•- -♥- -♥- -♥- -♥- -♥- -♥- -♥- -•

Bloody Bookaholic's Commandment:

Thou Shall Read Till Thy Eyes Bleed

Wednesday 10 March 2010

Hilary Duff Publishing YA- Good or Bad?

**+5 on Contest if Comment**
As I was looking through the usual blogs I follow I found this at Kilee's Closet.

"Actress and musician Hilary Duff inked a multiple-book deal with Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers today. The first novel is Elixir, scheduled to be published in hardcover October 2010. The deal also includes a nonfiction book about children of divorce--scheduled for a spring 2012 launch.

The series will focus on a photojournalist named Clea Raymond, the celebrity offspring of a politician and a doctor. In Da Vinci Code fashion, she chases a dashing boy "in a race against time to unravel a centuries-old mystery that could unlock the key to her soulmate's true identity." Duff (pictured, via) began her career on the Disney Channel show, Lizzie McGuire, and recently had a guest spot on Gossip Girl.

Duff had this statement: "I've always loved the escape of a great book, especially one that features a strong, inspiring female character you feel you really understand, someone who could be you, but living a more fascinating life. I'm hoping Elixir will be that kind of book--a novel that will transport readers and open new worlds for them."


If you have followed me for a certain amount of time you know how I reacted to the Miley Cirus playing a YA character bomb. Which is still in my opinion a horrible decision. I don't even want to watch the latest Nicholas Sparks movie (The Last Song) because she plays the main character's role in it. I mean seriously? Seriously?


BUT -yes, there is a but- is this really that bad? I mean, my main reaction was 'seriously?' but then I started to think about it. Maybe the girl can write. Maybe it will work out not only for her but for all of us. It has a good (though kind of girly; a girl chasing a guy? Sounds kind of like a Nickelodeon movie) premise, and well, if we discard her that quickly aren't we being a little bit prejudice against her because she is an actor and a singer? And, blond. (haha blond joke, they never get old -sorry to any blond girl who is reading this I don't mean that against you personally)

All I say is, as hard as it is, I am not going to make a riot out of it. I am going to give her a chance and let her try to impress me. And besides, playing a character on a movie and writing a book are two different things. Maybe that is the reason I am not going to overreact to this. Because Miley Cyrus I would have to actually see in a screen and Hilary Duff is just writing. Words are words; Here's to hoping she does a decent job.

PS; Here is the main article and here is Kilee's opinion on the matter.

43 comments:

  1. Well, like you said, who knows if she can write? I mean yeah, she's Hilary Duff but maybe she's a good writer too? The truth is, when she releases her book (s) we'll never really know because a lot of the time Ghost Writers are hired to write / edit large parts of these novels.

    It does bug me a little bit though just because it's my dream to be published and while some people have to work so hard at it, someone like Hilary Duff who may not necessarily have even wanted to write a book until now just gets handed a deal. But that's life I guess. The public will buy these books just like they purchased Lauren Conrad's books. At the end of the day, it's all about the money unfortunately.

    ReplyDelete
  2. The girl can't act and she can't sing. So now she's getting even more money to write something that will probably be just as horrible as her acting and singing skills. This country is such a mess.

    ReplyDelete
  3. If it gets tweens reading it can't be that bad, right?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Interesting. I like Hillary Duff so I'm interested in seeing how she writes. As long as the story isn't too Da Vinci Code, though.

    As for Miley Cyrus...I would love to see The Last Song cause I enjoy the movies that are based on Nicolas Sparks' books, but I absolutely REFUSE to watch it because of HER. ugh. (rant over)

    So, yeah. Bring it on Hillary. I'm game.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I dont no. I mean, if the books are good, then sure why not. But if she just does it to become more famous and the books are crappy. NO WAY!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I think the summary sounds kind of interesting; not sure how it'll turn out. And I saw some article not too long ago where Miley said that she and Liam (Last Song costar) are "deeper than normal people." What the heck?!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I had the same reaction. At first I was like seriously?! But the more I thought about it, the more I realize that there really is no problem with her writing a book.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'd be willing to give the girl a chance. I think she's much more likeable in comparison to Miley Cyrus--in my opinion, at least ;P

    The premise sounds girly but... I like cute books ;)

    ReplyDelete
  9. It doesn't seem like my kind of book anyway, so even if it wasn't written by her I wouldn't be very likely to pick it up.

