You Had to Be There

~ You love them. You’ve read their books or articles. You follow them on Twitter. But how well do you know them and their wicked sense of humor? Play The Twizzy and find out. ~

Happy Monday and welcome back to another game of The Twizzy! Thank you for all your responses. Now, are you ready for Game 7?

Remember, each of you is allowed 1 guess per day.

I’ll give a recap for those of you who haven’t played yet:

In my quest to keep you all entertained, I thought up a quiz. But not just any quiz. That would be boring. This is a quiz where Twitter Stars answer 30 questions. As you’ll see, these aren’t your run-of-the-mill questions. That, too, would be boring. As far as I’m concerned, this is the first time something of this scope has been done on Twitter. If it isn’t, I’m sure someone will let me know (but I won’t believe them).

Originally it was just to be the published authors I interact with but this plan grew and grew. Everyone I asked said yes! So what you have here is a lovely mix of writers – from New York Times Bestselling authors to newly published ones. From sportswriters to freelance journalists. I didn’t stop there though. I asked literary agents and editors, and then it extended to all aspects of publishing – from business development to public relations. I’ve even been lucky enough to snag one British celebrity.

Below is the list of the participants with their Twitter bio and handles. While you go through, you may consider following them, and buying their books or newspapers. These people are awesome, truly. As busy as they are, they took time out to play “The Twizzy” and they answered the questions with such flair that I was laughing each time a new email came in.

Once you’ve gone through the list, take a look at the question and answer session below. You will laugh. The questions will be the same every Monday. Your job is to figure out who from the list answered the questions that week. Include your guess in the comments section here on my blog. I will not post your comments until the winner has been announced. This is because I want you to guess on your own. If by Thursday there is still no correct answer, I’ll give 1 hint. The first correct answer wins a prize. Yes, a prize. They consist of: An Uncommon History of Common Things co-written and donated by Bethanne Patrick (while supplies last), Seven Souls A Leaping co-written and donated by Kellyann Zuzulo (while supplies last), 1 copy of How to Sew a Button written and donated by Erin Bried, 1 copy of How to Build a Fire written and donated by Erin Bried, $15 Barnes & Noble gift cards (with 1 donated by the wonderful Kellyann Zuzulo), and Starry, Starry Nights or Macaroons that I’ll buy from Gesine Confectionary (www.gesine.com). You will have until Friday to guess. Then I will reveal The Twizzy Star of the Week. If you’re not on Twitter, you can still play because you’ve likely read their books or articles, and, as the weeks go on, the list will narrow.

If you have any questions, Tweet me at www.Twitter.com/SunnySoCal and please use “#TheTwizzy” in your question.

Have fun and good luck!

~ Denise

The Twizzy Stars List for Game 7

Nichole Bernier @NicholeBernier: Writer (Conde Nast Traveler) & mother of 5 trafficking in humor, Twizzlers, occasionally wisdom. Novel THE UNFINISHED WORK OF ELIZABETH D, Crown/RH 2012.

http://www.nicholebernier.com

Erin Bried @NiftyButton: Mod girl looking back. Pie baker, storyteller, collector of old timey wisdom. Author of How to Build a Fire & Sew a Button (Ballantine). Self mag staff writer.

http://erinbried.com/

 

Gesine Bullock-Prado @closetmastrbakr: Pastry chef, owner Gesine Confectionary & author of Confections of a Closet Master Baker/My Life from Scratch and Sugar Baby.

http://www.gesine.com

 

Pete Caldera @pcaldera: Bergen Record Yankees beat writer/occasional band vocalist with the Stan Rubin Orchestra.

www.northjersey.com And http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/pinstripeposts

Marc Carig @ledger_yankees: Real-time coverage of the New York Yankees by The Star-Ledger and NJ.com

www.nj.com And http://carig.wordpress.com

 

Brenda Copeland @BrendaCopeland: executive editor, teacher, reader, friend, cheese lover

Catherine Delors @CatherineDelors: Writer, historical fiction (For the King, Mistress of the Revolution.) Loves Paris, history and the 18th century.

