Guest post and book giveaway: Carleen Brice

I am so, so thrilled today because we've got the wonderful Carleen Brice here for a guest blog. And if you think that's good, just wait-- because it only gets better! Carleen's also been generous enough to agree to do a giveaway of her fabulous debut novel, ORANGE MINT AND HONEY. Deets on how to enter are at the bottom of this post.

So, without further ado, I give you Carleen:

"I am extraordinarily patient, provided I get my own way in the end." – Margaret Thatcher

The good news: My first novel, ORANGE MINT AND HONEY, was optioned by Lifetime Movie Network (LMN)! Yay!

The bad news: Filmmaking takes a looooooooong time. TV moves faster than features (that’s what Lala Land types call movies on the big screen), and God knows, Lifetime is actually clipping right along (there’s a producer and screenwriter on board; script is almost done). But still the process of adaptation requires patience on behalf of the novelist. Something that is so not my strong suit.

Most of my friends thought the option meant I was moving to Hollywood to audition tall, dark & handsome men (even though there are no tall, dark & handsome men in my story). Not exactly.

First of all, Lifetime movies are filmed in Canada.

Second of all, I have no say whatsoever about the film. They could decide that my poignant mother-daughter story would really be better as a buddy picture in outer space. But this is Lifetime so they won’t. Lifetime and poignant mother-daughter stories go together like mashed potatoes and gravy. I’m in good hands.

And third of all, “optioned” doesn’t mean the movie will be made. An option means the network pays a little money up front to hold the rights while they try to put the deal together. In my case, putting the deal together means trying to get some names attached since, ahem, I am not a name. I have a name, and all my life that has been good enough, but not good enough for Hollywood. Nope, for Hollywood you need to be a name.

So there’s a screenwriter and producer working on the film and (I hear) soon a director and maybe even a cast. That’s the point we’ll get the green light (Lala Land for “yep, we’re actually making it.”

And instead of sipping mojitos at the Chateau Marmont with Diablo and friends, having my first novel optioned means I’m still in Denver. In my pajamas. Waiting. Listening to this song over and over.

But like Mrs. Thatcher said, as long as I get my way in the end, I’ll be ok. (Come on Lifetime, give me the green light!)

And, I just remembered! There is one tall, dark & handsome guy in my story! It’s a small role, but maybe the director would like the author’s input….

While she waits for the green light from LMN, Carleen writes to pass the time. Her second novel CHILDREN OF THE WATERS, comes out July 7. It too would make a perfect movie. Hint, hint Hollywood.

Big thanks to Carleen for stopping by today! Want to win a free signed copy of Carleen's book before it hits the screen? Just leave a comment on my blog and you're entered! Want extra entries? That can be arranged.... Blog about it for another entry. Become of follower of this blog for another entry, too. Or you can leave a comment on another one of my blog posts for yet another entry!