It’s the day after Thanksgiving and if you’re reading The Muses today it means (1) you’re in a hospital bed after being trampled on Black Friday at Wal-Mart or (2) you ate too much yesterday to do anything but stare at the computer screen hoping for faster digestion.

Either way: Welcome!

Today’s dinner party, like today in general, is all about the leftovers. I’ll provide the turkey meat, but my guests need to bring something extra from their own to share along with tantalizing conversation.

J.K. Rowling. Sure, she changed children’s literature as much as Alice tumbling into Wonderland. Sure, she’s built a fictional world as rich and deep as Frodo’s. But, secretly, I invited her because of her magical Yorkshire pudding. Luckily, she's still in town from Veronica's party.

Paul Rudd. Paul and I are destined to be best buds. We’ll go on crazy road trips and get into all these awesome high jinks laughing the whole time. Our insta-friendship will begin at my party. He’s bringing something classic, but fun. I’m guessing mac’n’cheese.

Jason Segel. Because Paul and I will need a third. And he’s got a ton of chocolate chip cookies, which are always great for desert, even if not traditional. And I need them on road trips. 

Angelina Jolie. (sorry, Brad had to stay at home with the kids – hey, other Muses have got their celebrity crushes). I’ve loved this woman since I saw her in Hackers. She’s a brilliant actress, well-traveled, and has a heart-of-gold. Plus, she scares me a little bit...okay, a lot. She told me what she’s bringing, but it was in Swahili and I don’t know Swahili. So exotic.

Christopher Nolan. People need to give this guy more credit for his storytelling genius, not just his Blockbuster success.  I bet he has made as much money as the number of minds he has blown.  Look at his list as writer and/or director: Memento, Dark Knight, Inception. He mentioned that he’s into these inventive Top Chef type dishes where you think it’s one thing, but it’s really another. His dish is bound to be intriguing. 

Rihanna. Don’t spout off about how I’ve already invited eye candy. This guest is all about the music. Yep. Just the music. And her famous jerk chicken. Yum.

M.T. Anderson. Another repeat and I haven’t heard back from him yet. I hope he’s not too tired from his Veronica's yesterday. But talk about genius: I hear he grows a killer filet mignon (read FEED, people).

Orson Scott Card. Any man that came up with ENDER’S GAME and CHARACTERS & VIEWPOINT is welcome in my home. Any time. He’s bringing baked beans…bean, get it, BEAN! Ha ha ha.

Tina Fey. The Muses got all my people to their parties before my list before it went public, huh? C'est la vie. Tina is wickedly smart and wickedly funny. And I’ve always wanted to try the Cheesy Blasters she’s going on about.

You (unless you’re family, in which case you’ll find the door locked. Sorry, there are RULES to these fantasy dinner parties – don’t blame the messenger). I know this is all sappy, but you come back and listen to us talk week after week. It’s my turn to ask you some questions. To start: What ya got leftover?

First, I want to echo Katy's message earlier today. Thank you for making this little blog site so much fun for us. New friends, and dear old friends, Happy Thanksgiving to you from us. We are so grateful for our community.

Now, onto the Dream Dinner Party... This is a game I've been playing for a while. It's sort of like when you imagine what you'd do after winning the lottery, but in my opinion, more fun to riff on. The basic premise: if you could invite anyone to a dinner party, who would it be?

I like to set aside the obvious choices. Of course family and friends would be at the top of this list, if I were to speak from the heart. But this is pretend. A chance to have a little fun. So here goes.

