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. I’m glad you’re all enjoying it so much.

Are you ready for Game 33? Remember, you’re 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 two British celebrities.

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: Seven Souls A Leaping co-written and donated by Kellyann Zuzulo (while supplies last), macaroons or starry, starry nights from gesine.com, $15 Barnes & Noble gift cards (with 1 donated by the wonderful Kellyann Zuzulo), or a surprise FANTASTIC hardcover book from my grab bag of goodies from Alyssa Smith. 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 33 (Please scroll to the bottom of this page for a list and biography of previous Twizzy Stars. Believe me, I’ve hit the jackpot. They’ve all been AWESOME! Check them and their answers out!)

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

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

http://versaillesandmore.com

Glenn Giangrande @glenngiangrande: Four-time Emmy recipient, YESNetwork.com personality, on-air talent. Views expressed here are my own & do not reflect the views of YES or YESNetwork.com.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=538658980&ref=profile

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/

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

http://mypinstripes.blogspot.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

The Twizzy – Game 33

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

Like a lot of things, it took hard work and a ton of lucky breaks. No doubt, I enjoy it. I dig the chance to do something I love for a living.

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

Read great stuff then write great stuff. And get ready to work hard for every break.

3. Are you known by any nicknames?

Not anymore. Had a few in college. Those thankfully stayed there. So no, I am not known by any nicknames.

4. What song’s your tearjerker?

The Benny Hill Theme Song

5. Do you like capers?

Yes, though he’s much better as a coordinator than as a head coach.  

6. Any food you must have?

Anything out of my Mom’s kitchen, which is why I have forced her to teach me how to make some of our culture’s traditional dishes.

7. Pet?

None here. My family back home still has two dogs, Jack and Piper. I was visiting home recently and caught my mom having a deep conversation with them. She denies it though.

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

My doctor used that word with me once at an annual physical. I don’t remember what it means or all the details. But I do recall staring at the ceiling awkwardly, turning my head and coughing. We never spoke of it again.  (***Note from Denise: It is 1:12 a.m. and I just cackled.)

9. Favorite stroll?

Ocean Beach, San Francisco, at Sunset. With my love on my arm. (***Note from Denise: awww.)

10. Most embarrassing memory?

High school, 1995, when the crazy goth chick handcuffed me to a desk during Algebra class and forgot her key at home. School security had to bring out the hacksaw and I had to carry the desk into the hallway, just in time for passing period. (***Note from Denise: Omigod. This is the worst one ever. Well, maybe Colleen Lindsay with the skirt tucked into her pantyhose and walking the streets of Paris but this is right up there. Amirite?)

11. Biggest pet peeve?

Bunting early in games. 

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

My great grandfather, when he was young.

13. Who bugs the crap out of you?

Political pundits — of all leanings.

14. Favorite book?

OK. But first, you tell me which one is your favorite kid. See? Not a fair question, is it? (*** Note from Denise: NO. It’s not. Although I give you a point for knowing I have more than 1 child!)

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

No, just their ears.

16. Favorite movie?

Major League 3: Back to the Minors.

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

Only when they play songs by Nickelback.

18. Favorite quote?

“Don’t look back. Something might be gaining on you.” – Satchel Paige

19. Favorite swear word?

Starts with an F. Ends with an UCK.

20. How do you feel about capybaras?

Cool, as long they do it under their own roof.

21. Guilty pleasure?

The TV show Cheaters, which comes on only in the middle of the night. Oh, and intentionally giving vapid answers on self-quizzes.  (***Note from Denise: One of your cohorts answered something very similar at the start of The Twizzy…)

22. Favorite character?

Nick Pappagiorgio

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

No, it makes me want to steal their sammich.

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?

Maytag Repairman. I understand he’s well rested.

25. Phobias?

Electrical outlets, my laptop getting shattered by foul balls I don’t see coming. (***Note from Denise: Occupational hazard.)

26. How do feel about cheese? Be specific.

Just don’t cut it during or after romantic moments. You’ll never hear the end of it.

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

The Mike Mussina Story?

28. Foods you refuse to eat?

Bad Chinese food.

29. Where do you stand on Justin Bieber?

On his face, while wearing sharp baseball cleats.

*Bonus*

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

syphilitic elephants? (just taking a guess)

________________ 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!

***The witty Brett Sandusky was The Twizzy Star of the Week for Game 7. You can find and follow him at @bsandusky and http://brettlikesstuff.tumblr.com/

Brett is a digital publishing professional, innovator, strategist, marketer and writer.

***The funny Elana Roth was The Twizzy Star of the Week for Game 8. You can find and follow her at @ElanaRoth and http://www.elanaroth.com

Elana is a literary agent at the Caren Johnson Literary Agency. She’s also second-to-none in quoting Ghostbusters.

***The delightful Gesine Bullock-Prado was The Twizzy Star of the Week for Game 9. You can find and follow her at @closetmastrbakr and http://www.gesine.com

Gesine is a pastry chef, the owner of Gesine Confectionary, and author of Confections of a Closet Master Baker/My Life from Scratch and the recent Sugar Baby.

***The captivating Laura Strachan was The Twizzy Star of the Week for Game 10. You can find and follow her at @StrachanLit and www.strachanlit.com

Laura is my literary agent. She represents literary fiction and narrative nonfiction. She loves books, art, theatre — compelling stories, well told.

***The talented Joe Wallace was The Twizzy Star of the Week for Game 11. You can find and follow him at www.josephwallace.com @joe_wallace

Joe is an author of nonfiction books, noir stories, and a novel, DIAMOND RUBY.

