IWBYJR Release Day and Women Who Rock featuring Jessy Bender!

So, it's release day. I wish I could tell you that it has been nice, chill, and laid back, but there is a reason that I am over three hours late posting this blog. Basically I'm running around like crazy. But one stop involved adding pink to my hair which was exciting (and I promise there will be pictures later) and another stop involved seeing this in my hometown Borders:

Yeah that was pretty cool.

But before we get any further into today's blog, it's time to announce that the winner of Hillary Carlip's prizes is *drumroll*..... Chelsie (aka. Mz. Chelsie from myspace). And Chelsie, I know I have your address somewhere, but if you can be a doll and email or message it to me so I can pass it on to Hillary I would really appreciate it. Also, Chelsie, you can continue to comment this week, but you won't be eligible for any more prizes this week.

Before I get into the introduction of today's guest, I just wanted to let you know about a few different places where I'll be in cyberspace today:

I did an interview over at the amazing Jeri Smith-Ready's blog and if you comment there by 9 pm EST on July 10th, you'll have a chance to win a signed copy of I WANNA BE YOUR JOEY RAMONE.

You also have your last chance to comment on my amazing CP Vanessa's blog today and win a signed copy of IWBYJR.

And you are going to want to hang out with Book Chic this week. He'll be posting a review and mini-interview tonight, a larger interview on Thursday, and a guest blog on Saturday and of course, he's having a contest for a signed copy of IWBYJR! That contest will be running til I come back from tour on July 25th!

I also did a really great interview with Hope's Blog that should be posting later today, so go check that out! And I'm continuing to visit with the Chicago Literary Examiner where you can hear about the rest of my plans for today.

Oh yeah and I was also on Chicago Public Radio this morning, but for those of you non-Chicagoans or folks who were not up early enough to catch it. You can hear it here!


Phew! Yeah a lot going on as you can see! But now back to WOMEN WHO ROCK!

I'm thrilled to introduced Jessica Bender, producer of The Gits Movie, which shares its DVD release day with IWBYJR (in other words it is available today, so go order it!!!) The Gits is an undefinable band. They are not just a punk band, not just a band from Seattle during the grunge era, not just a band with a chick singer. I've been in love with this band since the early 90s and Mia Zapata's bluesy voice is the voice I heard most in my head when I was writing my main character Emily Black. I wish that Mia was around for me to interview today and especially for me to give the book to, but back in 1993, she was brutally raped and murdered. The Gits Movie is a long-needed documentary that captures the amazing talent of Mia and The Gits. I saw the Chicago premiere last night at Delilah's, a bar, where everyone was somber and completely enraptured by this film and the music of The Gits. Here's the trailer for your viewing pleasure:

Check out this video: The Gits Movie- NEW TRAILER!!!



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And now to talk a little bit more about the movie and herself, Jessica Bender!

Your documentary, which is out on DVD today, is about a band that has long been very close to my heart. Can you tell us all about The Gits Movie and why you decided to be involved with the making of this movie?

Jessica: The Gits is the story of the beloved Seattle band that reached great heights in the early 90's, with fervor. Led by a fiery Lead vocalist Mia Zapata. They were just offered a record deal from Atlantic records. Mia died walking home at night. Taken, strangled and brutalized. She is still with us 15 years after her death, her voice is getting louder. It was her vocals with the music that got me standing at attention. Learning about her death angered me and broke my heart. We felt the story of this amazing woman and this amazing band needed to be heard.

What is the next big project for Jessy Bender?
Jessica: I'm not sure what is next. This has been all consuming. So many hoops to jump through and many opportunities to slip. I would like to do a shorter project that invokes thought and change in the viewer. So much that their life is altered forever.

The theme this week is "Women Who Rock," can you tell us about your most rock 'n' roll moment? This could be anything from your favorite concert to a moment where you felt like a rock star.

Jessica: I would never had expected it, because I hang around stars all day long working as a sound technician in Hollywood. My most recent rockstar moment (besides meeting The Gits) was meeting Joan Jett. She floored me with her rockstar persona. She was so bad ass my heart raced the whole time we interviewed her. I also felt the rockstar vibe when working with David Bowie, he is insanely cool.

Thanks so much for visiting us today, Jessy! You truly are a woman who rocks as is Mia! Now Jessy has also graciously offered up a copy of The Gits Movie DVD and a signed movie poster as our prize today. Trust me, whether or not you have heard the Gits, you will be moved by this movie. My boyfriend came away from the showing last night a Gits fan and we blasted their music all the way home. So you will want to enter this contest by posting a comment sometime before 1ish tomorrow! And in the meantime, go visit thegitsmovie.com to learn more about this amazing project!