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To my readers:
Thank you.
Thank you for being the silent army of MEGheads who defied all the low predictions by the so-called "experts" in Hollywood and drove THE MEG movie (as I predicted) to the #1 movie worldwide. I'm no prophet, but having spent 22 years answering your emails, I know how enthusiastic you are and how loyal you've been to the series. As I type this we are approaching $450 million worldwide and there is talk of a sequel. If it happens, I'll be asking for more input when it comes to the final script. Don't misread this - I LOVE the movie - the tone was right, the cast was perfect, led by a great performance by Jason Statham, and most important - they got the shark right. It was the perfect movie to set MEG on the map. In order to avoid the Law of Diminishing Averages produced by JAWS 2, 3 and 4 the next movie needs to more closely follow the MEG series.
Of course, Peter Benchley only wrote the one JAWS novel, so there was little choice. MEG, on the other hand, just released book six, and book 2,
The TRENCH is exactly what is needed for a sequel. It is darker, with a layered plot, and more important - it introduces the most popular character in the series - Angel, the Angel of Death - a 74 foot monster of mayhem with a nasty disposition.
What can you do to make The TRENCH happen? For now, just keep going to see the movie and spread the positive vibes to others. In Hollywood, it's all about the Benjamins. But here's the thing that I know and YOU KNOW: If they make The TRENCH and follow the key plot points in the book (and a few changes I am recommending) the second movie will easily surpass the box office of the first.
Moving on...
I am trying to figure out my writing schedule for 2018-19. I know most of you want me to write MEG: PURGATORY next, but that is an eight to twelve month commitment and there are a few scripts that I can write instead that would bring in the funds I need to take care of my family. (I know that sounds strange after seeing The MEG do so well at the box office, but those monies - if they happen - are way down the road).
But I came up with an idea that would allow me to start writing PURGATORY in September with a hardback release of MEG 7 around June: A&M Publishing could release an interim book - a Special SIGNED HARDBACK EDITION of The LOCH.
Why The LOCH? Two reasons. First, The LOCH movie rights were optioned by MEG producer Belle Avery and her amazing team who made The MEG movie happen (so there is a good chance that Alten story is the next one we'd see in theaters) - and second, because I own the rights to the hardback and I've always wanted to go back and add images of the castles and the myth, plus my 3D artist Tan Ngo can bring certain big scenes to life. So we'd be creating an all-new version of the book...at least visually - featuring new cover art, a new interior - and a bonus - a signature page as in MEG: Generations. And like GENERATIONS, this would be a collector's edition - NEVER sold in stores or on Amazon, only thru pre-orders from Oct. 1st - Oct. 15th, with books delivered by X-Mas.
I realize some of you are still waiting for Generations (we've delivered about 85% and the rest should be mailed by mid-September) however those delays were caused because I expected to finish the manuscript in May but I was still writing the book in late June, adding 80 new pages for a seventh sequel. The difference would be that the book is already written, so we know a definite delivery date. As such, we'd have a cut-off day to ORDER & RECEIVE the signed book by Christmas (or Chanukkah or Quanza, or Festivus for Seinfeld fans).
But before I commission expensive cover art and art work and a major edit, I need to know if my dedicated fans are interested in this offer. Books would run $27.95 (The LOCH is a long book) plus S&H. So here's the deal, laddies and lasses - if yer interested just drop me an email at Meg82159@aol.com and write in the subject area LOCH YES. I'll tally the number of yeses and see if it is worth it.
Finally, school is back in session and it's time for our annual sale to support the non-profit
Adopt-an-Author teen reading program. Please check out the
store where copies of the new
The MEG trade paperback are on sale (lower than Amazon with free shipping in the U.S.) and
UNDISCLOSED hardbacks are 60% off. Not listed is a special movie poster that I will sign personally which can only be ordered by emailing me (see below).
On behalf of the more than 10,000 registered teachers in the AAA program - many thanks,
--Steve Alten
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For Sale (while supplies last) MEG MINI MOVIE POSTERS
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These heavy card stock glossy posters are 11 inches x 17 inches.
Cost is only $19.95 plus $3.50 S&H.
To order, email me at Meg82159@aol.com - SUBJECT: MINI-POSTER.
I will invoice you via paypal. After you pay, email me your name and address, and how you'd like the poster signed. Less is best, my handwriting is sloppy and it's a really nice poster, definitely one to be framed.
