Looks like I'll have another adult chick lit coming out in the future. Penguin/NAL just bought my fourth novel, INSIDER DATING. It will be out in May 2007. Here's a brief description: What happens when a Boston-based financial whiz decides to take her penchant for asset management to the next level by setting out to do for relationships what Morningstar did for mutual funds, creating a secret underground society where women share information on the riskiest investment of all – men? It's better than insider trading, it's INSIDER DATING.
An Essay in IT’S A WONDERFUL LIE: THE TRUTH ABOUT LIFE IN YOUR TWENTIES
A Wonderful Anthology and Homage to Judy Blume Pride and Prejudice Anthology Those aren't random musings, they're actual reviews! "Decadent fun." - Kirkus Reviews on OFF THE RECORD
Even though it’s hard to believe that my twenties were almost a decade ago, I didn’t have any trouble coming up with a topic for this great collection of essays by some wonderful women writers (including a few of my friends). My twenties were actually a lot of fun, but when I had to think about “the great lie” I wish I’d known about, my first reaction was: relationships. The essay I submitted for the collection is titled "The Best Laid Plans…" and it tackles the idea of the relationship that was supposed to be forever, if only forever didn’t have to last so long. IT’S A WONDERFUL LIE comes out in January 2007.
Last summer I had what I thought was a great idea, and now it's going to be published by Pocket Books (Simon & Schuster) in June 2007. EVERYTHING I NEEDED TO KNOW ABOUT BEING A GIRL I LEARNED FROM JUDY BLUME is a non-fiction anthology with essays by such authors as Megan Cabot, Megan McCafferty, and twenty other fabulous women authors. The essays are fun, humorous and poignant looks at how Blume's novels shaped a generation of girls while celebrating the women we grew up to be. The topics are amazing and this promises to be a ton of fun.
New Teen Chicklit from MTV Books Is Out
My first teen chick lit, PLAN B, is out! At least someone’s nails are looking good. My next teen book, THE BOOK OF LUKE, will be out in April 2007. Check out the web site of my alter ego at www.jennyoconnell.com.
With the new Pride and Prejudice movie released to praise, I thought I’d let you know about an anthology I participated in – FLIRTING WITH PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: FRESH PERSPECTIVES ON THE ORIGINAL CHICK LIT MASTERPIECE. Edited by Jennifer Crusie, the book is chock-full of contemporary essays and takes on Jane Austen’s story of family, social expectations, and, of course, the lovely Mr. Darcy.
"Rockin'." Complete Woman Magazine on OFF THE RECORD
"O'Connell's newest carries catchy tune." - Chicago Sun-Times on OFF THE RECORD
"Hot book pick." - US Weekly on DRESS REHEARSAL
"Perfect." - The Boston Herald on DRESS REHEARSAL
"Fun." - Book List on DRESS REHEARSAL
"Fresh...entertaining...fun." DENVER POST on BACHELORETTE #1
"Page-turner." Cosmopolitan Magazine on BACHELORETTE #1