'Bridget Jones's Diary' shocker: Key character dies in latest novel

(CNN) -- Helen Fielding's latest novel on Bridget Jones isn't even out yet and it's already reportedly a shocker.

This weekend, The Sunday Times published excerpts from Fielding's upcoming book, "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy," that reveal a crucial character, Mr. Darcy, has been killed off.
Cue the collective gasps of horror from around the world.

Fielding first introduced heroine Bridget Jones in 1996 with her best-selling "Bridget Jones's Diary," a cheeky look at a 30-something single woman's adventures with life and love in London. During that initial installment, Bridget gets to know the prickly but sweet Mark Darcy, and in the follow-up, 1999's
"Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason," he proposes.

But by the time we get to "Mad About the Boy," Darcy is dead and Bridget is a 51-year-old widowed mother of two. (At least they got to have kids before he kicked the bucket -- the reason behind which is still unknown.)

Fielding said when the new novel was announced that Bridget would be in a different place with "Mad About the Boy." "My life has moved on and Bridget's will move on, too," the author said in February. "I hope people will have as much fun reading it, as I am writing it."

That's questionable, considering some of the intense reactions fans have had to the news of Darcy's death.

"Just found out Mark Darcy, from the #BridgetJones sequel, was killed off !!!! I can't handle this!" said one fan. "Helen Fielding killed off Mark Darcy in the new Bridget Jones book? My hopeless romantic heart is devastated," said another.

Given that these reactions have poured in on Twitter, the conversation does occasionally turn hyperbolic:

"The news said that Mark darcy gets killed off in the 3rd Bridget Jones, my life has ended," tweeted one distraught fan. Posted another: "If Mark Darcy is really dead I have no reason to live anymore. #overlydramatic #bridgetjones #whywouldshedothis"

Yet another clung to some "Dexter"-inspired hope: "Could it be that Mark Darcy fakes his own death & ends up as a lumberjack in the Pacific Northwest?" the user queried.

Either way, it is apparent that Bridget has moved on. In the Sunday Times excerpt, she describes her indecision between attending pal Talitha's 60th birthday party, and spending time with her "toy boy," a nearly-30-year-old named Roxster.

Both "Bridget Jones's Diary" and "The Edge of Reason" were adapted into movies starring Renee Zellweger as Bridget and Colin Firth as Mark Darcy, and a third movie is expected to be on the way. At this point, we're not sure if Firth should be quite so excited.


Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/09/30/showbiz/celebrity-news-gossip/helen-fielding-bridget-jones/

TV Writing Consultants We Love To Recommend

“Some writers of television shows make it look much too easy…”

They put words on a page for actors to interpret and resolve everything by the end of the show. Simple, right? Eric Edson, author of The Story Solution: 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take, knows that creative screenwriting can be much more difficult than it appears. He advises up-and-coming television writers to learn as much as possible about their chosen industry before tossing their hats into the television game.

Eric’s book describes how to achieve screenwriting success through the development of a great hero. Most television dramas or comedies revolve around a central character – the hero. The Story Solutioncontains guidance on writing Hero Goal Sequences® and outlines the 23 actions used to create a forceful emotional ride.

To learn about the business side of the industry, Edson advises aspiring authors to seek advice from experienced TV writing consultants. A TV writing consultant can help you learn how to write within the time constraints of the television medium, teach you about what audiences are looking for in characters, and show you how to sell a TV spec script to producers.

Eric Edson reviewed several top TV writing consultants who might become part of an industry newcomer’s advisement team. The accomplished educator, author and screenwriter wanted to make sure up-and-coming authors could find consultants who have valuable insights to offer.

His selections were based on reputation in the television industry, background experience, and effectiveness at helping emerging authors. Learning from these TV writing consultants will help newcomers understand how to write scripts that make it to the small screen.

If you are seeking knowledge that will help you sell a television script, consider learning from these writing consultants.

Sandler Ink – TV Writing Consultant

Ellen Sandler, leading TV writing expert and career coach, is the ideal consultant for the writer who wants to break in to the entertainment industry and chart a long, successful career in television. Emmy-nominated Co-Executive Producer of Everybody Loves Raymond and veteran writer/producer of hit television shows, she offers insight and expertise as well as creative support and direction.Visit the website and Facebook pageor call 310-383-3772 for more information.

