Tuesday, May 5, 2026

The Pretty Committee Strikes Back is the fifth novel in the Clique series and one of the most memorable.

The OCD girls and the Briarwood boys embark on a field trip to Lake Placid to learn how to survive in the wild. But the only skill our girls want to master is kissing. Massie sees this as an opportunity to regain her credibility in the post-Nina era and offers to teach a kissing clinic. The problem is that Massie has zero lip experience and a ton of fear. Shocker of all shockers, she turns to Kuh-laire for training. Claire agrees to keep Massie’s vulnerable secret as long as Massie helps Claire get Cam back. What could possibly go wrong?

Alicia is determined to find out who kissed her crush (Claire). Kristen, who can’t afford the trip, sneaks in and must spend the week hiding under a bed. Dylan’s mother surprised them all when she showed up with a camera crew and then hooked up with their geography teacher. And Derrington catches Massie in a lie that might ruin her reputation forever.

The story ends with the girls lost in the woods, pee-soaked, and scared for their lives. When they finally return to camp, they learn that Mother Nature is far less punishing than Mr. Myner.

This novel is packed tighter than their LV suitcases. Don’t know what we mean by that? Lisi’s recitation of Massie’s CONFIDENTIAL packing list should refresh your memory.

xoxo Lisi & Ellen

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

It doesn’t matter how happy, successful, therapized, in love, in shape, on-trend, or out of debt we might be—when we are around the people who knew us before we knew ourselves, we regress. Family members, hometown friends, exes, siblings…it doesn’t matter; we return to the roles we thought we had outgrown. Old behaviors return, and long-forgotten insecurities and resentments resurface.

This is the theme in the new Clique novel, State of the Reunion, and it’s also an undeniable part of the human experience. In this episode of EhMaGawd, Lisi and Ellen use the Clique characters to illustrate these dynamics and discuss why they exist.

Digressions include: Lisi’s cataract surgery, Ellen’s medicinal New York trip, and Amazon Warehouse Syndrome.

They also answer a question from a GLU who feels judged for not keeping up with the Joneses.

xoxo Lisi & Ellen

Massie: Um, is your name Sam?

Us: No.

Massie: Then why are you playing it again?

Us: Great question!

We are re-releasing the episode of EhMaGawd with actress Elizabeth McLaughlin (yes, Massie Block from the movie) because many of you are late to the podcast party, and we want to make sure you don’t miss this ah-mazing conversation from July 21, 2025. Why? Because this charming, talented, and very Type-A actor knows how to bring it.

Topics include: Elizabeth’s day-one illness on the set of the Clique, the grueling casting process, IRL tension between Elizabeth and Ellen, their favorite movie looks, and the impact Elizabeth’s ketchup obsession had on Massie’s character development.

Digressions include: work ethics, child veneers, business class, and Botox math.

You’re Welcome!!!

xoxo Lisi & Ellen.

April, 14, 2026

You can finally stop wondering what really goes on behind the sex scenes in movies, TV shows, verticals, and episodes of Heated Rivalry. And trust us, it’s way more involved than you think. In this episode of EhMaGawd, actress, genius, and intimacy coordinator Hayley Himmelman tells us what it takes to keep actors and actresses feeling safe while looking sexy. She also gives Lisi some fantastic advice on how to handle sex in the new Clique book because, come on, it’s one thing to accept that our girls are getting down, but it’s quite another to write about it.

So, go slip into something comfortable, and let’s get into it (Pun NOT intended).

xoxo Lisi & Ellen

While promoting The Clique, readers often asked how I managed to connect with twelve-year-olds when I was in my thirties. The answer was always: My dress size may have changed, but my insecurities, desires, and demons are the same.

In middle school, I was afraid the wind would blow my bangs aside and expose my forehead zits. Now, I pray the sun doesn’t reveal an errant chin hair. Back then, my stomach sank when friends came back from summer camp with new inside jokes. Now, it sinks when happy families return from group vacations, while my divorced ass sits home alone. I wondered why some girls were ready to date, and I wasn’t. I wondered the same thing when my friends started getting married and having kids. Shouldn’t I want that too? In middle school, popularity fluctuated more than our hormones. Trust me, mom culture is worse. “The only thing harder than getting in is staying in” was printed on the cover of every Clique book for a reason.

Read more

March 7, 2026

Invasion of the Boy Snatchers, the fourth book in the Clique series, can only be compared to Lord of the Flies if you completely changed the plot but kept the savagery.

