Vivienne Diane Neal's Blog, page 78

Riding The Writing Roller Coaster, by Melissa Foster

[image error] Author Melissa Foster
at Charlottesville Book Fest
When I decided to become a writer, I mean really become a writer—drop everything else I was working on and hunker down to actually write my first novel, I didn't stop to think about if people would want to read it. It sounds funny, but I was so excited about writing, that I hadn't gotten to the thoughts of what happens after it's written. When I finally typed "The End" on the first draft, reality came tumbling in, along with worried thoughts about if anyone would want to read my book.

I've often said that handing your completed book to readers is like standing on a street corner naked—you don't know if readers will throw tomatoes or whistle (I prefer the whistles). This statement, I've found, is true for every book I write. The worry doesn't fade.

Imagine my surprise when MEGAN'S WAY was named Finalist in the 2010 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. That was quite an honor. I think I must have screamed for 23 hours straight (my family wore ear plugs). This year, MEGAN'S WAY won the 2011 Beach Book Festival Award, which brought tears of joy. The funny thing is, even though some of the worried thoughts have lessened, I still get butterflies when someone says they're going to read my book.

Now, with the film adaptation of MEGAN'S WAY on the horizon, you'd think my worries would fade completely. People like my book. Whew! My writing has been compared to Jodi Piccoult, which is a great honor, and to add another layer of happiness, my writing in CHASING AMANDA, my second novel, has been likened to Ted Dekker by a lovely reader. I couldn't be happier with the compliments, and yet, there's still that flitter of concern in my belly. Every book is not for every reader, and much like ice cream, we're lucky they come in several different flavors, or genres. I'm thankful for all of the readers who appreciate my books.

I'm approaching the film adaptation with joy and pushing aside my worries about what viewers will think. Those who enjoy the movie will gain entertainment, and hopefully enlightenment of the themes that are woven through the story of friendship, acceptance, and the bonds of secrecy. I have faith in my director, Wendy Crouse, and know the movie will be as wonderful as the book itself. For me, the honor of the awards and film adaptation are simply icing on the cake. I was thrilled when I received the first reader review, and am just as thrilled with every review I have received since. The excitement never ends (and neither do the butterflies).

~*~
[image error] "Megan's Way is a fine and fascinating read that many will find hope in." Midwest Book Review

What would you give up for the people you love?

When Megan Taylor, a single mother and artist living on Cape Cod, receives the shocking news that her cancer has returned, she's faced with the most difficult decision she's ever had to make. The love she has for her daughter, Olivia, and her closest friends will be stretched and frayed.

Megan's illness reawakens the torment of her best friend, Holly Townsend, whose long-held secrets and years of betrayal come back to haunt her. How does one choose between a daughter and a life-long best friend? Can the secret she has been keeping be revealed after years of lying without destroying everyone in its wake?

Meanwhile, fourteen-year-old Olivia's world is falling apart right before her eyes, and there's nothing she can do about it. She finds herself acting in ways she cannot even begin to understand. When her internal struggles turn to dangerous behavior, even the paranormal connection she shares with her mother might not be enough to save her - her life will hang in the balance.

Megan's Way is a journey of self discovery and heartfelt emotions, exploring the depth of the mother-daughter bond, and the intricacies of friendship.

~*~
MEGAN'S WAY (Excerpt)

Chapter One
2009

Megan steadied herself against the cold porcelain sink, hoping the morning's nausea would subside and trying to strengthen herself for the tough decision that had been wreaking havoc with her mind lately, and the choice that lay ahead. The familiar Tink, pause, Tink, pause on her bedroom window drew her attention. A confused cardinal had repeatedly gone beak to glass in recent weeks, as though trying to rouse her. As she tried to calculate the number of times she'd also awakened to nausea, the familiar surge of bile rose in her throat.

She clung to the toilet as if it were a security blanket. The smell of last night's dinner still wafted in the air, sending her body into convulsions of dry heaves. Great, Megan thought as she grasped her stomach. She looked up at the ceiling, What the hell am I going to do now?


"Mom?" Olivia's voice carried down the hall. "Mo-om!" The single word stretched into two perfect teenage syllables.

Megan heard the drama in her voice and closed her eyes against her growing frustration. She knew that particular scream, the self-centered, in-a-hurry, where's-my-stuff scream. She did not have the patience to deal with Olivia's drama on this particular morning. She grabbed hold of the sink and pulled herself up. Her stomach lurched again, causing her whole body to clench. She prayed for some relief as Olivia's voice came screaming at her again.

"What!" she snapped back. She wished she could have been more patient with Olivia, but at that moment, she was overtaken by exhaustion, confusion, and anger. She wanted to kick something, to cry, to scream until she no longer had a voice—but her body was too tired to do any of those things. She had to pull herself together and get through the day.

Megan rinsed out her mouth and averted her eyes from the sheet-white face that reflected back at her.

