure to take more than one day, so it's okay to take your time. I'm excited for Envy and I'm excited for book four, but I'd rather have a really really good book a little bit later than a mediocre one right away. Work your magic how you usually do, but remember that until the next book comes out, we're all waiting and wondering in the worst kind of impatient mood! Just kidding. I would appreciate your tips, since I have had a fanfiction in progress since summer and all I have is the prologue done. :(

Posted by Bridget on December 23, 2008 at 05:20 PM EST #

Will you make Luxe into a movie? And there isnt any way you can bring Will Keller back from the dead?????/

Posted by Maggie on December 24, 2008 at 11:37 AM EST #

I would love to see Luxe on the big screen. It would definitely make a good movie.

Posted by Sarah on December 24, 2008 at 02:23 PM EST #

I can't wait for Envy. Who will you put on the cover of the fourth book? Carolyn

Posted by Carolyn on December 24, 2008 at 02:53 PM EST #

These books are crazy good! Although why you had to let HIM die was beyond my understanding - I read Rumours on Christmas Eve and I was still in shock when I came out of Midnight Mass! Not that I'd been reading in Midnight Mass... And that last line? "Then we're going to get him back for you..." Talk about a cliffhanger!! I hate Penelope Hayes! There I said it. And what happened to Lina? She was pretty nice before! Anyway, I am tres excited regarding the new book and the cover looks gorgeous...but who is it? Cause it looks awfully like a wedding gown if you ask me what the cover model's wearing...anyway. I like writing too. Although 'like' probably doesn't describe adaquately how deep the obsession runs. I listen to music. I have a playlist for the book I'm writing on my iPod and listening to that helps! :-)

Posted by Sarah on December 26, 2008 at 09:24 AM EST #

I love your books because I like how you put the climax of the story at the end. It makes you want to read the next book soooooooooo BAD!! I started crying when I read that Will died, I felt horrible for Elizabeth and I hate the police!!! lol I can't wait to read the next book because i'm sure that Henry & Diana get married!!!! XOXOXO!!!!! ciao....

Posted by Aquagrl on December 26, 2008 at 01:19 PM EST #

I love your books! FOR EVERYONE WANTING TO SEE THE COVER OF ENVY: Just go to borders . com and type in "Envy" to see the cover. It's GORGEOUS.

Posted by alyssahh! on December 26, 2008 at 08:59 PM EST #

No other books are good enough after reading yours!!!!! Did you originally plan to name envy "Indulgence" ?!?!?!

Posted by Aquagrl on December 27, 2008 at 01:54 PM EST #

YOU'RE BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love your books! thank you for writing them!

Posted by Madison on December 27, 2008 at 07:54 PM EST #

Third book!! How many Luxe books will there be altogether?

Posted by Marie on December 28, 2008 at 11:36 AM EST #

hello miss.. i've just read the luxe for now, i've seen it on a bookstore this christmas. actually i first saw rumors featured on the first shelf, and i was craving to have a copy, but as i roamed around the bookstore, i saw the luxe and my aunt bought it for me.. as for now ive already finished it.. now im craving for rumors but i think i still have to earn some bucks to buy it.. hehehe.. anyways, i discovered, happily, the ladies portrayed on both books by researching, and they're so gorgeous!! miss holland and miss hayes i mean.. i just hope i could get a peek of miss diana too.. and the rest of the characters.. im quite puzzled though, who was the gorgeous girl in the third book's cover? im really intrigued.. pls spare me some answer?? hehehe.. thnx and more power to you miss anna!!!

Posted by Aui on December 29, 2008 at 05:27 AM EST #

Is the girl on Envy Lina?

Posted by Claire on December 29, 2008 at 11:45 AM EST #

I think the girl on the Envy cover is Diana, because it looks like a wedding dress......

Posted by Aquagrl on December 29, 2008 at 07:56 PM EST #

HOLY COW! FOURTH INSTALLMENT?? Woot woot! :D I didn't know that there was going to be a 4th one! I can't wait for Envy!

Posted by Lindsey on December 30, 2008 at 01:31 AM EST #

Wait, isn't Envy the third book? Now I am confused...

Posted by Lola on December 30, 2008 at 09:03 AM EST #

whenever i have writers block i reread some favorite books,get some new ones,and listen to music

Posted by lorena on December 31, 2008 at 11:24 PM EST #

First of all I would like to say that I just love The Luxe series I just finish reading Rumors and I cant wait for Envy!!!Youre such an amazing writer!!How many books are you planning to write for The Luxe series???

