Janice Thompson's Blog, page 10

Ye Olde Arch-Nemesis

One resounding theme in Picture Perfect is the “arch-nemesis” theme. Hannah, the main character, still battles feelings of angst whenever her high school arch-nemesis, Jacquie “Practically Perfect in Every Way” Goldfarb is mentioned.

Check out this scene from chapter four to get a clearer picture of what I mean:

My life flashed before my eyes. Well, not really my whole life—but crazy, minuscule snatches of it. I saw the many times I’d come a quarter-inch shy of succeeding. Well, no more. Not this time.

I pushed a button on the dash, instigating a call to my best friend. Scarlet answered after the third ring with a chipper, “Hey, Hannah. I was just thinking about you. What’s up?”

            “Jacquie Goldfarb.” I spoke the words with a tremor.

            Silence followed on the other end of the phone, followed by an eventual, “Who’s that?”

            “Jacquie Goldfarb.” A sigh resonated from my end. “She was my arch-nemesis in high school.”

            “O-okay?”

            “Everything I wanted, she got. The position on the drill team. First chair in choir. The guy I wanted to date. She got it all. I always came in second to Jacquie Goldfarb.” I paused, my thoughts whirling as memories overtook me. “And now Drew Kincaid is my Jacquie Goldfarb. He gets the clients. He gets the accolades. He gets Bella’s nod for top photographer on the island. He gets. . .” Deep sigh. “Everything.”

            “He gets the guy you want to date?”

            “No. You’re missing my point. He’s going to come out on top and I’m going to fail. Again.”

            “Where are you, Hannah?” The tone of Scarlet’s voice changed. Now she was all business. I could almost picture her tossing those messy auburn curls over her shoulder and placing balled-up fists on her ample hips.

            “On my way to the studio. Almost there, actually.”

            “Perfect. I’ll meet you there.” With a click, she disappeared.

As you can see, Hannah struggles with her feelings regarding Jacquie Goldfarb. No matter how hard she tries, her old arch-nemesis always seemed to come out on top.

What about you? Do you have an old arch-nemesis? Someone who always got whatever they wanted? Have you kept up with this person? If so, how did he/she turn out? Just a few questions to ponder.

I will leave you with this: Who is your Jacquie Goldfarb?

Put Silk on a Goat (and Other Irish Proverbs)

I’ve always been a fan of proverbs. My dad was always using them, so I grew up hearing some funny ones: “People in hell want ice water.” “The road to hell was paved with good intentions.” (Actually, the word “hell” appeared in most of his sayings, now that I think of it.)

And now for some “heavenly” proverbs…ha! My newest book, Picture Perfect, is loaded with ‘em. Some are a little wacky, but see what you think:

May your troubles be as few and as far apart as my grandmother’s teeth.

May you have no frost on your spuds,

No worms on your cabbage.

May your goat give plenty of milk.

If you inherit a donkey, may she be in foal.

May you have the hindsight to know where you’ve been,?

the foresight to know where you’re going?,

and the insight to know when you’re going too far.

Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves,

For they will never cease to be amused.

Who gossips with you will gossip of you. 

A handful of skill is worth a bagful of gold. 

A friend’s eye is a good mirror.

Okay, now it’s your turn! Post a proverb that you love and have a chance to win a drawing for a free book! C’mon, let’s get’ crackin’!

 

 

 

 

 

Galveston, Oh Galveston!

If you’ve read my Weddings by Bella series, you know that I’m nuts about Galveston. I’ve continued Bella’s story in the same place “on sunny Galveston isle.” Why, you ask?

I grew up in the Houston area and vacationed on Galveston island as a kid. I have some vivid memories of playing on the beach (and in the water) with friends from church and with family members. I even have a funny memory of getting covered in black, goopy oil during an “oil slick” in the Gulf. (Not much has changed, right?)

Now, I’m NOT saying that Galveston has the prettiest beaches. Not even close. But the water is warm and the waves are safe enough to take the kids. My grandbabies love to go! And now they’ve built this fabulous amusement park on a pier. They call it “Pleasure Pier” and it appears in my latest series, the Weddings by Design series.