When Alicia’s beautiful 13-year-old cousin, Nina, arrives from Spain, the Pretty Committee’s social stock drops dramatically, and their futures are as shaky as Derrington’s butt. (IYKYK). Nina, aka Nina the Obscena, steals their pride, their crushes, and several of their persona items, inspiring a diabolical revenge scheme that harkens the prom scene in Carrie. As if that’s not no buena enough, Claire and Massie are forced to become roommates only to discover that Claire is allergic to Bean, and the dog must go. We have exploding water bras, a shameful amount of boob jokes, and a kiss mishap that might change the course of Claire’s love life forever—and not in a cute way.

The good news? Glossip Girl has arrived. The bad news? Taco Belle is one of the flavors. The best news? This episode’s No Fly List is hilarious, and so is the banter.

xoxo Lisi & Ellen

Episode #38

On this episode of EhMaGawd, Lisi and Ellen come out of the closet and into your ears to discuss the dopamine addiction otherwise known as shopping. Because, come on, very few of us shop because we don’t have any clothes.

We polled dozens of habitual shoppers to find out what drives them (no two answers are the same) and share tips on how to make the overall experience more intentional and less traumatic.

Digressions include Hulu’s Love Story, The Lilith Fair, and what girls at the University of Arizona are wearing this season. Hint: not much.

This week’s Ask A Glu is about the very relatable fish-out-of-water feeling we all have when we move somewhere new. And, not to brag, but our advice is worth a million bucks. Which is great, considering that’s how much it costs to buy a new dress these days.

If you’d like to get our unprofessional input, spill your soul at Ask a GLU at thestateofthereunion@gmail.com. We’ve got you!

xoxo Lisi & Ellen

Episode #37

Hey GLUs (Girl Leprechauns Like Us):

Imagine starting a new job and Massie Block is your boss? Sit with that for a minute. Unless, of course, you’re dealing with a real-life version of her, in which case, LISTEN UP: This episode of EhMaGawd is a MUST if you want to understand the complex dynamics of mean girls at work and what to do about them. Katherine Crowley and Kathi Elster, authors of Mean Girls At Work and Working with You is Killing Me, share their well-researched insights, real-life stories, and communication techniques to help you survive professional pack attacks. They’re also going to show you what kind of mean girl YOU are, because you’re not as innocent as you think.

If you’d like to make a Mean Girl Amends or get some (unprofessional) help with your drama, spill your soul at Ask a GLU at thestateofthereunion@gmail.com.

xoxo Lisi & Ellen #Nicegirlsatwork

I live in Austin, TX and consider myself somewhat of a margarita connoisseur… I have a ranking of favorites around town and my #1 favorite is called a Gil’s from Maudie’s. It’s simple, high quality, and CLASSIC. The key is to always, and I mean ALWAYS use freshly squeezed lime juice.

Here’s what you need:

• Rocks Glass

• Cocktail Shaker & Jigger

• Juicer

• Ice

• Don Julio Blanco (or any blanco tequila of your choice - I also like Lalo)

• Cointreau

• Two Limes

• Salt

Here’s how to make Claire Lyons’ go to, or as I like to call it “the dos” since everything is in 2s.

• Fill your shaker with ice and add…

  • 2oz Tequila

  • 2oz Cointreau

  • Juice of 2 limes

IF You like a salted rim…

• Pour about a tablespoon of your favorite salt onto a plate, rim your glass with lime juice from your squeezed carcass, and roll the wet rim in the salt.

• Fill your glass with ice (I personally love to use a big rock)

• Shake your cocktail for at least 30 seconds, and strain into your glass over ice.

ENJOY!

xx

Ellen

Episode #36

In this episode of EhMaGawd, Lisi and Ellen explore our dysfunctional relationship with aging. Why is living to see another day viewed as something we need to resist, reverse, and retouch? Why do we hide our years like period-stained shapewear instead of wearing them like badges of honor? When will we learn that we are so much more than our collagen and fertility? And what does E.T. have to do with it?

Grow old with us as we explore these questions and help a GLU with her explosive boundarrhea.

If you need help coming to terms with your age, stage, or rage, send your quandary to Ask a GLU at thestateofthereunion@gmail.com.

