The Mayans Were Wrong!

Okay, so since the world didn't end on December 21 (that's the last time I trust the Mayans!), that means we have a little more time here on planet earth.

I realize I have not been blogging for a loooong time, so I am NOT going to tell you that I was secretly prepping for the end of the world (unless prepping for the end of the world requires frantically trying to meet deadlines while also procrasinating endlessly stalking ex-boyfriends on Facebook). Ahem. I have not been doing either one of those things. I have been very busy!

Since I last posted, I've finished my writing project with Francine Pascal (the update on Sweet Valley, first an e-serial and now in hardback... check it out The Sweet Life). I'm on to another project with more details to come!

And if you haven't read Tale of Two Proms, yet. Do!

I've also been keeping busy with 2nd Story, a storytellers group in Chicago. That picture is me talking about my ultimate Epic Fail: online dating. After getting divorced a few years ago, I was thrust suddenly back onto the dating scene. It was quite a culture shock.

Taken at Webster's Wine Bar by Michael Patterson.

I never thought I’d have an online dating story. You see, I married my college boyfriend, way back when Clinton was still in office. There was barely an Internet then, much less a Match.com. But, much like M.C. Hammer pants, my marriage did not last. Stop: Divorce Time. Things had changed a lot since I’d last been single.

Back then: I had a relatively flat stomach. If I knew how awesome my stomach was at age 23, I would’ve worn bikinis to work. Dress code? Shove it, Human Resources. There’s an expiration date on these abs, and I have no time to lose. Fast forward 15 years.
Now: Two pregnancies have turned my stomach into flesh-colored Play-doh. My belly button is no longer a button at all. It looks like the mouth of a really depressed hand puppet.

Back then: I could stay out until two in the morning.
Now: I can barely stay awake until 9 p.m.

Back then: My ride was a sleek black coupe.
Now: When I rolled up on a date, it would be in a silver minivan. Oh, yeah.

Back then: I actually knew something about current events and news in general.
Now: I am far more likely to know the name of a supporting character on Dora the Explorer, than a Supreme Court Justice. These are just facts. Sad, sorry facts.

For my new year's resolution in 2013, I will try to remember to blog more. But, for more timely updates, do friend me on Facebook (Cara Lockwood) or follow me on Twitter (@caralockwood).

The Girl Who Was On Fire -- Movie Edition!

Hi all,

Last week, you may have seen where I wrote about seeing The Hunger Games movie! Well, now, my new essay (and many others) are now available in the new and improved:

The Girl Who Was On Fire - Movie Edition!

And, for those of you who are growing tired of Hunger Games hype (is it possible? I'm not so sure), it might be time for a little parody escape with The Hipster Games.

My favorite line is: "I really miss brunch."

Enjoy!

The Hunger Games Rock

So, I went to see the Hunger Games Friday (technically, it was for "work" because my job is awesome). I have two things to say about this movie: it rocked. And, as I've told my friends, I may have to change my alliegance from Team Peeta to Team Gale. Have you seen Liam Hemsworth?

I think this technically makes me a cougar, but if this is wrong, I don't want to be right.

As a side note, why do movie producers seem to want to cast the less hot dude for the main love interest and the seriously, ridiculously hot guy for the one who doesn't get the girl? There must be a formula somewhere. Is this so we all feel like we get a shot with the rejected guy? I don't know.

What did you guys think of the movie? And am I the only 38-year-old who was standing in line on Friday? Actually, no, I wasn't. The Mom-contingent showed up strong. I actually saw more parent-types in the movie theatre Friday night than teens.

So, my "movie" essay on the Hunger Games is coming very soon (April 1, I think). So stay tuned. More details to come.

In the meantime, don't forget it's Prom Season, and I say why settle for one prom when you can have two? Check out A Tale of Two Proms!

Happy Hunger Games Week!

If you hear that high-pitched squealing sound, it's my inner 13-year-old girl going bonkers over the soon-to-be released Hunger Games movie. I, like millions of you, am a huge Hunger Game triology fan. I love Twilight, too, but come on, let's be real here. We all know in a showdown, that Bella wouldn't last five minutes against Katniss. For Katniss, it's not about pining over boys, it's about kicking butt. As the mother of two girls, I really do have to admire that.

Besides, have you SEEN the Hunger Games trailer? Says it all.

For those of you who don't know, I wrote an essay on the Hunger Games for Smart Pop's book The Girl Who Was On Fire (Most Awesome Assignment Ever). If you head over today, you'll find my essay up for 24 hours and can read it free! But if you haven't read the rest of the book, you should buy it. It's a must-read for every Hunger Games fan.

Pop Smart will also be releasing special movie-related essays. I'll be writing about science and the special effects of the movie. That means when I'm waiting in line to get into the movie theater Friday night, I'm actually "working." Did I mention I have the best job on earth? You know, not to rub it in or anything.

So, in summary, Happy Hunger Games Week!

And I haven't forgotten you Bard fans. I still have a few bookmarks to give away, so anyone who's interested, just email me your A Tale of Two Proms receipt and I will send you a signed bookmark!

Want a Signed Bookmark? Get one!

Hi all my lovely Bard fans,

I have just received a stack of limited-edition Bard Academy bookmarks and I will be signing about a 100 of them. If you'd like one (and, I get it, ironic to have one even though A TALE OF TWO PROMS is an eBook), but hey, it's signed by yours truly, so it's something that will look awesome hanging up in your room. Plus, you could put it into the pages of Wuthering High or The Scarlet Letterman.

All you have to do to get one is to buy A TALE OF TWO PROMS, available from all major retailers:

Amazon (shout out to the Kindle!): http://amzn.to/tdDEdB

Apple: http://bit.ly/uMkpKD

Barnes and Noble (Nook fans!): http://bit.ly/uNd6nG

Once you've downloaded it and gotten an e-receipt, email it to me, along with your snail-mail address and I'll send you a signed bookmark (Hello - collector's item!).

Don't wait!
Buy now!
:)

Want a Signed Bookmark? Get one!

Hi all my lovely Bard fans,

I have just received a stack of limited-edition Bard Academy bookmarks and I will be signing about a 100 of them. If you'd like one (and, I get it, ironic to have one even though A TALE OF TWO PROMS is an eBook), but hey, it's signed by yours truly, so it's something that will look awesome hanging up in your room. Plus, you could put it into the pages of Wuthering High or The Scarlet Letterman.

All you have to do to get one is to buy A TALE OF TWO PROMS, available from all major retailers:

Amazon (shout out to the Kindle!): http://amzn.to/tdDEdB

Apple: http://bit.ly/uMkpKD

Barnes and Noble (Nook fans!): http://bit.ly/uNd6nG

Once you've downloaded it and gotten an e-receipt, email it to me, along with your snail-mail address and I'll send you a signed bookmark (Hello - collector's item!).

Don't wait!
Buy now!
:)