There’s SO much to enjoy on Galveston Island. I love Broadway, the main street. The Victorian houses on either side of the street are amazing! NOTHING compares to the Strand, though. On that amazing cobblestoned street, you will find buildings and businesses that date back to the 1900 storm.

Speaking of the storm, many of you might remember my book Hurricane, about “the Great Storm.” If you’re interested in learning more, you can always see the movie/film while you’re on the island.

Yep, I’ll keep writing about Galveston. It’s sunny, warm, and always puts me in a vacationer’s frame of mind. Join me for some fun in the sun with my Weddings by Design series! In the meantime, check out these photos from my most recent trip to Galveston! 

These Feet Were Made for Dancin’

If you’ve followed my writing for any length of time, you probably know that I’m nuts about Dancing with the Stars. For that matter, I’m nuts about dancing, period. This fascination must go back to my childhood escapades on the stage with Zoe-Ann Burr’s dance studio in Humble, Texas.

[image error]At any rate, I love a great waltz. And the cha-cha makes my heart sing. I also happen to be slightly nuts about Derek Hough (Can we say hottie?) from Dancing with the Stars. I’ve made it a life-mission to dance with him. Time will tell if that dream will come true.

In the meantime, I must live vicariously through my characters. Picture Perfect, book one in the Weddings by Design series, offered me the perfect opportunity to do just that. If you read my Weddings by Bella series (and the Hollywood books) you probably remember superstar Brock Benson. Well, he’s back in this new series, and he’s appearing on Dancing with the Stars! He’s dancing with Cheryl Burke. (If you follow DWTS, you know she’s a strong dancer.)

Picture Perfect

So, will Brock win, or not? I guess you’ll just have to read Picture Perfect to find out! In the meantime, check out this video of Derek Hough. It’ll get you in the mood to tap your toes.

 

The Italian Kitchen

Ah, Italian food! Is there anything finer? Spaghetti. Pizza. Fettuccini Alfredo. Chicken Parmesan. Chicken Cacciatori. Lasagna. Pasta Fagioli. Minestrone. Caesar Salad. Garlic bread. Italian Cream Cake. On and on the list of favorites goes.

And where, exactly, does one go to learn how to cook these tantalizing dishes? Why, to The Italian Kitchen, of course.

What? You mean to say you haven’t heard of The Italian Kitchen? Why, it’s the new television show that Bella Neeley’s Aunt Rosa and Uncle Laz host on The Food Network. You can read all about it in the new Weddings by Design series, of course, but you’d better hurry! Rosa and Laz are pretty busy and don’t have as much time to sit and chat as they used to before their show went viral!

These days, if you want to catch up with Aunt Rosa, you’ll find her behind the camera, sharing her recipes with hundreds of thousands of faithful viewers. She and Laz film most of their episodes at the Rossi home on Galveston Island, but they occasionally travel to New York, where they hob-nob with Bobby Fley, Paula Dean and others from the network.

Of course, Rosa’s love for family hasn’t changed. She’s still very involved in Bella’s life and adores her new great-nephew (Tres) and great-niece (Rosa-Earline). We have it on good authority she’s tickled pink that Bella and D.J. named their baby girl after her. Who wouldn’t be? Maybe little Rosa-Earline will grow up to be an amazing cook like her great aunt!

Picture Perfect

You’re invited to stop by the Rossi home by reading Picture Perfect, the first book in the Weddings by Design series. Maybe you’ll catch a few minutes with of Rosa and Laz before they start filming. If so, be prepared for an earful from Laz. He’ll want to fill you in on the goings-on at Parma John’s, the family’s restaurant. Chances are pretty good he’ll talk you into buying an extra-large slice of pizza for the road. Or maybe, if you’re really lucky, he and Rosa will treat you to their famous garlic twists. They’re the best in town.

Until then, arrivederci, y’all! See you soon on Galveston Island!