Jen Grisanti Consultancy – TV Writing Consultant

Jen Grisanti Consultancy Inc. helps writers accomplish their writing goals through one-on-one consults, seminars, teleseminars, networking events and podcasts. As a Current Programs Executive for both Spelling Television, Inc. and CBS/Paramount, Jen staffed, advised and guided the writers and directors of top primetime shows for twelve years. Visit the website andFacebook page or call 323-944-0962 for more information.

Novel Consultant – TV Writing Consultant

Michele Wallerstein is a screenplay, TV script, and novel consultant. Her TV script doctoring and novel consulting helps writers develop their work, thereby improving their chances of a sale and/or obtaining an agent. Wallerstein’s former work as a Hollywood Agent has given her the tools as ascreenplay consultant to improve your work and help make it saleable in today’s market. Visit the website and Facebook page or call 818-501-2826 for more information.

Finding a TV writing consultant can be a challenge.

Eric Edson is committed to helping aspiring screenwriters and TV writers quickly gain an insider’s knowledge of the script writing business, but he knows that finding a TV writing consultant can sometimes be a challenge. This review aims to help readers of his screenwriting book, The Story Solution, to simplify their research for strong TV writing consultants. These three highlighted TV script consultants are not the only good ones out there, of course! But they are surly among the very best. We hope this information gives you additional resources with which to pursue insights into the television writing process. 

About The Story Solution: The Story Solution was written by accomplished screenwriter Eric Edson. It reveals the 23 actions used to create dynamic, three dimensional heroes and link all parts of a captivating screenplay. He also covers screenwriting tips, screenwriting resources, andscreenwriting books. Visit the website and Facebook page for more information.

Santa Barbara Wedding Planner Featured On WeddingWire

Santa Barbara wedding planner Merryl Brown Events is now the exclusive spotlight vendor for the Santa Barbara region on one of the country’s leading wedding sites, “Wedding Wire”.

SANTA BARBARA, CA—August 28th, 2013—Merryl Brown Events, wedding planners in Santa Barbara, announced that they have taken the exclusive spotlight vendor position on WeddingWire, the nation’s leading online wedding marketplace.  Merryl Brown Events  is known for producing the world’s best bridal events, created with unparalleled creativity, a passion for excellence and an unrivaled attention to detail.

This leading wedding portal is spotlighting Merryl Brown Events on Wedding Wire, Martha Stewart Weddings, Best City Weddings, WeddingWire Blog, BridalBuds and WeddingAces.

“Our team is excited to align with WeddingWire,” says Merryl Brown, “WeddingWire is one of the many ways new brides find us online, and the increased visibility will lead to more weddings in Santa Barbara this upcoming bridal season.”

WeddingWire’s cutting-edge approach provides spotlight exposure and unique promotions for wedding planning companies that are exclusive to a specific region of the United States.

Merryl Brown Events was the winner of the 2012 National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO-SB) Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award in the Category of Tourism and Hospitality, the winner of the 2011 BizBash West Award for Social Planner of the Year, the winner of the 2011 and 2012 ISES Esprit Award for Best Green Solution, and the winner of the Association of Women in Communications Clarion Award for Best Special Event 2011, 2012, and 2013.

Owner, Merryl Brown has a Master’s Degree in International Affairs from Columbia University and was formerly an international banker with American Express Bank and Bankers Trust Company in New York.  She has a strong finance background and can manage both the business and creative aspects of events at the highest level.  She is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese and is one of the few wedding planners Santa Barbara has to offer that is a Certified Wedding and Event Planner (CWEP) as well as a member of the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) with a Wedding Consultant designation.

About Merryl Brown Events:  Merryl Brown’s team of Santa Barbara wedding planning  professionals offer full service, high end, elegant, experiential weddings.  Choosing among Santa Barbara wedding planners is an easy choice when you read the event planning testimonials and see the photographic excellence of the weddings that they have produced.  Visit the web site to download the PDF of “101 Tips For Elegant Events” at http://www.MerrylBrownEvents.com or call 805-453-5729.