My list:

1. Steve Martin - I've been a fan for, like, forever. A true renaissance man, Steve and I could talk art, books, music. (An aside: I saw him in Central Park recently. He walked by me and my husband. If only I'd had my dinner invitations handy!)
2. Simon Cowell - I have questions. Plus, I have the feeling he's quite charming in real life. Don't you think?
3. Liam Hemsworth - You've seen him, right? Do I have to explain? What? I do? OK. I want the inside scoop on the Hunger Games Movie.
4. Kate Winslet - She's open about herself and her insecurities which makes her a strong woman, in my eyes. Plus she's ridiculously talented.
5. JK Rowling - This one needs no explanation.
6. MT Anderson - This one doesn't either.
7. Kathryn Bigelow - Director of THE HURT LOCKER. Strong, successful woman in Hollywood. Creative. Thinks outside the box. I loved her in the interviews I've seen.
8. Brian Wilson - Relief/Closer pitcher for the SF Giants. A little crazy. Every dinner party needs an element of unpredictability. He'd bring that. Maybe he'd even show up in a spandex tuxedo.
9. Robert Redford - Living legend. Who wouldn't want to talk with him?
10. Alicia Keyes - I'm obsessed with her voice and I... I don't know. I feel like we could be friends.
11. Elle Fanning - I just saw Super 8, and thought she was brilliant in it. I think she's going to be (ok, she already is) a huge star, and it'd be fun to ask her to pass the bread please, Elle.

What do you think? Fun dinner party? Well, I've saved a spot for you. Be here at 6!

And HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Our theme this week is dream dinner parties, but I think we all love spending Thanksgiving with the people who matter most.  We Muses are so thankful to all of you -- our followers and regular readers -- and as Talia said yesterday, we'd invite you all to dinner if we could.  So from us to you, Happy Thanksgiving, and may we all continue to have much to be thankful for.

The YA Muses in LA -- photo by Sarah Davies

This week as we head toward a big Thanksgiving meal with family and friends, we're making a wishlist for our own fantasy dinner party.  I wanted to cheat and invite the Muses to my house, because I know they can be counted on for great conversation and screaming laughter, plus they don't mind that my cooking consists of ordering in.  But the fun of this exercise is indulging the imagination, so I decided to have a dinner party consisting of a few literary folks I stalk, I  mean follow, on Twitter.  Hope they like take out!

Beth Hull- you might recognize her as a frequent commenter on this blog, but did you know she has a hilarious blog of her own?  It tackles topics from motherhood to querying agents, and it's awesome.  I've met Beth in person, and she's as warm, friendly and kind as you would expect from her comments here.  I can't imagine her not getting along with anyone I seated her next to.  Plus, her fiction is lovely, a perfect marriage of literary merit and commercial appeal.  I want to say I knew her when, and so will everyone else at the party.

Rachel Hawkins- I loved DEMONGLASS and HEX HALL. Sophie is a great character, with laugh out loud lines and a healthy dose of sarcasm.  I imagine Rachel as Sophie minus the demonic powers and plus a little writing and craft talk.  

Bookalicious Pam- Okay, her real name is Pam Van Hylckama, but you may know her form her website Bookalicio.us where she is the resident book blogger for Hicklebee's.  Pam is an amazing blogger, and social networking queen.  Her genuine love of books, bloggers and authors comes through in everything she does.  Plus, she has connections everywhere.  She KNOWS things.  You definitely want to try to get a seat next to Pam.

Myra McEntire-  Author of HOURGLASS and the forthcoming sequel TIMEPIECE, Myra is one of those people that has a knack for making everyone feel welcome. I only "know" her from a few interactions on Twitter, but even just reading her Twitter feed, it's hard not to feel included. She also has a healthy dose of Southern hospitality that should make up for my own lack of hosting skills.  Plus, she writes really hot boys.  Who doesn't want that at a dinner party?


Kristen Held- Kristen is an aspiring author who writes funny middle grade fantasy.  Her writing is a kick, but you should hear her read it out loud.  Kristen has a background in theater, and a distinct voice for every character. I bet I can get her to do a reading.  Plus, she has hilarious stories from her work as a costumer on movie sets. 

Sarah Rees Brennan- Author of THE DEMON'S LEXICON trilogy.  Have you read her blog? She is HILARIOUS.  I feel like she would come into a room with a tornado around her like Taz. I confess to being a little afraid of her- big personality, crazy writing talent and a sense of humor? Hmm.  I think I'll put her next to Rachel Hawkins and see what happens.

