How in the Colleen Hoover are you doing?

Admittedly, I’m not the biggest fan of her books (problematic storylines and a cookie-cutter formula: damaged boy meets girl who wants to fix him, always with a bit of abuse thrown in)… but 20 million readers disagree with me… and now her novel It Ends With Us has turned into a big Hollywood film featuring Blake Lively. So I had to go see it with my girlfriends, dressed in florals.

The story starts off with a romcom vibe that dissolves into a dark look at domestic violence. While this is treated quite lightly in the promos, I actually think the movie did a good job. The PR and public backlash from all the drama on the press tour is insane. Still, I recommend the film and think Justin Baldoni had a standout performance! Liked it more than the book…

Here’s a throwback to an interview I did with Blake Lively in 2016 when I was an editor at a lifestyle magazine - she was warm with everyone:

I love film adaptions of books - some of them, like Atonement and Hunger Games - really bring an edge, while others ruin the story. What are some of your faves?

Read: 5 Best Books Adapted to Movies

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Read it for the razor sharp writing and unique voices, watch it for the fantastic acting by Rosamund Pike. That woman’s glances could kill.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Read it for the economic prose and code-switching dialogue, watch the Academy Award-winning film for a searing performance by Viola Davis of a black maid in the US in the 1960’s. Published by Holt, my debut novel’s publisher!

The Talented Mr Ripley by Patricia Highsmith

Witty and atmospheric, the book did a marvelous job of transporting me to a hedonistic corner of Italy. The movie has Jude Law in it, so, that’s all we need.

Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King

This was the little novella that could - so much tension and well-crafted characters packed into a punchy story. The film adaptation is one of the most popular of all time, with good reason.

The Godfather by Mario Puzo

The book is beautifully plotted and features clear, strong prose, but the movie has such iconic acting and musical references that both end up being standalone works of art.

The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger

I find Lauren Weisberger to be a great, breezy beach read - light plots with a bit of glamor thrown in. The book was an ideal companion at the seaside, while the movie brought to life the beautiful fashion choices and what has become a classic role by Meryl Streep.

Write: Start with Daydreaming

Long before I put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard?), there’s a lot of staring at walls and daydreaming. What does my character look like, what makes them laugh, what is their pet peeve, what’s the street look like where they live, who do they love?

I’ve found that every story - and every character, setting and plot - demands a different type of energy. Some come to me fully formed with great ease and others, I have to play around with different scenarios in my mind until I get an intuitive click that I’m onto something solid before I write a word.

Are you a dreamer or a planner?

Inspire: Wellness to Avoid Burnout

I love August - in Greece where I grew up, most people take the entire month off to rest before the busy autumn season. With Dubai’s heat at its peak and most people still traveling, I like to dedicate time actively to wellbeing and rest. If you’re a high achiever, rest and recovery is essential. I’ve found this to be as true in my professional career as in my creative one.

There’s a new spot in town for infra-red saunas, cold plunges and a momentary pause from the hustle - it’s just opened and it’s called Beit Sisu, meaning House of Wellbeing in a mix of Arabic and Finnish 😄 

I love to support female-led businesses in the region - this it not a sponsored post or ad. Just a high five. And a call to take care of yourself.

Browse: These Links

Crazy Internet stuff to help you procrastinate:

• The drama during the press tour of It Ends With Us is juicier than the movie - feat. Blake Lively feuding with her cast & flippant interviews

• Lindsay Lohan on living in Dubai

• Most popular books on YouTube unveiled

• The curious incident of the author who couldn’t read or write

• Arrests made in connection with Matthew Perry’s death

Countdown to My Novel’s Publication Day:

Thanks for reading! See you next week!

With kindness,

Sara