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MEG: GENERATIONS - DUDE, WHERES MY BOOK???
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Get Your Copy Now!
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As you know from messages on my website and newsletters and social media, I needed an extra 45 days to finish book 6 as I changed the ending to accommodate a 7th novel and added over 80 pages. As you read this almost everyone has received their books (which look amazing). Recent orders should arrive soon - but just to clarify, it is not 7 days until delivery, it is 7 days (or less) to deliver the book AFTER the tracking info is sent.
We are quickly running out of SIGNED hardbacks of GENERATIONS & MEG 20th MOVIE HARDBACK EDITIONS. As I type this, there are only 47 signed first edition Generation hardbacks and less than a thousand MEG 20th Anniversary hardbacks (signed & numbered, with the MEG movie poster dust jacket as a bonus gift.) Neither will EVER be sold in stores and on Amazon - that is my sworn promise to you. They ARE being sold at 3-4 times the $26.95 price on ebay ad other venues.
There is a good chance that by the time you read this, GENERATIONS will be completely sold out. To be fair to new MEGheads who just discovered MEG and are enjoying the MEG series, I am going to print a limited SECOND edition of GENERATIONS. Like the first editions, they must be pre-ordered. Pre-orders will run up until October 15, 2018. Only those people who order by or before October 15, 2018 will be guaranteed their book by X-Mas.
To maintain the TOP value of the first editions, the second editions will NOT have the signature page or my signature. The copyright page will also designate the book as a second print.
Second editions can be pre-ordered as soon as the last 47 sell out. The hane-over will be clear.
How much more valuable are first editions vs second editions? In this case, probably a lot, but the same can be said of second vs third editions, etc. Still, we're only talking about a total print run under 6,000 books. With the movie closing on $500 million gross worldwide, that's a tiny number of books to satisfy a lot of new fans.
MEG: Generations and the MEG 20th Anniversary Editions, as well as copies of the new MEG trade paperback ad UNDISCLOSED can be ordered at www.SteveAlten.com
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New "The MEG" Book Trailer: |
Directed and produced by our own amazing Erik Hollander. Take a look and PLEASE spread it around!
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Living Tips: Face Yoga
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What is Face Yoga?
Face Yoga is a series of simple exercises which naturally tighten and tone the muscles in your face, without the use of toxic chemicals or fillers. Learning to move the muscles of the face properly can result in diminishing the signs of aging, softening wrinkles, smoothing nasolabial fold lines, decreasing bags/circles under the eyes, decreasing jowls, and creating an overall youthful appearance. Face Yoga creates a mindfulness about the way in which one holds their facial posture. For instance, have you ever stopped to notice how you furrow your brow when concentrating? Has anyone ever asked if you were upset when you felt completely fine? Perhaps you had your eyebrows raised in a particular fashion which communicated upset? These subconscious ways in which we use our face muscles create unwanted lines. Learning to tune in to how you are holding your face muscles is just one of the many benefits of doing Face Yoga. Learning to isolate and exercise specific muscles can literally redefine your face and take years off your appearance.
Face Yoga can be done anywhere as it requires no equipment or particular setup. The exercises, once learned, can be done while driving, walking, cooking, etc., and take literally 5-10 minutes a day for wonderful results. For wonderful before/after pictures, check out my website,
www.YogaforFace.com
Susan Forma has been Certified as a Face Yoga Method Teacher by International Founder/Teacher, Fumiko Takatsu. Susan is one of a handful of certified teachers in the United States. Call Susan at 561-929-1627 for more information or to schedule a class in your home with friends via skype. The results speak for themselves!
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Funny video of the Month - Food Critic Skewered |
Sacha Baron Cohen (playing an ex-con chef) gets a food critic to eat some unusual dishes
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Who is America Food Critic Bill Jilla Reaction |
IF YOU HAVE A JOKE OR VIDEO YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE, please e-mail to me at MEG82159@aol.com Put JOKE in the subject line.
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Best to just skip it after the last video.
*IF YOU HAVE A RECIPE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE, please e-mail to me at
MEG82159@aol.com
Put RECIPE in the subject line.
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Finally...
Jon Stewart used to close The Daily Show with his moment of Zen.I offer you my favorite Three Stooges moments of woob woob woob - Curly, guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Stay well, stay safe... and know this author really appreciates you.
-Steve Alten, Ed.D.
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