Fifty Writers on Fifty Shades of Grey…

I was recently given the opportunity to review a new book, Fifty Writers on Fifty Shades of Grey edited by Lori Perkins.  The book took 50 writers, from romance and erotica authors, to BDSM dungeon masters, to adult entertainment industry professionals to write about what their thoughts are on trilogy and its impact on today’s society.

The book reminds me of some of the required reading in my Sociology courses I took back in college and not in a bad way!  I enjoyed reading what other writers and experts think about E L James’ work.

Whether or not you are a rabid fan of the trilogy, someone who thinks the books have changed their lives, or just someone that appreciated the books for a good, quick, secret vice read you will enjoy Fifty Writers on Fifty Shades of Grey.  The book delves into everything from sexual politics to what sets it apart from other erotic fiction and romance (and what doesn’t), to the history of the erotica and its impact on the world.

The book will be available on November 20, 2012

Mags

Please see the full press release below:

Over the past year, sex toy sales have skyrocketed, the term “mommyporn” has been popularized, and erotic novels have replaced the Bible in some hotels, all because of o­ne little book: Fifty Shades of Grey. Author E.L. James has sparked a cultural revolution with her Fifty Shades trilogy, changing the way people think about everything from fanfiction and erotica, to BDSM and relationships. It’s the series people can’t stop talking about, because there’s so much to say.
In Fifty Writers on Fifty Shades of Grey, editor Lori Perkins has collected 50 writers—including romance and erotica authors, BDSM dungeon masters, professors, lawyers, and adult industry professionals—to weigh in on the must-read series of 2012. It includes pieces from:

The editor who “discovered” Fifty Shades of Grey back when it was Masters of the Universe, Tish Beaty. Writer Jennifer Sanzo, who says Christian isn’t a possessive, bossy control-freak—he’s an old-school Byronic hero. Master R of BDSM training chateau La Domaine Esemar, who evaluates Christian Grey’s skill as a Dominant, and offers some professional advice Matrimonial lawyer Sherri Donovan, who examines the legalities of Christian’s BDSM contract, and shares her recommendations for Ana.

And many more, including:

Sylvia Day                  Heather Graham                   Andrew Shaffer

M.J. Rose                     Sinnamon Love                      Judith Regan

Fifty Writers on Fifty Shades of Grey will give those who loved the books a chance to linger in Christian and Ana’s world, while giving those who had mixed feelings on the series a way to understand its staggering popularity, and appreciate its impact.

About the Editor

Lori Perkins is the Editorial Director of Ravenous Romance, and has been a literary agent for 20 years. She was awarded the Outstanding Achievement as an Author Representative award by Romantic Times magazine as well as the Agent of the Year award from the Romance Writers of America’s NYC chapter.

Perkins wrote The Insider’s Guide to Getting an Agent (Writers Digest Books), and has edited twenty erotica anthologies and more than 100 erotic novels, as well as published erotica under a pseudonym.

She has taught writing and editing as an adjunct professor at NYU’s Center for Publishing for two decades.

About Smart Pop

Smart Pop is the pop culture imprint of Dallas-based publisher BenBella Books. Our mission is to publish smart, fresh nonfiction titles on television, books, and film. You can find more online at smartpopbooks.com.

Book Details:

Title: Fifty Writers on Fifty Shades of Grey

Editor: Lori Perkins

Publisher: Smart Pop (An Imprint of BenBella Books), distributed by Perseus Distribution

Publication: November 20, 2012, $14.95 (CAN $17.50), Paper, ISBN: 978-1-937856-42-7

Fiction/Literature, 304 pages, 5 1/2 x 8 1/4

Available at bookstores everywhere and through Perseus Distribution

Toll-free number for orders only:

1-800-343-4499. Orderentry@perseusbooks.com

Disclaimer:  A free copy of this book was given to the reader with the expectation that they would write a fair and honest review of it.

Find us on Twitter: @50Latersbaby

More Actors Who Could Play Christian

A few weeks ago I did a post about actors who might be able to play Christian Grey, like Ian Somerhalder and Matt Bomer, among others.  I thought I would do an update and check out some other actors whose names come up.

Chris Zylka – Best known as the Amazing Spiderman.  I absolutely loved him as Spiderman.  He’s cute, funny, has unruly hair, and saves small children.  But, I can’t see him as Christian.  He’s just too cute and young.  And when I look at his other work, I’m freaked out that he was on Hannah Montana in 2009. Not that there is anything wrong with Hannah Montana, but it feeds into the youngish feeling.  I could see him play Ethan thought. Owell, it looks like he’s busy with Spiderman films anyway, and probably has a contract that will make him hard to schedule with.

