Hack Writer Profiled In Last Week's NYTimes
From last week's New York Times Fashion & Style section (because I'm too hip for the Books section):
"Fifty Shames of Earl Grey" will go on sale on July 31, under the pen name Fanny Merkin. “I wanted to have a little fun with some of the issues I found with it, without really attacking,” Shaffer said.
Unlike Anastasia Steele, the naïve heroine of “Fifty Shades,” his heroine, Anna Steal, is experienced and confident. Her lover, Earl Grey, smells like Coconut Lime Breeze body wash and has sexual proclivities that are shockingly tame. “He’s like, ‘I like to spank girls,’ “ Mr. Shaffer said. “And she’s like: ‘Really? That’s it?’ “
Ms. James declined to comment on the satire, but her publicist at Vintage, Paul Bogaards, offered effusive praise. “Erotica is hard,” Mr. Bogaards said. “Comedy is harder. If anyone can pull this off, it’s Andrew Shaffer.”
Would You Write For Free?
Thursday, May 10 By Andrew Shaffer "They pay me absurd amounts of money for something that I would do for free." - Stephen King, in conversation with Neil Gaiman
Harlequin's "Guide to Erotic Romance"
Romance publisher Harlequin is looking to capitalize on the success of Fifty Shades of Grey with a new "Guide to Erotic Romance." The site includes recommendations of Harlequin books, a glossary of terms, free online reads, and links to erotic romance blogs.
Of course you’re curious about erotic romance…but perhaps the thought of asking questions has you turning fifty shades of red. Fear not: Harlequin has the perfect primer for newcomers to the naughty stuff. (We are romance experts after all, offering erotic reads that run the gamut from the boudoir to the dungeon!) So read on! You know you want to…
Augusten Burroughs' "This Is How" Excerpt
Tuesday, May 8 By Andrew Shaffer