 

Resurrecting Bella

Friends, I know that many of you have asked questions about the return of Bella and the gang. I’m going to do my best to answer those questions here:

1. Can you tell us more about why you decided to write the Weddings by Design (Weddings by Bella spin-off) series?

When I wrote Fools Rush In (book one in the Weddings by Bella series) I knew I had something special on my hands. The characters really resonated with me, but there was more. I felt as if I’d created a world of real, wonderful, wacky people. Sure, I’d breathed life into them on the page, but they seemed to take it from there, springing to life and moving the story forward as they willed. I wrapped up the series with Swinging on a Star and It Had to be You, but my readers weren’t satisfied! At least once a week I got a letter from a fan saying, “Are there more? Please keep this story going!” I sent several of those letters to my editor, and before long she agreed that we should, indeed, keep the story going! That’s how the Weddings by Design story began. I’m so relieved to have more to offer. Since Fools Rush In went free on kindle, it has been downloaded nearly 300,000 times. Crazy! So, I have many, many new readers, aching for more!

2. How are these stories similar to the novels in the Weddings by Bella series?

This is a wedding-themed series, just like the first, and loaded with fun, quirky mishaps on the way to the altar! Readers will experience the same “feel” of Galveston Island and my ever-present humor, which drives the stories forward.  I truly hope that readers pick up the first book in this new series and sigh with relief as they catch up with their favorite characters from the last series: Bella, D.J., Aunt Rosa, Uncle Laz, the three ladies from Splendora, Brock Benson, and so on. Here’s what the publisher had to say about the new series: “With her contagious humor and cast of quirky characters, Janice Thompson gives readers more of the bridal business drama they want in a brand-new series all about those long-suffering people who make beautiful weddings happen. Readers are desperately waiting for more of Bella and this new series brings her back in a big way, while introducing new characters fans will love. Fans will laugh out loud as they experience this breezy and entertaining novel from a great storyteller.”

3. What sets this new series apart from the last one?

The Weddings by Design novels are told from the point of view of new characters. Book one, Picture Perfect, is about a wedding photographer named Hannah. Book two, The Icing on the Cake, is about a wedding cake designer named Scarlet. Book three, The Dream Dress, is about a dress designer named Gabi. Book four (yet unpublished) is about a wedding florist named Gina. Each of these ladies longs to work with the most fabulous wedding coordinator on the island—Bella (Rossi) Neeley, so everything loops back to Club Wed, just like the first series.

4. When does the new series release?

Book one, Picture Perfect, is already available on amazon. The kindle version will be ready for download on February 15th. (Happy Valentine’s Day, y’all!) I received my author copies last week, so autographed copies are available for purchase ($12) if readers are interested in that. They can email me at booksbyjanice@aol.com for more information.

 

5. Can you tell us about Picture Perfect , the first book in the series?

Ooo, I’d love to! The synopsis should answer any questions:

She’s trying to focus on her future. How can one man make everything feel so . . . fuzzy?

Hannah McDermott has a successful photography studio. She’ll soon be featured in Texas Bride magazine. And she has a celebrity client whose Galveston ceremony will be her ticket to the top spot on wedding coordinator Bella Neeley’s list of recommended photographers. But it could all come crashing down around her because of one man: archrival and photographer extraordinaire Drew Kincaid.

As the competition between Hannah and Drew heats up, Hannah is surprised to find that it’s not the only thing getting more intense. She can’t get the handsome man out of her thoughts-or even out of her line of sight-and the job of her dreams is turning into a nightmare. Will everything she’s worked for slip out of her hands? And can she see past her pride to find a picture-perfect love?

 

6. How is the new series doing with readers so far?

Great! Folks who’ve read the book have already contacted me to say they love it! I’m also thrilled that Picture Perfect got a great Romantic Times review. . .four stars! Here’s what the reviewer had to say: “Fans of romantic comedies are in for a treat just in time for Valentine’s Day. Book one in the Weddings by Design series does not disappoint! Funny one-liners and absolutely lovable characters combine with just enough romantic tension to keep the pages turning at a brisk pace — but readers will want to slow down to savor this one.”

