January 11, 2012

On the Road

This just in: Okay, even though it’s months away, I just can’t keep myself from blogging about thebiz. It was just announced that the On the Road movie will probably premiere at Cannes in May. Jack Kerouac and the Beats are definitely part of the reason I moved to San Francisco to become a writer (Anne Rice is another). The free-spirited joie de vivre they ignited has always inspired me creatively, as has the Beat habit of writing to the tempo of music. They were completely flowing prose.

Angel-headed hipsters is what Jack Kerouac called his musician, artist and writer friends and they started a lasting movement in the 50s and 60s. Their work went from being banned to required reading (I was the first person to check out On the Road from my high school library). This became indie culture. It’s sometimes commercialized but publishing is a business like any other, one that’s being revolutionized in an exciting way just like the Beats did to their generation. Everyone break out your GPS-enabled eReaders and tablets and hit the road.

Which brings me to the leading ladies, two of my all-time favorite young women actors: Kristen Stewart and Kirsten Dunst. Who inspires writers? Where do they look for inspiration for their stories? We can watch this real life movement about a feeling that was transformed into a speed-writing as adrenaline-fueled as their lives and escapades (and find our own true muses at the same time).—Michelle Zaffino

p.s. Look for the In the Stacks.tv video book review of On the Road—coming soon!

December 21, 2011

In the Stacks Makes Donation

As we announce at the end of every episode of In the Stacks, a copy of each book we review, free promo galley, reader’s copy or otherwise is donated to charity. This year’s donation went to 826Valencia. Read on for a full list of books donated to their writing lab.—Michelle Zaffino Read the rest of this entry »

November 30, 2011

My Allegra Pasquino Novel

For now just titled Allegra, the historical teen novel that I recently finished the rough draft of is the reason I became a writer.

In 1501 Rome, Allegra, the daughter of the tailor Pasquino, takes over where her father left off after he’s arrested and jailed for posting satirical barbs directed at the Vatican and others on the infamous talking statue. The story runs parallel with Lucrezia Borgia’s third marriage, and Allegra and her family create elaborate gowns for the event in their atelier, and continue to anonymously post.

Original satires that were posted on the various talking statues are scattered between the chapters. Sides are taken, competing designers plot and scheme, and marriages are arranged. Murder and escape may be the only way out.

The ghost of Allegra comes to a present-day relative, a young woman writer, and asks her to record her story. Allegra thinks if the real truth is told she will be at peace. The writer agrees, and as a result realizes that compared with journalistic outlets in the modern age, posting on the statue was a unique freedom of expression, the early Renaissance equivalent of blogging or tweeting, and is inspired to start her own online publication.—Michelle Zaffino

November 23, 2011

Thanksgiving on a Roll

Anticipating all the leftovers I’m going to get tomorrow, I’m already craving my fave sangy, Thanksgiving on a Roll. This sandwich brings plain old turkey to a whole new level. Inspired from the one on the menu at Chat n’ Chew in New York, here’s my twist:

Slice deli Kaiser rolls and slather with mayo on one side, and cranberry jelly on the other. Warm turkey slices and your favorite stuffing (a chestnut version, moist from being in the bird!), stack them on bread, and you’re set. Gravy is optional.—Michelle Z.

November 16, 2011

LIBA LOVE

I’ve tried almost all of the food trucks in San Francisco. From fusion burritos and tacos, bun to buns, Hapa Ramen noodles (which is a close second) to bahn mi, and my absolute, knives down, favorite is Liba. All the years I’ve lived in SF I never found a decent falafel, until Liba. Call me a food purist, but sometimes simple is best. Often I just want to eat at the old burrito truck at Spear and Folsom and hang on the Embarcadero park while I chow down on rice and beans, or experience the equivalent of.

Liba serves a basic falafel made of chick peas, and yes it’s lightly fried, but so what. The small pita sandwich is a perfect size and what makes it outstanding is the choice of toppings from the fixings bar. Yes, there’s tahini and yogurt, along with a range of Mediterranean salads almost beyond imagination. Choose from Roasted Eggplant in Tomato Sauce, Tomato Cucumber Salad with Mint, Red Cabbage with Black Sesame Seed, Spiced Carrot Ribbons, Red Beets with Lemon and Thyme, Rosemary Peanuts, among others, and of course, Hummus and Harissa Hot Sauce. It’s all organic fare, served up with a unique point of view evocative of the worldly California cuisine the Bay Area is historically famous for.—Michelle

November 9, 2011

The Third Wave

“I am without a doubt saying don’t settle. For the first time in history women are actually equipped—with college and graduate degrees; with valuable workplace skills; with real earning power—to write their own lives, and because of this we should all pause and think very hard and honestly about what we actually want….For now, I feel very fortunate that I’ve built my life in such a way that I have the resources and freedom to pursue my own interests, and to truly enjoy being single.”—Kate Bolick interviewed by Refinery29

Plus, some very interesting new research in an article by someone who may be my new heroine for how well she understands my life and choices!—MEZ

p.s. Another gem of a quote: “If you are open to life and to people, you will find LOVE when you’re ready, and in your own time. Meanwhile, cultivate your powers, treat others well, and live honestly.” And wait for this. I will never give up on it.

October 26, 2011

Look Booked! Handcuffed to Style, not a Slave to Fashion

I’ve spent a lot of time lately thinking about how guys dress and how to wrap them up in style. And since not spending a lot of money (hint: check consignment and vintage stores) but still looking pulled together, and not like you’re trying too hard is what I do, I feel my modus operandi could be passed to them. Wardrobe crimes are similar to women’s mistakes—anything that doesn’t fit or is too casual is punishable, as is wearing fleece. There’s lots of evidence out there that guys care what they look like. Some men do dress creatively, plan their wardrobe, like to shop and let their style be part of their personality, making the uniform into something more. In other words, there’s hope.

Here’s a list of ten essential items—pieces that I think every guy should have in his style file. Read the rest of this entry »