 

 

Mark Feinsand @BloggingBombers: The Yankees beat writer for the New York Daily News.

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/yankees

Jenny Gardiner @jennygardiner: Author of Sleeping with Ward Cleaver, Winging It: A Memoir of Caring for a Vengeful Parrot Who’s Determined to Kill Me, & Slim to None. Also a laugh ho.

 

http://www.jennygardiner.net/blog/

Jennifer Gilmore @jenwgilmore: Author of the new novel Something Red, and the NYTimes Notable novel, Golden Country.

http://jennifergilmore.net/

 

Jane Heller @janeheller1: Novelist, Screenwriter, Blogger, Author of Confessions of a She-Fan, Yankees diehard, movies/books fan, pop culture maven

http://www.janeheller.com

Sean Kennedy @slicksean: Writer/journalist/media consultant. Tweets are 20% each: current affairs/culture; writing/media; LGBT topics; food/food systems; personal.

http://www.sean-kennedy.com/

Ann Leary @annleary: Author of OUTTAKES FROM A MARRIAGE and An INNOCENT, A BROAD

http://www.annleary.com/

Holly LeCraw @HollyLeCraw : Writer, reader, southerner far from home. My first novel, The Swimming Pool, is out in paperback from Doubleday this April.

http://hollylecraw.com/

 

 

Georgia McBride @Georgia_McBride: YA author of the PRAEFATIO series. Represented by Mark McVeigh of The McVeigh Agency. Founder of #YAlitchat. Mom to 2 humans + 3 Chihuahuas. Hopeless Romantic.

 

www.georgiamcbride.com

Susan Orlean @susanorlean: Writer, writer, writer. Oh, I also write.

www.susanorlean.com

 

Karen Palmer @karen_palmer: Writer, editor, teacher. If I had to choose between reading and eating I’d be dead in a week.

 

www.karenpalmer.com

David Pomerico @DelReySpectra: Del Rey and Spectra are two of the biggest SF, fantasy, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance imprints in–and out of–the world.

http://www.bantamspectra.net

 

Elana Roth @elanaroth: Brooklynite, children’s book agent, Squarespace support-team member, semi-pro Jew, bourbon drinker. I work for lots of people. None of these tweets are theirs.

www.elanaroth.com

Brett Sandusky @bsandusky: digital publishing professional | innovator | strategist | marketer | writer | going to change the world

 

http://brettlikesstuff.tumblr.com/

Drew Sarver @mypinstripes : Database Developer, Blogger, BaseballDigest.com writer, Beagle lover, Husband

Kathleen Schmidt @bookgirl96: A bookish broad, PR superhero, mother of two, lover of sports, and wife of @Rockpappa.

http://kathleenschmidt.tumblr.com

 

Jayne Sharp-Vitty @jaynesharp: Mummy, wife, voice over & telly gal x

 

http://andsowtobed.blogspot.com

Alyssa Smith @booksandcorsets: Editor, reviewer, convention organizer, avid costumer, and owner of several demanding parrots. Non-official feed. Tweets about her interests: cooking, sewing

 

 

 

Laura Strachan @StrachanLit: literary agent representing literary fiction and narrative nonfiction. Loves books, art, theatre — compelling stories, well told.

 

www.strachanlit.com

Joe Wallace @joe_wallace: I’m a writer of nonfiction books, noir stories, and a novel, DIAMOND RUBY.

www.josephwallace.com

 

 

Allison Winn-Scotch @aswinn: Novelist, NY Times best seller (yeah, I had to get that in), celeb profiler, diaper changer, dog walker, ass-kicker, pop culture junkie, superwoman.

 

www.allisonwinn.com

Laura Zigman @laurazigman: Writer, branter, complainer, mom, recovering publicist.

http://laurazigman.wordpress.com/

Kellyann Zuzulo @kfzuzulo: Former journalist, author of tales, word laborer, stirrer of soup.

www.kfzuzulo.com

The Twizzy – Game 7

1.      How hard was it to break into your line of work? Do you enjoy it?

My path to where I am in the book/publishing world was a natural one, in many ways. During my education, both undergrad and graduate, I concentrated on comparative literature, so books are something I understand on an intrinsic level. It’s quite rewarding to be around the book-object as well as the content therein on a daily basis when you understand the experience in that way.