Love you madly,

Lisi & Ellen

As you can imagine, there is a cacophony of voices in my head at all times. Like most of us, my characters want to be heard, represented, and seen. But today I am respectfully asking them to STFU and give the real women a chance to speak.

(After I say a few more things.)

Ellen and I are having a blast with EhMaGawd. The podcast has given us connection, community, laughter, purpose, and an opportunity to gnaw on the issues that affect us all. And let’s give it up for our guests!

(Pause for applause).

We’re usually hormonal or irritated when we log on, but by the time we’re done, we’re buoyant, hopeful, and ready to get back out there and fight the good fight. TBH, we’d be doing it even if you weren’t listening. But since you are (thank you!), we want to make sure your itches are being scratched.

What are you curious about? What keeps you connected, not just to the Clique, but to us, and to each other? If you have thoughts, ideas, or wildly niche requests, let us know. We’re listening. We’ve always been listening. But since those damn imaginary voices are so loud, we’ll hear you better if you answer our polls.

Thank you and Happy Saturday.

We’ll share the results as soon as we have them.

xoxo Lisi & Ellen

Episode #35

Revenge of the Wannabes, the third novel in the Clique series, is a great example of why some people want to burn books, and why they ABSOLUTELY SHOULD NOT! The story doubles as a time machine set to 2005, when it was perfectly acceptable to objectify women’s body parts, poke fun at eating disorders, and use revenge as a form of ‘conflict resolution’. Shame on us for tolerating it and good on us for correcting it. But destroying the evidence? That erases our guilt, undermines our growth, and disrespects those who survived it.

This novel, and those like it, should be read annually. Come for the laughs and stay for the lessons. If you don’t know what we mean, you will when you hear the lines that made it onto this month’s No Fly List.

As always, our girls emerge a little stronger and a lot kinder, just like the rest of us.

xoxo Lisi & Ellen

What started as a place for Clique nostalgia, fan fiction, and book updates grew to include Ask A GLU, the EhMaGawd podcast, and topics that impact women of all ages. My goal, then and now, has always been the same: to help women feel a little more seen and a lot less alone. And of course, to share my progress on State of the Reunion.

There was just one problem.

ME.

When Laptop and I enter the cone of silence, we tend to stay there. We don't get FOMO. We don’t break for birthday brunches. And we avoid making eye contact with the beach. Once I lock in and start writing, I stay in. It’s the reason I’ve managed to publish 42 novels in 25 years. Hyper-focus is my glow.

But it’s also my glitch.

When I’m locked in, my work-life balance gets wobbly. To-do lists don’t get to-done. Calls go unanswered. Make-up expires. Substacks starve. It’s called the strength-weakness paradox, and it’s a real thing. Because my greatest strength (hyper-focus) is also my greatest weakness (hyper-focus), my missives become infrequent. This is the reason, but it’s no excuse.

I meant it when I said I want to serve this community. I just can’t do it all the time because I’m trying to finish this novel. So when I do drop in, you better believe I’m going to make it count.

Pack protein, because Ellen and I are about to take you into the cone of silence for a very special status update on the State of the Reunion. Once inside, we’ll reveal details from the outline, talk through our process, and read the first paragraph of every character’s first chapter.

Read more

Episode #34

If you don’t believe in the power of meddling moms, you will after this episode of EhMaGawd. Actress Emma Flynn tells us the goosebumpy, not-to-be-believed story of how she landed the starring role of Glinda in Broadway’s Wicked (beginning March 3, 2026). Her story will make you believe in destiny. It will remind you that “not now” doesn’t always mean “not ever.” It will renew your faith in humanity.

NOTE: If you think you are seeing double, relax. Emma and Ellen just look freakishly similar. If you believe Lisi is a grandmother, stop reading Wikipedia.

Want advice that you may or may not use? Send your quandaries to thestateofthereunion@gmail.com, and Lisi and Ellen will help you figure it all out. This week, learn a little something about boundaries when Emma, Ellen, and Lisi help a GLU with friend drama.

xoxo Lisi & Ellen

Episode #33

In this episode of EhMaGawd, Lisi and Ellen break down why reconnecting with old friends (and often family members) makes us regress. Old insecurities pop up, we slip into roles we thought we had outgrown, and the work we did in therapy feels meaningless. Learn why this happens and how to keep it from happening again. It’s no coincidence that this is the central theme of the new Clique novel, State of the Reunion. It’s that deep.

