So tomorrow, Tuesday, October 11th, a full ten months before my own debut novel Populazzi comes out… Elixir will be released.
Elixir is the YA novel I co-wrote with Hilary Duff.
I’m silly-excited.
Let me just blow out of the water any preconceptions about celebrity writers — or at least, about this celebrity writer. Elixir is Hilary’s book. By the time I entered the picture, she already had the concept, the main characters, and a strong sense of the story she wanted to tell. My job, which I enjoyed tremendously, was to help her flesh out all of the above, then work with her to turn it from a great idea into a full-fledged novel.
In other words, we spent many, many hours sitting together on our laptops.
I can’t say enough great things about Hilary. She’s a terrific person, with a strong story sense and a remarkable ear for dialogue. I loved working with her, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts about Elixir.
I hope you like it!
xo,
P.S. You can check out the synopsis, reviews and all kinds of other info about the book here. And if you happen to be near the TV for The Today Show this morning, or for Live With Regis and Kelly tomorrow, check out Hilary’s appearances. I’ll be TiVo-ing both!
Congrats, Hilary. Gorgeous cover and having read the book, it’s a great story – sure to grab readers and keep them turning pages. Happy launch week.
KIM
Thanks, Kim! The cover is seriously gorgeous. Simon and Schuster did a terrific job with it.
I tend to be very skeptical about celebrity novelists, but I was sent ELIXER because of your connection with it, so I’m going to be reading it soon and keeping an open mind.
Hmm, I can see that I haven’t had any caffeine yet. Let’s try this again: ELIXIR.
Better.
Love that you’re going to give it a try. I know people can be skeptical of celebrity writers, but I’ve been incredibly impressed with Hilary’s level of dedication and her work ethic. If you can, put the celeb thing out of your head while you’re reading and just look at it as a debut novel.
I look forward to your thoughts!
Jen, you need YOUR elixir!
I do! I should just hook up an IV of caffeine first thing in the morning – especially after being at a book trade show all weekend!
This is one of the few times I wish I knew how to work my television. I’d love to see those TV interviews (though I guess I couldn’t if those are cable shows…are they?) Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed ELIXIR and am wishing both of you wild success with it!
Tawna
Basic network… and coming to Debutante Ball Post near you soon!
Yay! So exciting. It sounds like Hilary was great to work with, and Elixir was certainly a fun read.
I can’t wait for the next…there has to be a next, right? Don’t cliffhanger us, Hilise!
Love “Hilise” 🙂
Yup — already working with HD on the next one!
Oh thank goodness! I just finished it, literally 5 minutes ago, and ran over here to see if there was any hint for a follow-up. Oh thank you thank you for not leaving it just like that. It was fabulous! I was thrilled with it the whole way through. I read it into the night, but unfortunately had to go to sleep. The good part is I had some wild dreams! I’ll probably have some more wild dreams for about a week! Can’t wait to show the book to my family and friends and get them to read it! They’ll love it! You two did an amazing job! Love the cover too!
I did see Hilary on TODAY this morning and she said the story had been in her mind forever. Then I talked back to her (through the screen) and said, “Thank Elise for helping to bring it out of your mind!” 🙂
LOVING YOU, LARRAMIE!
And she did credit me by name, which was lovely. Hilary has been very open about my role in helping her, which just points to her integrity. I’ve been so impressed by her at every step of this journey, and I’m really excited for us to dive into book two together.
Congrats Elise! Just saw you mentioned book two – are you doing another one together? How fun. She must love working with you just as much as you do her!
Yay for Elixer! Totally feeling the Elixer fever this week–seeing and hearing of it everywhere. Congrats to you, and Hilary, who seems like a sweetheart. xoxo