Henry Cavill – Best known for his role in The Tudors, but also was in Immortals, The Count of Monte Cristo and Dunhill Ads.  He is awful hot in the Dunhill ads, but there is a big difference between a commercial and a movie.  I tried to watch Immortals, but couldn’t get past 10 or 11 minutes before giving up. I did watch a few episodes of The Tudors, he has a supporting role so he’s not on screen a lot.  But he does have a devilish and sexy look.  I can see why people like him and I think he is up to the role, but I wouldn’t put him as my first choice. But don’t forget he’s the new Superman, which may make him tough to schedule with too.

Jessie Pavelka – His name pops up from time to time.  He’s done a lot of TV stuff, nothing that really jumps out at me though.  He is hot though and definitely has the looks for a Christian.

Alexander Skarsgard – Best known for his role in True Blood.  I tried to watch this series, but it’s too weird for my taste.  But he’s definitely hot.  Not quite what I picture as Christian, but I can see why others might like him. He seems to be pursuing another film at the moment where he would play a pedophile, Lolita.

Armie Hammer – I’ve seen him in The Social Network and Mirror Mirror.  He’s cute, he’s a good actor, but almost too perfect looking for Christian and his unruly hair.

Michael Fassbender – I saw him in Inglorious Bastards and he’s a good actor. He’s also been in Prometheus and X-Men First Class, I don’t think either role is the type where I’m going to see much of a Christian type of character.  He did play Mr. Rochester in Jane Eyre though, perhaps good practice for playing Christian? He’s totally not what I picture Christian as looking like.  He is 35 and does look a bit too old for Christian.

William Levy’s name seems to come up a fair amount too, but since he’s done primarily Spanish language stuff, there’s not much chance of me figuring out if he’s any good.  But he does look good.

In the interest of keeping myself from getting disappointed I’m not getting my heart set on anyone since I have no control over who gets selected.  But I would say Ian Somerhalder and Matt Bomer top my list.

Crissy

Find us on Twitter: @50Latersbaby

Winner of the Fifty Faces of Grey App

We are excited to announce the winner of the Fifty Face app giveaway.

@nudanulif0812 on twitter

She has won a code for a free copy of the Fifty Faces app for the iPhone/itouch/ipad.

Hollie, please let us know how compatible you are with Christian Grey.

In case you’re wondering how the winner was chosen.  I had a couple entries through Twitter so I put every ones name on a piece of paper and picked it from a hat – old school style.

Thank you everyone who participated and sorry to those of you who are on the android and couldn’t participate.  We’ll be having more giveaways soon so keep stopping by the site.

Crissy

Find us on Twitter: @50Latersbaby

99 Cents of Fun and a Giveaway

On Wednesday I got a free copy of the Fifty Faces of Grey app for the iphone, itouch, ipad.  It’s 99 Cents of fun for the Fifty Shades of Grey fan.

The app allows you to create your own Christian Grey by having you answer some questions.  You’ll need to answer honestly to get the right one.

Then you can also find out how compatible you are with Christian.  I am 87% compatible and Mags 79%.

For 99 cents, it’s a fun little app to play with, and they have more features coming in the future, like chat and quizzes.  The perfect app for your Fifty Shades of Grey conversations, or waiting on line for Erika’s autograph in your books.

AND we have a free giveaway code.  What better way to test our shift over to Disqus commenting system? Fingers crossed.  We should be able to track you down like Christian does Ana with Disqus log in.  But just in case please leave either a Twitter handle or Email address in your comment.

If you are having trouble commenting, just send an email or a tweet to us @50latersbaby and we’ll add you to the entries.  If you could let us know what the issue is with posting we would appreciate it (browser or login), we’re trying to work out the kinks.

You’ll need to tell us what you think you’re compatibility % will be with Christian.  We’ll choose a winner by Random.org at 3:00 PM on Friday!

Good Luck!

Crissy

Find us on Twitter: @50Latersbaby

Synopsis of the News Part 2

I thought I would do another round of the crazy stuff that’s in the news. You can check out my original Synopsis of the News too.

Justin Bieber claims to have been offered a role.  My inbox was stuffed with articles about Justin Bieber being in the movie, I only read one article before I realized Bieber is a hard limit.

Chelsea Handler is going to write a spoof about the books.  This is apparently big news but since… I have no idea who she is so I’m not sure why.