 

7. How are you kicking off the new series?

I’m hosting an online party! I’m calling this my “Bing & Bob” party and it will be held on the night of February 18th at 7:00 p.m. central time. These two funny fellas hold a special place in the heart of my characters and they will provide the entertainment at our gathering! This fun, interactive party will take place inside the “Bella’s Back” group on facebook. Join me for an interactive chat, video teasers, Bing Crosby music and giveaways! Some lucky reader/participant will win a free kindle fire! To be entered, you must join the Bella’s Back facebook group and attend the party. (i.e. “Must be present when your named is called.”)

For more information about the party, check out this video invitation.

 

8. Can you share a little bit from the novel?

 

Prologue

Going My Way

May your troubles be as few and as far apart as my grandmother’s teeth.

Irish proverb

My life has been a series of almosts.

Take, for instance, the time I almost made the cheerleading squad in high school but lost out to my archnemesis, Jacquie Practically-Perfect-in-Every-Way Goldfarb. Then there was the time Matt Hudson, the hunkiest football player at my high school, almost asked me to the prom but ended up going with Jacquie instead. Oh, and we can’t forget the time I almost got a photographer’s dream job, shooting superstar Brock Benson’s wedding. Yep. Another almost. That time, the opportunity of a lifetime slipped through my fingers and into the open palms of my chief competitor, Drew Kincaid of Kincaid Photography.

Some people are haunted by memories of things they’ve done. Me? I’m haunted by all of the things I nearly accomplished but missed by a quarter of an inch. That’s why, when faced with yet another unbelievable opportunity—a profile piece in Texas Bride magazine to promote my new Galveston-based photography business—I couldn’t blow it. No more almosts for me. This time I would hit the finish line a winner. My meeting with the Texas Bride reporter would transform my career and propel me into the limelight, winning me the favor of the island’s top wedding planner, Bella Neeley. If I could just keep from messing it up.

Oh, but this time I wouldn’t! In fact, I could almost hear my Grandpa Aengus cheering me on from the great beyond: “Hannah Grace, if you’re lucky enough to be Irish, then you’re lucky enough.”

I didn’t happen to believe in luck, but if being Irish meant I stood a better chance at succeeding in business, I would embrace my heritage as never before. I would bathe with Irish Spring soap, dress in the vibrant colors of the family crest, skip through fields of shamrocks, and listen to my father’s nightly tales of Clan McDermott’s glory days. And I would do it all with a smile on my face and confidence in my stride.

From his mansion up in heaven, Grandpa Aengus smiled down on me, his gold-capped front tooth gleaming like the precious stones in the pearly gate. I could sense his pleasure as I made up my mind to do the McDermotts proud. Like my warring ancestors of yesteryear, I would fight to the finish, wielding my bloody sword—er, my two-thousand-dollar digital camera with stellar resolution and optical zoom—until I took the prize. I would come out a victor in the end, or make a fool of myself trying.

Either way, I wouldn’t go down without a fight. A true McDermott never did!

STAY CONNECTED WITH ME!

Visit Janice’s Website

Connect with Janice on Facebook

Join the “Bella’s Back” Facebook group

Watch the Bing & Bob party video invitation

Check out the Bella’s Back Video on youtube

Read Fools Rush In (the first Bella book) for free on your kindle

 

Kindle Fire Giveaway. . .You are Invited!

You are cordially invited to my Bing & Bob party, where I’ll launch my latest book, Picture Perfect! We’ll share a fun evening of Bing Crosby music, Bing & Bob movie clips, and lots of tidbits about my book. Oh, and prizes! (Did I mention the prizes?)

If you join the “Bella’s Back” group on Facebook, (where the party will take place), you will automatically be entered in a drawing to wina kindle fire, which will be given away on the night of the party (Feb. 18th, 7:00 p.m. central time). You must be present to win. But that’s not all! Every ten minutes, I will hold a drawing to give away several copies of Picture Perfect. You will have multiple opportunities to win!

For more details, check out the video invitation below.

Enjoy this blurb about Picture Perfect!

Picture Perfect

She’s trying to focus on her future. How can one man make everything feel so . . . fuzzy?