***The sweet Kellyann Zuzulo was The Twizzy Star of the Week for Game 12. You can find and follow her at www.kfzuzulo.com @kfzuzulo

Kellyann is a former journalist, author of tales, word laborer, stirrer of soup.

***The brilliant Bob Klapisch was The Twizzy Star of the Week for Game 13. You can find and follow him at http://www.northjersey.com/sports/pro_sports/baseball/klapisch/ and http://msn.foxsports.com/writer/Bob_Klapisch @BobKlap

Bob is a baseball columnist for The Bergen Record and foxsports.com

***The new mommy Erin Bried was The Twizzy Star of the Week for Game 14. You can find and follow her at http://erinbried.com/ @NiftyButton

Erin is a pie baker, storyteller, collector of old timey wisdom. Author of How to Build a Fire & Sew a Button (Ballantine). Self mag staff writer.

***The dear Sean Kennedy was The Twizzy Star of the Week for Game 15. You can find and follow him at http://www.sean-kennedy.com/ @slicksean

Sean is a Writer/journalist/media consultant. His Tweets are 20% each: current affairs/culture; writing/media; LGBT topics; food/food systems; personal.

***The darling Pete Caldera was The Twizzy Star of the Week for Game 16. You can find and follow him at: www.northjersey.com And http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/pinstripeposts and @pcaldera

Pete is the Bergen Record Yankees beat writer and an occasional band vocalist with the Stan Rubin Orchestra.

***The fantastic David Pomerico was The Twizzy Star of the Week for Game 17. You can find and follow him at  http://www.bantamspectra.net   and @DelReySpectra

David is an editor at Del Rey and Spectra, two of the biggest SF, fantasy, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance imprints in–and out of–the world.

***The sweet Jennifer Gilmore was The Twizzy Star of the Week for Game 18. You can find and follow her at  http://jennifergilmore.net/   and  @jenwgilmore

Jennifer is the author of the new novel Something Red, and the NYTimes Notable novel, Golden Country.

***The talented Allison Winn-Scotch was The Twizzy Star of the Week for Week 19. You can find and follow her at www.allisonwinn.com  and @aswinn

Allison is a novelist, NY Times best seller (yeah, I had to get that in), celeb profiler, diaper changer, dog walker, ass-kicker, pop culture junkie, superwoman.

***The clever Kathleen Schmidt was The Twizzy Star of the Week for Game 20. You can find and follow her at   http://kathleenschmidt.tumblr.com  @bookgirl96

Kathleen is a bookish broad, PR superhero, mother of two, lover of sports, and wife of @Rockpappa.

***The marvelous Mark Feinsand was The Twizzy Star of the Week for Game 21. You can find and follow him at http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/yankees  @BloggingBombers

Mark is the Yankees beat writer for the New York Daily News.

***The fantastic Georgia McBride was The Twizzy Star of the Week for Game 22. You can find and follow her at  www.georgiamcbride.com   @Georgia_McBride

Georgia is a YA author of the PRAEFATIO series. She’s represented by Mark McVeigh of The McVeigh Agency. Founder of #YAlitchat. Mom to 2 humans + 3 Chihuahuas. Hopeless Romantic.

***The brilliant Brenda Copeland was The Twizzy Star of the Week for Game 23.

***The adorable Nichole Bernier was The Twizzy Star of the Week for Game 24. You can find and follow her at  http://www.nicholebernier.com   @NicholeBernier

Nichole is a writer (Conde Nast Traveler) & mother of 5 trafficking in humor, Twizzlers, occasionally wisdom. Novel THE UNFINISHED WORK OF ELIZABETH D, Crown/RH 2012

***The fabulous Ken Davidoff was The Twizzy Star of the Week for Game 25. You can find and follow him at  http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/ken-davidoff-s-baseball-insider-1.1278117    @kendavidoff  

Ken is the National baseball writer for Newsday.

***The funny Jenny Gardiner was The Twizzy Star of the Week for Game 26. You can follow and find her at  @jennygardiner  http://www.jennygardiner.net/blog/

Jenny is the 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.

***The hilarious Laura Zigman was The Twizzy Star of the Week for Game 27. You can follow and find her at @laurazigman  http://laurazigman.wordpress.com/

Laura is a writer, branter, complainer, mom, recovering publicist.

***The talented Jerome Priesler was The Twizzy Star of the Week for Game 28. You can follow and find him at @YankeesInk   http://www.yankeesink.com

Jerome is a New York Times bestselling novelist and regular contributor to YESNetwork.com.

***The ultra cool Rich Oliver was The Twizzy Star of the Week for Game 29. You can follow and find him at @RichOliver  and  http://www.richardoliver.biz

Rich is the jingle singer for the Chris Moyles Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 1 in the United Kingdom.

***The dynamic Susan Orlean was The Twizzy Star of the Week for Game 30.You can follow and find her at  @susanorlean and www.susanorlean.com

Susan is a writer for The New Yorker, and several books – The Orchid Thief and her latest, Rin Tin Tin.

***The hilarious and talented Jane Heller was The Twizzy Star of the Week for Game 31.  You can follow and find her at @janeheller1  http://www.janeheller.com

Jane is a novelist, screenwriter, blogger, author of Confessions of a She-Fan, a Yankees diehard, movies/books fan, and a pop culture maven.

***The charming Karen Palmer was the Twizzy Star of the Week for Game 32. You can follow and find her at @karen_palmer  www.karenpalmer.com

Karen is a writer, editor, teacher.

~~~ They are no longer choices for the remaining games of The Twizzy ~~~

_______________________