E L James didn’t mention a screenwriter on Katie Couric, so obviously they must already have one, and a full script to go with it!  Well there goes my theory about Emma Watson’s comments meaning nothing since there isn’t a script to see. (She’s been saying that she’s flattered but hasn’t scene a script yet)

Miley Cyrus has kinky sex with boyfriend Liam Hemsworth, it’s not the Christian Grey type of kinky, they like to do it in weird places.  TMI!

There is a group of people who think Fifty Shades of Grey is about a pedophile.  I’m embarrassed to say I read enough to know that it’s because Ana is written like a teenager.  I’m even more embarrassed that I took the time to mention this in a blog post.

Rob Pattinson joked about being offended that E L James said she doesn’t want him (because of Twilight) in the movie.  Too bad she didn’t actually say that.

Kristen Stewart is now saying she wants to be in the movie.  Really?  After all these months and her bad reading from the book. And after E L James apparently said she didn’t want her or Rob?

J K Rowling said she isn’t interested in reading Fifty Shades of Grey. Yea, like the mother of Harry Potter was going to admit to that publicly!

Crissy

Find us on Twitter: @50Latersbaby

E L James takes Seattle!

If you watched E L James on the Katie Couric show you know that she was excited about finally going to Seattle and seeing all the sites that she has written about.  If you follow her on Twitter you know she’s been getting the star treatment there this past weekend.  Here are a few of the things she’s been Tweeting, or you can follow her on YFrog.

She’s been to Escala:

Pike Street Market:

The Fairmont Olympic Cascade Suite:

Basically, she’s been to all the big sites in Seattle and from the books.  Mags and I are jealous, but we’re hoping to make it out there in 2013 so we can see it all ourselves.  Of course I don’t think we’ll be getting to see the view from the Escala Penthouse.

Crissy

Find us on Twitter: @50Latersbaby

Christian and Ana at your nearest Halloween Party…

Crissy and I were talking the other day and the subject of costumes came up…now wait a minute, wait just a minute, before your minds take you to that special place…I’m talking about Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele character costumes for this upcoming Halloween season.  I think we’ll see a lot of couples dressing up as the kinky duo this year.

How many of you are planning on going to a costume party dressed up as any of the Fifty Shades of Grey characters? From which book, or scene?

Let us know people!

Mags

Find us on Twitter: @50Latersbaby

50 Shades of Passion Cover Contest

The contest is now closed. 

Yes, we’re having another contest and giveaway, we can’t help it.  People want to give things away and we want people to get free stuff.

Here is what is up for grabs, 50 Shades of Passion, a companion book:
50 Shades of Passion is a companion book for all the fans of 50 Shades of Grey.
With tips for beginners, and new ideas for those that are experienced, 50 Shades of Passion provides tools and techniques for exploring BDSM with your partner.

As a part of the final stages of publishing the book, we wanted to get feedback from 50 Shades of Grey fans on the cover for the book.  We have a couple covers we’re considering, and we want to hear which one YOU like the best!

What’s even better is that in exchange for your feedback, one lucky reader of this blog will win free copy of the very first printing of the book!  All you have to do is a leave a comment on this blog post with the letter that corresponds to your selection (A, B, C, or D) and an (optional) quick bit of feedback on why you chose the cover that you did.

Here is what you need to do: post a comment on the blog with your choice and why (optional).

We only have a few days. The writers of the book will choose a winner in 3 or 4 days: Monday or Tuesday.

Thank you everyone in advance and good luck.

Crissy and Mags

Find us on Twitter: @50Latersbaby

Fifty Shades of Grey in the Media

Niall Leonard, E L James’ husband, did an interview with Thestar.com, not to be confused with STAR, the trashy magazine.  What I liked about this article is that we find out that one of the scenes that they acted out (though I think this was a choreography thing, not a sex thing) was the car scene.

Thank you Ruffles & Restraints!

E L James answered a question with Katie’s Social Wall and said she has a cameo role in the books.  I’ll answer what role at the bottom of the post incase you want to look first yourself.

In this article from StarTribune we learn that the “L” in E L James is for her middle name.  I always assumed it was for Leonard, but you know what happens when you assume.

On Monday night Erika had an event in Soho House in New York City, entry into the event required wearing a handcuff.  My favorite line from the Business Insider article is that her friend said “Oh, you dark, dark horse,” in regards to her writing the novel. She’s also working on re-writing her first book and would like to write a paranormal romance in the future.

And to lighten the mood we’ll end with the Fifty Shades of Chicken parody cookbook by FL Fowler.  Who ever created this is creative, just check out the description.

Crissy

According to @E_L_James smilies on twitter, she is in Fifty Shades Darker at the Fairmont Olympic with the westies.