Hannah McDermott has a successful photography studio. She’ll soon be featured in Texas Bride magazine. And she has a celebrity client whose Galveston ceremony will be her ticket to the top spot on wedding coordinator Bella Neeley’s list of recommended photographers. But it could all come crashing down around her because of one man: archrival and photographer extraordinaire Drew Kincaid.

As the competition between Hannah and Drew heats up, Hannah is surprised to find that it’s not the only thing getting more intense. She can’t get the handsome man out of her thoughts-or even out of her line of sight-and the job of her dreams is turning into a nightmare. Will everything she’s worked for slip out of her hands? And can she see past her pride to find a picture-perfect love?

Picture Perfect Gets Four Stars!

Just got the Romantic Times review of Picture Perfect (the first Bella spin-off book):

FOUR STARS! Here’s what the reviewer said: “Fans of romantic comedies are in for a treat just in time for Valentine’s Day. Book one in the Weddings by Design series does not disappoint! Funny one-liners and absolutely lovable characters combine with just enough romantic tension to keep the pages turning at a brisk pace — but readers will want to slow down to savor this one.”

Every time Hannah McDermott wants something, she never gets it, because either someone or something holds her back. She’s determined to be the photographer at the wedding of the year and her hunky, handsome competitor, Drew Kincaid, isn’t going to stop her. Historically, the McDermott clan and the Kincaid clan were always at war, but the McDermotts always seem to come out on top. So, Hannah doesn’t plan on losing out to Drew despite his constant tugging on her heartstrings. (REVELL, Feb., 336 pp., $13.99)

Reviewed By: Chandra McNeil

Publisher: REVELL

Published: February 2013

A Passion for Story

Some writers nudge their way onto the publication scene with a lovely resume in hand, one that includes a degree in English or Literature. Others experience a “lucky break,” an amazing opportunity that propels them through the publication door, bells clanging and whistles blowing.  Most press their noses to the grindstone—grunting and grappling their way to publication, one sour rejection after another. Then, there are those who come out of the womb writing—child prodigies, who pour out their heartfelt stories onto the pages of their elementary school notebooks, destined to become one-day-stars. As the years progress, they morph into the very thing they were destined to be all along—writers.

I suppose you could say there’s a little of each of these in me.  I was born with a passion for both story and performance and always saw myself as having a great call on my life. As a child, I instinctively knew how to entertain folks with my antics and my exaggeration. From the time I could offer a curtsy or a bow (anticipating that others would applaud my efforts) my mother labeled me a “ham.” She wasn’t far off in her description. I ended up going into theater, starting as an actress and eventually directing.

One thing served as the glue in all of my endeavors: story. Story fueled me as a youngster while I persistently scoured the shelves at our local library for something I hadn’t already read. Story intoxicated me as I picked up the pen and crafted my first novel in sixth grade. Story propelled me as I took on roles in high school plays, pouring heart and soul into each performance. Story lit a fire in me during my college years and pacified me when I had to leave school after my sophomore year. Story nipped at my heels in my early twenties when my father asked me to help him pen a screenplay—Liar’s Moon—which was eventually made into a movie. Story made a playwright out of me in my middle years, when the arts academy where I taught needed performance materials.

Story—specifically, Christian fiction—grabbed hold of my heart, twisting and turning, when I neared my empty nest years. At this time, I truly “felt the call” to publish my first novel. It took years to accomplish this feat, but God eventually opened a door. From that day until now, I’ve been blessed to publish over eighty books for the Christian market—mostly light-hearted romances, loaded with humorous elements. I’m probably best known for my quirky Weddings by Bella series, but I’ve also been given the opportunity to write stories like my latest—Queen of the Waves—an intense drama set aboard the Titanic. Though I’m a comedian at heart, I enjoy writing the serious stuff too, because it challenges me as a writer and offers me the opportunity to further develop my skills.

