MORE ON SIDEKICKS, WINNER, NEW CONTEST, THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

I once heard a NY Times Best Selling Author ask a room full of writers if anyone was a sidekick, or wanted to be a sidekick. That just made me laugh. Of course, no one raised their hand because no one wants to be a sidekick. We all want the spotlight. With that said, in novels, there is generally a sidekick, or two.

I've been told one learns something new every day. Well, this week, I learned that Blaine Walker does have two sidekicks in his life. Really, he does. When I wrote the book, I really only thought of his best friend Toby as his sidekick. Toby does provide for some comic relief. However, the bottom line is that Toby will always put his neck out for Blaine, no matter what. Except, the same goes for Dave. When I first starting writing Dave, his roll in the book had been a lot smaller. However, I realized that he brought a lot to book. He was an enriching character and I think he had a much needed balancing power over Blaine. Of course, he was very much a father figure - and ironically, he's Toby's father.

So, Blaine had two sidekicks. Go figure.

Thanks to everyone who participated. Deb - you are a winner! Contact me at jenni@jenniholbrook.com, so I can get you your prize!

New Contest and Thought for the Day.

Lets start with the thought. This morning I had to have one of my wisdom teeth pulled. Yeah, I know, kind of old for that. Usually one has their wisdom teeth taken out as a teenager. Well, as of this morning, I still had all four. Now I've only got three. Anyway, they recommend you bring in an ipod or something so you can listen to music. Basically, they want you distracted when they rip your tooth from your gums! I have a couple of books downloaded on mine, so I started to listen to a book on tape, or ipod, or whatever. After the oral surgeon was done, I went home and listened to the entire book, again. It's a good book. Not my favorite, but good. It got me thinking about being stranded on an island, all alone, with only reading material. If that were the case, and you could only have three books for the next, say, two years, what books would you want to have on your stranded island? What three books could keep you entertained over and over again?

So, here's the contest - in the comment section of this blog, tell us your three books and tell us why those three books. Everyone who comments will have their name put into a hat. I will draw the winner next week. The prize will be one of my favorite books! You will get to choose which one from the the three.

So, here are mine:

1. LOST GIRLS by Robert Doherty

This has to be, by far, my favorite all time book. I have read it already three times and I am sure I will read it again, and again. I'm not sure I could ever get bored reading this book. The opening pages give me tingles. I actually break out in goosebumps every time I read it. The first time I read the book (and I read it in one sitting), I closed the book, closed my eyes, and nearly cried. The writing was so incredible, that again, I don't think I will ever be that good.

2. TELL NO ONE by Harlan Coben

This has got to be one of the most gripping tales I have ever read. While the technology is slightly dated, the real emotions of the protagonist stick with you forever. I've read many books by this man, but this one deals with human emotions on a level that most writers never touch. For me, this book was all about character and I could really relate to the protagonist, even though I had never been in his situation. It's a great read.

3. CALLING MR. LONELY HEARTS by Laura Benedict

OK - this is one hell of a book. When you hear editors and agents say they want something different, something unique, well, CALLING MR. LONELY HEARTS is exactly what they are talking about. Again, I read this book in one sitting. A week later, I had to read it again. I'm not kidding. Laura has one of the most unique voices I have ever read. I've always believed that storytelling is a gift. We can all learn to write, but no one can teach us to be great storytellers. Laura is truly a great storyteller and this book is a must read for everyone.

If I were stuck on an island with only three books and nothing else, those three books could keep me occupied forever! Tell me your three books!