I am lucky in that I love what I do. Every day I have the opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of the book, and by extension literature. It’s an exciting time to be involved in this industry.

2.      Have you any advice for people who would also like to do your line of work?

Right now, we need smart, open-minded people who are capable of seeing beyond the now; those who are not afraid to experiment, not afraid to try something new, not afraid to be an agent of change. We need truly creative people who can marry their creative thought with analytical data and metrics. This represents someone with a non-traditional skill set for this industry, but a necessary skill set nonetheless.

3.      Are you known by any nicknames?

Yes. I have been known to go by many nicknames throughout the years. Of course, most are not appropriate or would easily reveal my identity, so I will not tell you what they are. Just know that my entire immediate family calls me by a nickname, and I am quite sure my nephews don’t know what my real name is.

4.      What song’s your tearjerker?

This: http://bit.ly/9R0c1v Gets me every time.

5.      Do you like capers?

Uhm, duh. Of course I like capers. Who doesn’t like capers? Especially when they are fried and crispy. Or served with smoked salmon. Or in a salad. Or in a vinaigrette.

Then, I thought, maybe she means capers as in zany mysteries. To which I reply, meh. They’re okay, I guess. I like heist stories a bit more than capers. Unless we’re talking about the Muppets or Pink Panther (Peter Sellers version, natch), then I like a good caper.

6.      Any food you must have?

I lived abroad for several years, and imported peanut butter in large quantities while away. I could not do without.

7.      Pet?

I have a he-dog. He’s really smart, too. This, I feel, was a major mistake on my part. Here’s the thing: if you are considering getting a dog, go with the big dumb oaf. They love you and are just happy to be around. Smart dogs figure out how to push your buttons, and then take it to the next level. For example, my dog goes through phases concerning his method of waking me up in the morning to take him out. Often, he will make himself sneeze in my face repeatedly, until I get up. And, let me tell you, if a explosion of dog snot in your face doesn’t get you up, nothing will. So, this is what I am talking about: Smart dogs, huge issue. Go with the dumb one, please.

8.      How do you feel about the word “carbuncle”?

The gem stone or the pus filled infection? See, now, this is the problem with modern society. We lack precision in language. Pfft.

9.     Favorite stroll?

I thoroughly enjoy perambulating through the streets of Paris. Along the Seine. Through the parks. Et cetera.

Oddly enough, the original Latin name for Paris was Lutetia, or Lukotekia, meaning dirty swamp of mice. Or something very similar to that. (See question 25)

10.  Most embarrassing memory?

I was a very messy child when I was in elementary school. One day, whilst in the second grade, my teacher lined us up to go to recess. She walked over to my desk, which held my books and papers, flipped it askew and spilled its contents onto the floor in front of my classmates. I was then told that everyone was allowed to go out for recess, except for me, as I had to stay inside and clean up the mess I had made.

Years later, I related this story to my mother, who muttered in response, “Yes, but everyone always knew that Mrs. So-and-so was a bitch.”

11.  Biggest pet peeve?

Listening to people eating. I have the sounds of others masticating, especially when they are eating crunchy items like chips and they eat with their mouths open.

12.  Who would you like to meet (in any time period)?

I feel like Derrida would be a pretty good conversationalist.

13.  Who bugs the crap out of you?

Those damn ‘Real Housewives’. The entire cast of Jersey Shore. Others in the same trash heap. I can’t even.

14.  Favorite book?

Loaded question. It’s like Lay’s Potato Chips, ‘can’t eat just one’. On second thought, mmmm, loaded + potato = loaded baked potato. Yum! So, maybe my answer is ‘the absurdist cannon’.

15.  Do songs by Nickelback make you want to stuff hot pokers in your ears?

I would never self-harm on account of Nickelback. I would, however, harm others who were responsible for making me listen to them. I would rather listen to the braying of a donkey who has broken his ankle on a rocky crag than to the awfulness that is Nickelback. The thought of it alone nauseates me.