No matter what I write—comedy, drama, devotions, plays or skits—I will remain a storyteller at heart. Writing for the Christian market is perfect for me, because I have the opportunity to incorporate the greatest story ever told into each of my tales. And hasn’t story always been the tool that God has used to touch the hearts of His people? Consider. . .The Prodigal Son. The Lost Coin. The 99 Sheep. All stories, told by the Master Storyteller, intended to teach, to nudge, to uplift, and to provoke. I pray that my stories will compel people to search out the Ultimate Author and to read His bestseller. (Talk about a great book!)

These days, as I look back on the stories I’ve published, the plays I’ve written, the articles I’ve penned, I see them all as a whole—part of a bigger story. My story. My legacy. Something I leave behind, not just for my children and grandchildren, but my readers, as well. I hope they see a little of my story in every novel, in every character, in every setting. Beyond that, however, I pray they see the very real story of a God who loves them so much that He was willing to split heaven wide open to send the ultimate hero into this world to rescue, redeem and revive.

So, what comes next for me? Where will the pages of my own story take me? Writing more comedies, of course! My Weddings by Bella series has done so well with readers that I’ve been asked to do a spin-off series (Weddings by Design). The first book, Picture Perfect, releases in January. I’m biting my nails in anticipation. In short, I will cherish every moment, pen in hand, ready for whatever tales—fun, serious, or otherwise—the Lord lays on my heart.

So, what about you? What’s your story? I pray it’s one filled with joy, peace, and blessing. . .and lots of laughter.

Connect with Janice:

Website: www.janicehannathompson.com

Facebook: Janice Hanna Thompson

Twitter: booksbyjanice

Online writing courses: www.freelancewritingcourses.com

‘Tis the Season for a Great Whodunnit!

If you love cozies as much as we do, then you’re in for a holiday treat! From December 12 – 23, we’re giving away one cozy mystery EVERY DAY!

So light the fireplace and grab a cup of hot cocoa, because you just may have a free cozy mystery coming your way!

HOW TO ENTER
There are two ways to enter:

Create a Pinboard entitled My 12 Cozies of Christmas. Fill it with 12 Spyglass Lane titles that either you want to read, or have already read and love! Be sure to use the #12CoziesofChristmas hashtag in the description of each pinned book cover. One pinboard will automatically enter you in each daily drawing!
Tweet about Spyglass Lane mysteries. Simply Tweet about  the giveaway or one of your favorite Spyglass Lane Mysteries or authors and include the #12CoziesofChristmas hashtag along with the www.spyglasslanemysteries.com link. You may Tweet as many times as you want each day! Only Tweets sent out the day of the giveaway will be considered for that day’s drawing.

Follow us on the Spyglass Lane  blog , Twitter  @SpyglassMystery  or  Facebook  for the latest info on the 12 Cozies of Christmas giveaway! Each day, we’ll reveal which Spyglass Lane cozy mystery we’ll be giving away.

GIVEAWAY INFO

Each day, we will reveal which Spyglass Lane mystery will be given away that day
A “giveaway day” runs from 12AM EST to 11:59PM EST.
There will be one winner per day
Winners will be announced the following morning
A Pinboard (see rules above) counts as one entry each day of the giveaway. Tweets (see rules above) only apply to the day in which they were originally Tweeted. For example, if you send 10 Tweets on Thursday the 13th, you will be entered 10 times in that day’s drawing. But those Tweets will not apply to the next day’s drawing.
Winners will be chosen via Randomizer.org, with Tweets and Pinboards each assigned a unique number
Winners will be announced via our  blog , Twitter  @SpyglassMystery  or  Facebook . Winners will be contacted via email or social media. If a winner does not hear from Spyglass Lane, they may contact us at SpyglassLaneMysteries (at) gmail (dot) com.
Winners will receive their prize in the form of a Smashwords coupon that they can redeem at Smashwords.com. Smashwords accommodates all ereader devices, though it may require the device to be directly connected to a computer for proper download.
The same person may win more than once!
There is no entry limit
Participants are expected to play nice! Inappropriate behavior (including but not limited to foul language, bullying, trolling, arguing) will not be tolerated and Spyglass Lane reserves the right to exclude such people from these and future giveaways