Posted by dan on January 01, 2009 at 11:28 PM EST #

When I need to get "motivated," I listen to pep-talk music, or at least fast music that makes me want to do something. In your case, maybe you could try to get more into the "zone"--that time period, at least. I'm not sure where you live exactly (sorry, I didn't read the "About the Author" that quickly), but if you live anywhere near New York (I live in Connecticut, just an FYI), maybe you could go to the historical society or visit some of the old mansions, etc. They're really interesting! I have an additional question, and I don't know if you said this in a previous blog, but I can't find a way to "e-mail the author" or anything of that sort, so here it goes: Are the characters, events, newspaper articles, etc. based on real places? I mean, obviously Manhattan in the late 1800s and early 1900s is real, with Central Park and the Plaza and Lord & Taylor's. But, for instance, did the Hollands really exist? Because whenever I try to look them up, I only find your book (which isn't a bad thing--only for research purposes!). And maybe I missed the answer to this question in the Acknowledgements or something else of that sort, so I'm really, really sorry if I'm wasting your (or maybe another fan's) time with this question....because the fourth book has to be written, after all!! Well, thank you for your time, and I hope my advice works for you! <3 cutiepie

Posted by cutiepie <3 on January 02, 2009 at 02:00 PM EST #

Well your a writer one of the most creative people ever and let your imagination sore! I love your books! on my favorite list your are number one and twilight is number two! anyways start with the unexpected, its your book and you can do whatever you choose! im a writer myself and all my books are unpredictable! and thats exactly what you need unpredictability! Diana is a fierce character no more hiding to help her family make the claws come out if penelope can do it so can she, nothing makes a book better than a head but between two out of control characters! remember its your book and you can write what you want to!

Posted by Kamaryn on January 02, 2009 at 08:45 PM EST #

I just read the first (?) chapter of Envy!! Wow, reminds me of how much I hate Penolope. Poor Henry, it's so sad and how will Diana react?! And Elizabeth with her loss...(AHEM! I miss HIM too!) I agree with Kamaryn about Diana, let out the claws! Uh, who's on the cover on Envy? Not Diana (I imagine her cover to be more extravagant) but Penolope's friend, Caroline or maybe Lina?

Posted by Vivika on January 03, 2009 at 01:06 AM EST #

I just barely finished Rumors last night! it was amazing..... except for one thing, Will died! I have to know why you as an author did that. I am also stirring up my own ideas that he isnt dead, and in the third book you find out he is in jail, or severely wounded in the hospital. If there is any chance if you could tell me if he is really dead that would be great.

Posted by Pj on January 03, 2009 at 04:06 PM EST #

Will there be movies coming out? I seriously hope so because the books were fantastic and i would love to see them come more alive.

Posted by Bw on January 04, 2009 at 06:43 PM EST #

start at the end. If you know where you want everyone to be at the end of the book, start there. You can find numerous plot lines that will get you there, and it will definately get your thoughts flying-- and you might even find a better cliff hanger then what you originally planned. I definately can not wait to get the next installment, and while I hold on to the hope that Will is not dead-- I am a hopeless romantic at heart-- I like that you threw in a curve ball. thanks for the hours of entertainment you have provided!~ ♥

Posted by Sarah on January 04, 2009 at 11:48 PM EST #

Hey I just wanted to say that I love your books so much, and I can't wait for Envy. I also wanted to tell you that I noticed a mistake on the website. In the About section, when you go down to the characters, it says Isabella Schoonmaker. I could have sworn that it was Isabelle, but I could be wrong. Hmmm, tips for geting out of a slump. I'd say force yourself to write for a little bit every day. Once you get back into the swing of things you won't have to force anymore, but it's a good way to get started. Thanks for such great reads! I love your books.

Posted by Anne on January 06, 2009 at 01:48 PM EST #

Hello Anna. I'm a 15 year old writer of young adult, fantasy, romance, and adventure. When I have writer's block, I usually read some of my favorite books, and listen to music by Noe Venable or Eisley. Sometimes I'll talk to my parents or friends in really random conversations to see if they can inspire me. I also go up to really pretty places like the mountains or sea and just relax and try not to force any inspirations, because that just makes me more confused! Good luck!

Posted by Sierra on January 06, 2009 at 09:07 PM EST #

I absolutely loved The Luxe and am about half way through Rumors (I can't wait to see what happens.) I'm just wondering, how many Luxe books do you plan to write?

Posted by Anna Jacqueline on January 06, 2009 at 10:46 PM EST #

hello, I just wanted to say that u r a insperation to me. I want to become a writer. I get writers block,too. seriosly, it should be labled under a serios disease[lol jk]. I wanted some advice. Not to be pushy. I'm good at writing an essay and a paper. When it comes to writing books, I do okay. I mean my friends love the beginnings and by then I have the ending planned out. They get captivated into the story, but then when they xmawant to contine reading, I don't allow them. It's the middles of the story, very important part of the story. I got some books to help for xmas. Maybe they'll help. Thank you. When u have a writers block think of all ur fans that love ur work. we support u, no matter wat. Go do ur thing, that is go write for fun not for work. srry 4 my ranting.

Posted by Shy on January 07, 2009 at 09:19 PM EST #

I just finished Envy and it was great! Your books just get better each time. I'm kicking myself right now because i always read them way too fast and now I have to wait for the next one! I won't spoil anything, but what an ending! The next is going to be different from all the others i think. I'm VERY excited to see what happens with Diana and Henry.

Posted by DS on January 28, 2009 at 06:12 PM EST #

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