16.  Favorite movie?

Hiroshima, Mon Amour. Directed by Alain Resnais, based on the screenplay by Marguerite Duras, starring Emmanuelle Riva. Legends, all three of them.

17.  Is marmite the singular form of marmosets? More importantly, does marmite make you want to vomit?

No. And yes.

18.  Favorite quote?

I’m not really a quote person. I like various quotes for different reasons, but I don’t have a favorite.

19.  Favorite swear word?

*bleep*

20.  How do you feel about capybaras?

Yeah, no. I don’t do rodents.

21.  Guilty pleasure?

I have no guilt about anything I take pleasure i n. Unless I’m talking to my mother, then everything.

22.  Favorite character?

It’s pronounced biáng, and it is a type of noodle.

23.  Do people who say “sammich” make you want to kick them in the crotch?

“Sammy” à la Rachael Ray is a much larger transgression than “sammich,” in my opinion. Also, hate “OVOO”. And, “yummo.”

That said, I would like to kick anyone in the crotch how uses any of these (and other) words of such trashy taste.

24.  Which character would win this smackdown: Peter Venkman, Jack Donaghy, Stay Puft, Dwight Shrute, George Costanza, Basil Fawlty, Mortimer Brewster, Hyacinth Bucket, Mr. Whipple, or the Maytag Repairman?

Costanza.

25.  Phobias?

Mice. Completely irrational fear of mice. It is a true phobia. I hyperventilate, jump on furniture, the whole ordeal. I hate mice.

26.  How do feel about cheese? Be specific.

I have, of late, been considering preparing a bathtub of melted cheeses, much in the way that one prepares a cheese fondue, and bathing in it. Is that specific enough?

27.  Which 1980’s comedy film is this from: “Where’s the rest of this moose?”

Ugh. And to think they want to make a remix with Russell Brand. Gross. (*** Note from Denise: Don’t EVEN get me started…***)

28.  Foods you refuse to eat?

I will try anything once, so my threshold for acceptance is quite high. To surpass that, and warrant refusal, you have to be pretty objectionable.

29.  Where do you stand on Justin Bieber?

Who?

*Bonus*

Finish this quote from a 1980’s comedy: “Generally you don’t see that kind of behavior in ____________________________.”

A major appliance. Seriously, too easy. Might as well have said, “There is no Dana, only __________.” (*** Note from Denise: That had me howling with laughter!***)

 

________________ Past Twizzy Stars ____________________

***The lovely Bethanne Patrick was The Twizzy Star of the Week for Game 1. You can find and follow her at @thebookmaven.  http://bookmavenmedia.com/

Bethanne is responsible for #fridayreads on Twitter and the Friday Reads Facebook page. By all means, stop by every Friday and share what you’re reading.

***The charming Caroline Leavitt was The Twizzy Star of the Week for Game 2. You can find and follow her at @leavittnovelist. http://www.carolineleavitt.com/home.htm

Caroline has been on the New York Times Bestseller List for 2 weeks in a row now with her book PICTURES OF YOU. Why not buy it today?

***The hilarious Wallace Matthews was The Twizzy Star of the Week for Game 3. You can find and follow him at @ESPNNYYankees . http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/yankees

Wallace is the Yankees Beat Writer for ESPN New York.

***The adorable Julie Klam was The Twizzy Star of the Week for Game 4. You can find and follow her at @julieklam . http://www.julieklam.com/

Julie is the New York Times Bestselling Author of You Had Me At Woof: How Dogs Taught Me The Secrets of Happiness and Please Excuse My Daughter (Riverhead)

***The fabulous Colleen Lindsay was The Twizzy Star of the Week for Game 5. You can find and follow her at @colleenlindsay http://theswivet.com

Colleen is a former literary agent who is currently part of the Business Development team at Penguin Group (USA).

***The wonderful Veronica Brooks-Sigler was The Twizzy Star of the Week for Game 6. You can find and follow her at @getlit_erate http://www.brookssigler.com

Veronica is the author of Five Finger Fiction. She is working on a sequel. Yay!

 

They are no longer choices for the remaining games.

________________