    I will watch The Last Song though, I just love Nicholas' stories =D

    ReplyDelete
  10. I think that if a person can write well then it's great if they publish books in addition to whatever else they do. Maybe someone will pick up and read a book because they recognize the author. what I object to is people being published just because they are a name - even when they can't write

    ReplyDelete
  11. I think it could end up being a good thing. She has always made tv shows and movies for the younger generation, so maybe YA books are a good fit for her. Who knows, but might as well give her a chance, maybe it'll be a great series!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I just think it's sad when untalented famous people get to do things and hard working good writers may not. Just because she likes to read doesn't mean she's a good writer.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I honestly can't give my opinion until I have read some of her work. I will just have to say give her a chance.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Interesting... books written by celebrities usually aren't that good, but hopefully Hillary can change that with her book! The summary sounds ok.
    I just hope that she'll write it herself and not hire a ghost writer!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I agree with you. First thing I thought of is who knows if she can write? I mean yeah, she's Hilary Duff but can she write. I will give opinion once I read her book. Some actors can write so who knows, she may be one of them.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Interesting post! Please check out my book blog:

    http://themilelongbookshelf.blogspot.com

    Thanks :-)

    ReplyDelete
  17. I think it will be interesting to see how it will all turn out. Also, I think Hilary Duff has a lot more talent and class than Miley Cyrus so I will give her a chance and possibly read her book when it comes out.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I've always liked Hilary Duff as a person. She's one of those Hollywood Starlets who keeps her private life private and hasn't (to my recollection) managed to do anything bad that girls who look up to her would repeat.
    Plus, the little summary sounds intriguing. I like the idea of having a Girl Power version of The DaVinci Code.
    Besides, at least it's trying to be original plot wise. I'd be disappointed if she was going to pull a Lauren Conrad and write a thinly veiled novel series about her days on Lizzie Maguire.

    +5 for Contest.

    ReplyDelete
  19. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  20. It could be really good or it could be LA Candy all over again.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Don't get me wrond here. I actually like Hilary Duff, she is a great actress. But I kind think the only reason she or her pulisist decided to do this because it is becoming the next big fad in hollywood. Like, how lauren Conrad, that girl from teh hills wrote a book. I havent read it and havent heard much about it, but I think writing a book is becoming the new hollywood fad. From drugs, to shaving off your hair, and now they are at writing books. Oh well, let's see how it goes.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I'm a little skeptical because she probably only got the deal becuase she's famous, but I'm not going to start hating her book without even reading it. For all I know, she could be the best author ever, but I'll probably just end up checking it out from the library. The fact that she's famous doesn't affect how I'll think of her book.

    Also, I totally agree with you about Miley Cyrus playing a YA character. Every time the preview comes on for the Last Song I have to turn the channel because I start twitching and my ears bleed every time I hear her voice.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Chances are the book will be ghost written with her name on the cover. But really it's just a ploy for the publisher to get guaranteed funds. Hillary Duff is a money-making name. Tweens eat her stuff up and they're sure to snag whatever else she comes out with, even if it's a book.

    It's bad for genuinely good emerging writers out there who have to hear that their manuscripts have been turned down because it's not "salable" or their advance is pennies because they're unknown and the publisher doesn't want to take a big risk. As a writer, it's sad and disheartening.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I agree with you all the way. At first hearing that she was publishing a YA book, I have to say I was being judgemental by thinking it was going to be chick lit. But I think that what she is planning to publish is actually an interesting idea. And I'm looking forward to reading it.
    I also agree with you on the Miley thing. She being in The Last Song is the only reason why I won't be bothering to go see it.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I agree with Mina, I like Hilary duff. She's not in the headlines a lot and she seems like a laid back, nice person.

    I also agree with this post, I was suprised by the news but if she can write, that's great! (Same thing with Lauren Conrad, although I was a bit more skeptical. I'm not sure if the book is any good). I don't like the whole 'finding your solemate' concept but I do like the idea of mystery and traveling. And I'm feelingh opeful based on her statement of strong, female characters. I'll give her a chance :)

    ReplyDelete
  26. I figure that we all need to at least give the girl a shot. We'll never truly know if she is a decent writer unless we take a minute and read some of her stuff. I've never been a fan of her acting, but I don't think she's a terrible actress and she has never really come off as the ditzy type to me, so there's a chance that she can actually write well.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I wrote about this on my blog as well. I was never one of her biggest fans and i'm not one right now. I might give the book a chance but maybe a while after its published.
    you have an award
    at my blog

    ReplyDelete
  28. I'm willing to give her a chance! I mean I liked Hillary Duff okay, and if she can write then more power to her! We'll see how it goes :).