Digressions include: Undiagnosed mental disorders, and a new form of friend therapy that doesn’t exist, but should. Also, a newly single GLU gets advice on how to move forward after an eight-year relationship.

Got drama? Questions? Concerns? Send it all to thestateofthereunion@gmail.com, and Lisi and Ellen will help you figure it all out.

xoxo Lisi & Ellen

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Today on EhMaGawd, Ellen fan-girls HARD for cooking content creator . With 1.5 million Instagram followers (@cocolarkincooks), Corre is best known for her videos that focus on simple, European-inspired home cooking. But she didn't start out that way. Like most GLUs, Corre began her career supplying armored ballistic glass to the military. (Haha! Imagine!) Eventually, she wanted something different and decided to change it up. But how? To what? And would she be successful?

Find out how Corre found the inspiration, courage, and strategies that took her from pivot to payoff. Great news: lying on a couch, hungover, played a significant role. See, there’s hope for all of us.

Ellen whips up a list of rapid-fire cooking questions, and Lisi, whose idea of cooking is making a dinner reservation, learns that even she can make Ragu Bianco. There is a stock-pot load of culinary wisdom in this episode, but the biggest takeaway is that it’s never too late to try and succeed at something new.

Got drama? Questions? Concerns? Send it all to thestateofthereunion@gmail.com and let us help you figure it all out.

xoxo Lisi & Ellen

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

In this episode of EhMaGawd, Ellen and Lisi discuss Best Friends For Never, the second book in the Clique series. Did Lisi really have to buy a copy just to reread it? Is Ellen dressed to match the cover? Those answers rhyme with “mess.”

Learn why clothes play such a big role in the series, how the boy-girl Halloween party changed the Pretty Committee forever, and the truth about Layne’s sexuality. Ellen asks for the stories behind the story, and Lisi presents the No Fly List: quotes from the novel that may have been acceptable then but would NEVER fly today.

Got drama? Questions? Concerns? Send it all to thestateofthereunion@gmail.com and let us help you figure it all out. Today, Lisi helps a GLU navigate the complicated publishing process.

xoxo Lisi & Ellen

January, 27, 2026

In this episode of EhMaGawd, Lisi and Ellen discuss the mean girl that sips fat-free lattes inside our brains and judges. You know the one. She rolls her eyes at our choices, tells us we could be better, and shames us for not doing more. Her name is Comparison, and she’s dead to us. Why do we compare? How can we stop? And when can it be helpful? Listen and learn.

And the digressions? They might be the funniest ones yet. Ellen credits Tinx for a quote that originated 100 years ago. Lisi gives her notes on Heated Rivalry. They reveal their high school scents (of course, Ellen has never heard of Lisi’s). And they help a GLU who is sick of being everyone’s pay pal.

If you want Lisi and Ellen to take a crack at solving your problems, email your drama to thestateofthereunion@gmail.com

xoxo Lisi & Ellen

January 20, 2026

In this episode of EhMaGawd, Leigh Ann Healey, a former bodybuilding champion turned champion of body positivity, shares her secrets for staying confident regardless of her fluctuating pant size. Her story is deeply relatable, and her advice is game-changing. GLUs, this is required listening.

This week’s Ask a GLU question is about sharing clothes when you no longer share sizes.

If you want Lisi and Ellen to take a crack at solving your problems, email your drama to thestateofthereunion@gmail.com

For more real talk on body love + confidence from Leigh Ann Healey, subscribe for 💕 DAILY self-love boosts 💕
☆ IG: https://www.instagram.com/leighannhealey/
☆ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leighannhealey
☆ Email: leighannhealeymgmt@gmail.com

xoxo Lisi & Ellen

January 13, 2026.

Welcome to season two of EhMaGawd! If you’re expecting a rowdy celebration, expect again. The booze has been recorked, all cookie-batter bowls have been licked, and the twinkle lights are down. The holiday season is over, and countless GLUs have the blues. But don’t worry, Lisi and Ellen know how to overcome post-party depression, and by the end of this episode, you will too.

Digressions include: Gay Canadian porn, word of the year, renaming Massie Block, Ellen’s Christmas haul, and Lisi’s genius white elephant idea.

This week’s Ask a GLU question is a doozy about ditching friends. If you want Lisi and Ellen to take a crack at solving your problems, email your drama to thestateofthereunion@gmail.com

Happy 2026 (hopefully)!

xoxo Lisi & Ellen