- See more at: http://www.merrylbrownevents.com/blog/2013/08/28/santa-barbara-wedding-planner-featured-on-weddingwire/#sthash.6rwXg0Mv.dpuf

Ojai Valley Inn & Spa Wedding from Elizabeth Messina Photography

Just when you imagine that this day of gorgeous events from Elizabeth Messina could not possibly be topped, it gets topped in a major, major way. An elegant, crazy beautiful kind of way masterminded by Merryl Brown Events  with flower combos like you wouldn’t believe by Mindy Rice set against the prettiness of Ojai Valley Inn & Spa and all finished off with a French Patisserie. Phew, it’s A LOT but I promise you it’s so worth a good long look. Have a peek at all the beautiful imagery captured by Elizabeth, including some sweet as can be family portraits right here.

From Merryl Brown Events… Our bride and groom’s amazing wedding ceremony took place in the intimate Ojai Valley Inn Herb Garden. Cozy, with family and friends and the couple’s baby in her antique, flower-draped pram, we created a ceremony site that was perfect for the garden setting. Two antique urns on beautiful pillars held dramatic floral and fresh greenery, adding a beautiful depth and texture to the ceremony site. Situated on the sprawling green grass in the field below the ceremony was a classic white tent, draped in taffeta, with generous curtains pulled back with garlands of rich, peachy-golden toned floral. The peach tones floral arrangements were stunning, as they meandered down each table in a variety of antique vessels, enhanced by the natural amber glow of candle light. The room had a warm and romantic tone, and was particularly sweet with the grass below… a welcome juxtaposition to such a stunning and elegant tent. The custom wood and linen pillars and inset linen ceiling were fabulous and unique décor elements. The dark wood dining chairs were lovely, particularly at the end of each oval table, which held two chairs with a custom ruffled linen slipcover to match the table drape. Those slipcovered chairs were such charming elements.

The piece de resistance of the event was a patisserie and a charcuterie. The patisserie was every girl’s dream… while the charcuterie, every man’s. What an amazing and original reveal it was when these two beautifully designed boutique “stores” were revealed to guests’ delight after the cake was cut! The lighting and interior of each made them seem as if they were plucked from a tiny street in France.

The Patisserie had a tall, white display case, flanked by two elegantly framed gilded mirrors. Three crystal chandeliers hung from above, illuminating the soft pink draping on the walls of the shop. Cloches of fresh baked goods, truffles and macaroons all made by former Martha Stewart Food Editor Elizabeth Colling were bountiful. Staggeringly beautiful cakes and cupcakes were presented in an array of flavors and muted colors by the uber talented Robyn Loves Cake. Antique porcelain dishes were stacked high, allowing guests to help themselves or be served by the adorable white and pink frocked Patisserie attendants.

The Charcuterie/Fromagerie was more on the rustic side… as if you walked into a sixth generation family owned store. A tall armoire flanked with large chalkboards listing the ‘menu’ and an old French table with marble blocks displayed an array of worldly cheeses. French bread baskets hung on the walls, filled with fresh baguettes; sliced cured meats and olives were piled high on the table for guests to sample. Simple white dishes were stacked behind the apron clad servers ready to accommodate the requests of the “customers”. This was a wedding that was so incredibly charming and love filled from beginning to end. The video really helps to bring all of these images to life.

Photography: Elizabeth Messina | Design and Production: Merryl Brown Events | Videography: Isaac Hernandez | Draping, Furniture and Décor: Rrivre Works Inc. | Floral and Decor: Mindy Rice | Venue: Ojai Valley Inn & Spa | Linens: La Tavola Linen | Collateral: The Stationery Collection |  Ceremony Music: Aurora Ensemble | Officiant: Soaring Starkey | Reception Band: Jumpstart | Sound and Lighting: 721 Productions | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals | Dance Floor: Barker Décor Service Inc. | Patisserie Desserts: Elizabeth Colling | Patisserie Cakes: Robyn Loves Cake | Wedding Cake: The Butter End Cakery| Hair: Travis Jay Hazzard | Makeup: Tomiko Taft | Wedding Dress: Claire Pettibone