Steven Hall- I actually don't follow Steven Hall on Twitter.  I don't even know if he's on Twitter. Steven is the author of THE RAW SHARK TEXTS a quirky, strange and altogether fascinating novel that I still don't completely understand, but that I often think about.  Steven has also wrote 36 un-chapters that are not in the novel, but are hidden online or in the real world, only some of which have been discovered.  Intrigued yet?  Yeah, I have a few questions for Mr. Hall.

Caroline Hanson- Author of a sexy series of adult vampire books, Caroline Hanson is just as funny and outspoken as the character she writes. Maybe I'll put her on the other side of Sarah Rees Brennan and see what happens!

There are bunch of other folks I'd love to invite, but lets round this one out with last week's blog guest Lorin Oberweger who could share some writerly inspiration and help brainstorm that perfect plot turning point.

Oh, and you're invited too!  No need to bring anything but a few good war stories and a willingness to stay up late into the evening talking books, craft, gossip and all things publishing.

We’re planning dream dinner parties this week, and Donna kicked us off yesterday with a table full of thoughtful, intelligent, well-spoken people who would grace any table.  But, I have a confession to make.  Dinner parties make me nervous.  I’m always afraid that the person sitting next to me would rather be sitting elsewhere, like talking to the more intelligent/famous/funny person at the other end.  And all that silverware.  And I never know which glass is for whom.  And on and on.

That said, I would love to sit at a table with the following people.  And just listen.  Most are historians.  Most are writers.  And all of them are British.  So if they disagree, there’s sure to be name-calling.  Makes for a lively conversation, no? 

David Starkey writes intelligent, well-researched history and seems to have the same sort of obsession with Henry VIII that I do.  He is a charming speaker, is enthusiastic about architecture and details and proposes interesting theories with which perhaps not all other historians agree.  Not only that, but he is a bit of a persona non grata at the moment for making what were interpreted to be racist remarks on the British TV show “Newsnight” back in August.  Good to have controversy at the table. 

Alison Weir writes fiction as well as history.  I don’t always agree with her historical analysis (particularly about Richard III).  And she proposes interesting ideas in her fiction about the mysterious gaps in we know to be true.  For instance, Princess Elizabeth left the house of Queen Dowager Catherine Parr and her husband Thomas Seymour.  Weir, in her novel, suggests this was because Elizabeth was pregnant.  Cue ominous music here.

David Loades I have to invite because I’m currently reading his biography of the Boleyns -- from Thomas, Earl of Wiltshire through Elizabeth 1 (who was Anne Boleyn's daughter).  The recorded facts are few and far between on some of them, so it makes for an interesting read.  I have a feeling he would be the voice of reason at the table.

Antonia Fraser was the writer who first introduced me to Henry and his six wives. The breadth of her historical writings is vast, and often focuses on the role of women (not just queens) in society.  She is intelligent, well-spoken and was married to playwright Harold Pinter, so probably knows how to cope with long pauses in conversation. 

Philippa Gregory brought Tudor history to the general populace with THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL.  Her fiction is meticulously researched and also proposes controversial ideas about what really happened.  I’d be interested to witness a conversation about Anne Boleyn between Gregory and the others at the table.

Hilary Mantel.  I would totally fangirl if Mantel were at the table.  Her book, WOLF HALL changed the way I view historical fiction.  And the way I think of Thomas Cromwell.  Anyone who can make Cromwell sympathetic is a star of intense magnitude in my book.  And she’s publishing another one next year.  I’d love to get the inside scoop.

Tony Robinson is an actor, but also an historian.  Yes, he played Baldrick in Blackadder.  But he also hosts the brilliant UK Channel 4 program Time Team, in which he takes a group of archaeologists to an un-explored but possibly history-rich site and they do a three-day dig.  The program they did on Beaulieu castle was absolutely incredible.  He’s also written a very clever history of the monarchs of Britain (TONY ROBINSON’S KINGS AND QUEENS).  It’s aimed at kids, but so informative.