    ReplyDelete
  29. I hate to be mean and judge the book by the author but I don't think that girl has talent! She's dissapeared from the tv and movies so now shes trying to come back through books. Sorry sound a little too MK and Ashley Olsen to me!

    ReplyDelete
  30. I'm actually keen to check this one out even though the last book I read by a celebrity slash author turned out quite terrible.

    ReplyDelete
  31. I guess I'm cynical because I immediately thought that there is no way Hillary Duff is actually writing this book. I imagine it is by a ghost writer and the publisher just slaps her name on it to get the sales. Perhaps I'm wrong but in all of the info/publicity/hype about Hillary Duff over the years, I have never ever seen/read/heard it mentioned that she had any interest/background/aptitude for writing fiction.

    Hey, it may be good and I may read it but I'll just be wondering who the actual writer is. I could be wrong but that's my jaded opinion. In this time of celebrity, anything goes and few things are what they seem.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Nooooooo, God why!? Eh the summary sounds interesting though. Maybe I'll give it a try, we'll see once the reviews come out :) Thanks for sharing babez!

    ReplyDelete
  33. I think that her book will be crapp!!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Gotta agree with Michelle; she took the words right out of my...erm, typing fingers. But, who knows? Maybe it'll be good..?
    JAD
    http://julismapsroom.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  35. She might be good, you never know. Although I am very curious if she is, so I might get her book... And Miley Cyrus being in Wings just ruins it all! Like, I love the book! And now I'm going to hate the movie, just cause she's in it. I hope she doesn't kill the movie. :(

    ReplyDelete
  36. I'm not going to say that I don't like the idea of a multi book deal I think one and see how it goes, but her statement makes me think she make care or has a good ghost writer or something.

    Seahn

    ReplyDelete
  37. Yup, I definitely have to agree with you on this. Acting and writing are entirely separate - she could a brilliant author in the making for all we know! The book sounds like something I'd probably read so I'll be checking out when it's released. Hopefully the series will be good!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Wow, a Last Song commercial just came on... lol.

    I actually like Hilary Duff. Like I used to be a fangirl did a french project on her in 6th grade. XD

    But seriously, I don't think you can really judge someone's book until you've read it. I know I for one am going to give her a fair chance before bashing it.

    ReplyDelete
  39. I do not have much faith on Hilary's writing but I am willing to give her a chance :)

    ReplyDelete
  40. Urm, WOW! I hadn't heard of that before! I don't know what to think of that... I like Hilary Duff much better than Miley Cirus but I still kind of doubt that she can actually write... or that she would be published if she wasn't famous... it's probably just the latest marketing campaign, so they can create a story and they will adapt into a movie starring Hilary Duff later :P

    ReplyDelete
  41. I just had the same reaction to you with the whole, "Seriously?" going on in my head.

    I agree with you about giving her a chance. A long while ago I use to watch Lizzie Mcguire. I use to really like Hilary Duff as an actress too until she went downhill. But maybe this is her chance to rise up again. :) Hopefully she does great and is a good writer!

    Did you know Miley Cyrus is also set to start as Laurel in Aprilynne Pike's Wings? :( I was really pissed off, but hopefully she does a good job in both books movies. (And as I just wrote that, I see that someone else has written something about it too. Sorryyy XD)

    ReplyDelete
  42. i think it's pretty cool, i mean, we won't know if it's going to be a good or bad book until we read it... we just have to wait!
    i think that hilary duff is a good singer & acctress (well, depending of the movie... i loved her @ greta), so, perhaps she's a pretty good writer, i really want to read it, no matter what!

    ReplyDelete
  43. I don't about Hilary Duff writing YA...I just can't get past her as Lizzie MacGuire in the 90's...oh well. It is just celebrities overreaching their fame.
    kghobbs(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete

Read your opinion, I want. Leave a comment, you shall.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...