- See more at: http://www.merrylbrownevents.com/blog/2013/08/16/santa-barbara-wedding-planning/#sthash.JvIxyUhN.dpuf

Ojai Valley Inn & Spa Wedding from Elizabeth Messina Photography

Just when you imagine that this day of gorgeous events from Elizabeth Messina could not possibly be topped, it gets topped in a major, major way. An elegant, crazy beautiful kind of way masterminded by Merryl Brown Events  with flower combos like you wouldn’t believe by Mindy Rice set against the prettiness of Ojai Valley Inn & Spa and all finished off with a French Patisserie. Phew, it’s A LOT but I promise you it’s so worth a good long look. Have a peek at all the beautiful imagery captured by Elizabeth, including some sweet as can be family portraits right here.

From Merryl Brown Events… Our bride and groom’s amazing wedding ceremony took place in the intimate Ojai Valley Inn Herb Garden. Cozy, with family and friends and the couple’s baby in her antique, flower-draped pram, we created a ceremony site that was perfect for the garden setting. Two antique urns on beautiful pillars held dramatic floral and fresh greenery, adding a beautiful depth and texture to the ceremony site. Situated on the sprawling green grass in the field below the ceremony was a classic white tent, draped in taffeta, with generous curtains pulled back with garlands of rich, peachy-golden toned floral. The peach tones floral arrangements were stunning, as they meandered down each table in a variety of antique vessels, enhanced by the natural amber glow of candle light. The room had a warm and romantic tone, and was particularly sweet with the grass below… a welcome juxtaposition to such a stunning and elegant tent. The custom wood and linen pillars and inset linen ceiling were fabulous and unique décor elements. The dark wood dining chairs were lovely, particularly at the end of each oval table, which held two chairs with a custom ruffled linen slipcover to match the table drape. Those slipcovered chairs were such charming elements.

The piece de resistance of the event was a patisserie and a charcuterie. The patisserie was every girl’s dream… while the charcuterie, every man’s. What an amazing and original reveal it was when these two beautifully designed boutique “stores” were revealed to guests’ delight after the cake was cut! The lighting and interior of each made them seem as if they were plucked from a tiny street in France.

The Patisserie had a tall, white display case, flanked by two elegantly framed gilded mirrors. Three crystal chandeliers hung from above, illuminating the soft pink draping on the walls of the shop. Cloches of fresh baked goods, truffles and macaroons all made by former Martha Stewart Food Editor Elizabeth Colling were bountiful. Staggeringly beautiful cakes and cupcakes were presented in an array of flavors and muted colors by the uber talented Robyn Loves Cake. Antique porcelain dishes were stacked high, allowing guests to help themselves or be served by the adorable white and pink frocked Patisserie attendants.

The Charcuterie/Fromagerie was more on the rustic side… as if you walked into a sixth generation family owned store. A tall armoire flanked with large chalkboards listing the ‘menu’ and an old French table with marble blocks displayed an array of worldly cheeses. French bread baskets hung on the walls, filled with fresh baguettes; sliced cured meats and olives were piled high on the table for guests to sample. Simple white dishes were stacked behind the apron clad servers ready to accommodate the requests of the “customers”. This was a wedding that was so incredibly charming and love filled from beginning to end. The video really helps to bring all of these images to life.

Photography: Elizabeth Messina | Design and Production: Merryl Brown Events | Videography: Isaac Hernandez | Draping, Furniture and Décor: Rrivre Works Inc. | Floral and Decor: Mindy Rice | Venue: Ojai Valley Inn & Spa | Linens: La Tavola Linen | Collateral: The Stationery Collection |  Ceremony Music: Aurora Ensemble | Officiant: Soaring Starkey | Reception Band: Jumpstart | Sound and Lighting: 721 Productions | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals | Dance Floor: Barker Décor Service Inc. | Patisserie Desserts: Elizabeth Colling | Patisserie Cakes: Robyn Loves Cake | Wedding Cake: The Butter End Cakery| Hair: Travis Jay Hazzard | Makeup: Tomiko Taft | Wedding Dress: Claire Pettibone

- See more at: http://www.merrylbrownevents.com/blog/2013/08/16/santa-barbara-wedding-planning/#sthash.JvIxyUhN.dpuf

Merryl Brown Events Reviews Top 3 Wedding Planner Magazines

Santa Barbara, CA - August 10th, 2013 - Merryl Brown Events highlighted severalwedding magazines this month in an effort to ensure her Santa Barbara wedding planning clients are well advised. The review aims to provide couples with convenient access to wedding planning insights from diverse sources in the wedding planning industry.