Continuing Donna’s desire from yesterday to place a handsome man at her side, I’d have to invite Clive Owen.  I’d probably swoon just to hear him say, “Pass the salt, please.”  Plus, he’s acted in historical dramas (Walter Raleigh, anyone?)  Our hands could touch, reaching for the same glass...

The rule was no family.  So my husband won’t be there.  He would make a good addition, being British, though his historical knowledge is almost entirely 20^th century, so he’d feel a little left out. 

Am I just making excuses?  Shhh.  It’s a fantasy, remember.  Clive Owen would really be down at the other end of the table, talking to someone more intelligent/famous/funny than me.  But that would leave me to pick Hilary Mantel’s brain, so it’s all good.

Happy Thanksgiving! Last week, it seemed fitting I wrote the acknowledgment for my book, SKINNY. I enjoyed sharing my gratitude with the people behind the scenes and was humbled by the many wonderful friends and colleagues who support my writing life. I am so blessed.

This week, in the spirit of the holidays, the Muses are up to a bit of fun. I hope you'll join us. Here's the premise. Invite ten people to a dinner party at your house. All the dinner guests have to be living and we suggest a gender balance. (Of course, rules are made to be broken, so don't get hung up on the logistics).

Who would you include in this fantasy dinner party?

When we first came up with this topic, I had no idea how much fun I would have. My list is below and, of course, it could change if you asked me the same question tomorrow. There was, however, a theme that quickly developed, I love lively dinner conversation. I was drawn toward people with stories to tell and a diversity of backgrounds. I also specifically chose people who didn't necessarily share my own opinions. For me, that makes a great social gathering.

So here's my list:

1. Judy Blume - Who knows more about children's books? I heard her speak at SCBWI this summer, and I was in awe. She's gracious and smart and beautiful. I could barely stammer out a hello when I saw her later in the hotel coffee shop. Book Royalty.

2. Archbishop Desmond Tutu - I was fortunate to hear him speak at a university event. His amazing life, and incredible story of dedication and faith, was so inspiring. I was honored to hear him in an sold out auditorium, but the thought of speaking to him in person definitely puts him on my list.

3. Adele- I'm really into her music right now (Isn't everyone?). From what little I know about her personally, I think there's a good story lurking below the surface. Broken heart, "overnight" success. What was left behind? I'm curious and I love her accent.

4. Ron Howard - He has a visual gift for storytelling, which obviously intrigues me, but I'm also interested in his life story. From child star to Oscar winning director. How did it happen? What did he learn along the way?

5. Tina Fey - Wonderful comedic writer. Smart, funny, strong, successful. Who wouldn't want to have dinner with this woman?

6. Stephen King- I liked his book on craft, but I also love the way his mind works. He takes the usual and turns it into the unusual, and even bizarre. That creative twist is fascinating, and often horrifying.

7. Lyle Lovett - I love Lyle's music and I had to have a true Texan on the list. He and I share similar backgrounds (mutual friends, same university, etc).

8. Condoleezza Rice- She's a concert pianist and grew up in Denver. A fascinating woman, and oh the stories she could share (no matter what your politics).

9. Paula Deen - Because someone has to make the dinner, right? Besides I think she's funny and it's a nod to my southern roots.

10. George Clooney- because I need someone to sit by me at the table :)

Now just for a moment imagine this mix of people assembled at one table for a long, extended dinner conversation. Don't you think there'd be some amazing tales and lots of laughter? I do.

Come on. Try it. Who would you invite?


P.S. When I told my friend, Rod, that Adele was on the list, he said, "You know, she's going to have throat surgery. I don't think she's supposed to talk."

I said, "You do know NONE of these people are actually coming to my house for dinner, right?"

He blinked at me for a minute.

"Oh... right," he finally mumbled.