The magazines selected include; Wedding Planner Magazine, Martha Stewart Weddings and Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine. These magazines were chosen based on the uniqueness of wedding design, reputation, originality and ability to inspire the ultimate wedding.

The magazines selected are highly reputable sources from which couples can obtain ideas as they co-create the perfect wedding with Merryl Brown Events. When creating your own dream wedding, Merryl Brown Events advises clients to look to these wedding planner magazines for guidance.

Merryl Brown Events is an award-winning Santa Barbara wedding planning and social event planning company. Merryl Brown Events specializes in full-service wedding planning and wedding design for the discerning couple who are looking for personalized, concierge style service. Merryl Brown Events often recommends that couples look through wedding planner magazines to find ideas for a truly tailored wedding experience that will reflect their unique personalities.

"Our company is dedicated to upholding the highest standards in all of the wedding we design," commented Merryl Brown, who is a Certified Wedding and Event Planner (CWEP). "We love it when couples come to us with an idea they discovered in a wedding planning magazine, as it helps us turn their vision into reality."

About Merryl Brown Events - If you’re looking for the best wedding planner, or the best social event planner in Santa Barbara, contact Merryl Brown Events. Known for attention to detail and the love of old world elegance with a modern twist, Merryl Brown Events will plan your luxury wedding with the care, consideration and time you expect and deserve. In addition to weddings, Merryl Brown Events also serves as a corporate event planner and social event planner. Visit the website and Facebook page or call (805) 453-5729 for more information.

GET IN TOUCH
Merryl Brown
Merryl Brown Events
(805) 453-5729
http://www.merrylbrownevents.com

Merryl Brown Events Reviews Top 3 Wedding Planner Magazines

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Teeth Whitening Company Highlights Dental Implant Company in Southern California

June, 3 2013 – Goleta, CA – Life-Like Cosmetic Solutions, a worldwide provider of teeth whitening productsand dental supplies highlighted the top dental implant company in Southern California this month on their blog.

Life-Like selected AmerOss Dental Implant Company as the top dental implant company in Southern California.  As a service to their dentists, Life-Like strives to keep dentists up to date with helpful industry information.  The criteria for the selection process included usage of the latest technology, reputation among dental professionals, and ability to help dental patients look great.

“As a provider of dental supplies and dental products that include professional whitening kits for cosmetic dentists and teeth bleaching kits for at-home use, Life-Like Cosmetic Solutions wanted to make sure that dentists who utilize our products have access to the top dental implant company in Southern California,” said Patty Pottenger of Life-Like.

AmerOss Dental Implant Company creates unique dental implant products with proven results. Its unique, patent pending delivery system, called “I Dent Safety System” makes implant delivery safe and easy for the Implant Dentist. Their dental implants, which are crafted from lightweight titanium alloy, are strong, lightweight, and biocompatible. These implants are 100% American-made and carry a lifetime warranty.

Life-Like’s review of AmerOss aims to save dentists who use Life-Like teeth bleaching kits the effort of searching for the top dental implant company in Southern California.

About Life-Like Cosmetic Solutions – Life-Like Cosmetic Solutions provides quality tooth bleaching products for dental professionals as well as teeth bleaching kits for at-home use. Thousands of dental professionals from around the world rely on Life-Like for support of their teeth whitener services. Visit the website and Facebook page or call 800-543-3545 for more information.

At Life-Like Cosmetic Solutions, we provide quality tooth bleaching products for the dentist.We focus on enhancing our products and services to benefit you and your practice. Thousands of dental professionals all over the world rely on us for our support of their bleaching services.Simplicity for you and your patients is the goal that has guided the development of our product line. Our mission is to provide you with the most practical and effective bleaching materials available.Harbor Dental Bleaching Group, Inc. believes success is also measured in effective citizenship in our industry, community, and world.

View all posts by Life Like →