~*~
About the Author

"Melissa Foster is a wonderful connector of readers and books, a friend of authors, and a tireless advocate for women. She is the real deal" --Author Jennie Shortridge
Melissa Foster is the author of two novels, Megan's Way and Chasing Amanda. She is the founder of the Women's Nest, a social and support community for women, and is currently collaborating with Director Wendy Crouse, Dream Real Pictures, in the film production of Megan's Way. Melissa hosts an annual Aspiring Authors contest for children, she's written a column featured in Women Business Owners Magazine, and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa is currently working on her next novel, and lives in Maryland with her family. Melissa's interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping women see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod.
~*~
Awards:
Megan's Way
2011 Beach Book Award Winner (Spirituality)
2010 Next Generation Indie Book Award Finalist (Spirituality)
Nominated Dan Poynter's Global eBook Award 2011(Winners TBD summer 2011)
Chasing Amanda
Nominated Dan Poynter's Global eBook Award 2011 (Winners TBD summer 2011)
Member: Maryland Writers' Association
~*~
Sites to Visit:
Author's Website

Follow the author on Facebook, Twitter, FB Fanpage


Chat with author on The Women's Nest

[image error]http://melissafoster.com/content/melissas-2011-events.

10 Words That Describe What Love is to Me

Follow this link and discover what loves really is to this writer. Enjoy!

http://www.topdatingsites.com/blog/2011/10-words-that-describe-what-love-is-to-me/


Submitted by Donna Cullen

[image error]

Meet Sibel Hodge, Chicklit Author of Four Winning Novels

My name is Sibel Hodge and I'm a chicklit author!

I was standing up when I said that so should I duck now and wait for the squidgy tomatoes to be thrown at me? I know some of you lovely readers might appreciate a hefty dose of chicklit, but there are still a lot of chicklit-haters out there! Why? Haven't got a clue, to be honest, because if you think about it, chicklit has been around for years. Just look at Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen! It was possibly one the first romantic comedies - yep, that's right, Jane Austen wrote chicklit!

And since chicklit and fun go hand in hand, I thought I'd show you my take on this amazing genre!

May was the inaugural International Chicklit Month, and I had the pleasure of hosting a fabtastic giveaway of chicklit books on my blog. All people had to do to enter was leave a comment saying exactly what they love about chicklit. And this is where the fun part comes in!

Here are a few quotes from the comments:

"I can be sitting here reading a book, laughing out loud, snickering, and more, and I could try to explain to my hubby what is so funny, and he just doesn't get it!!!"

"Why do I like chick lit? Because it offers realistic characters, intriguing settings, and often, a good dose of humor"

"Reading a chicklit novel is like having a gossip session with a girl friend, and that is a guilty pleasure we all need to have once in a while."


"Why do I read chick lit? Because chick lit is fun :) A light reading which makes you smile and sometimes upset"

"Rather like having an enormous box of chocolates that I can dip into at will - or even scoff the lot with no guilt feelings."

"We all need a bit of light hearted fun in our lives! There is nothing wrong with a bit of daydreaming. This is why I like chicklit :o) xx"

"I especially enjoy reading about strong women who make their way in men's professions and have fun while their at it."

"Other times I'm laughing my face off enjoying the great adventures and interesting situations that some of the characters get themselves into."

"What I love about it is the attitude, that it's all about a woman's journey, but more in a fun, personal way than say women's fiction"

"It is fun, light hearted escapism"

Notice the common theme in all of them? Yes, the F word (no, not THAT F word!) - Fun!

So what exactly is chicklit?

Well, the chicklit genre is so diverse, encompassing all the issues that modern women face. And it's so much more than killer-shoes and pink covers! It can be sad, happy, kick-ass, fun, comic, scary, inspiring, heart-warming, intriguing, romantic, raunchy, sassy, full of attitude, quirky, tear-jerking. It covers real problems that women go through on a daily basis so it can never die!

But I think the main theme of chicklit is that it often contains humor, sarcasm, wit, and a fantabulous dose of fun. They are also often told in a more personal and confiding tone. Imagine having a natter with your best mate while indulging in a big dose of chocolate. Think of it as a calorie free indulgence! And these are the things that set it apart from purely romance or women's fiction.

Nowadays there are sub genres such as mommy lit, mystery lit, even lad lit! So whatever type of story you're looking for there will be loads of chicklit books to suit you.

Authors in the chicklit genre include people like Sophie Kinsella, Marian Keyes, Beth Orsoff, LC Evans. Oh, yeah, and little old moi!

So, girls and guys, if you do wanna have fun…reach for the chicklit!

~*~ 
Bio:

Sibel Hodge has dual British/Turkish Cypriot nationality, dividing her time between Hertfordshire and North Cyprus. She is a qualified personal trainer, sports and massage therapist, and writes freelance feature articles on health, fitness, and various lifetyle subjects. Prior to this, she also worked for Hertfordshire Constabulary for ten years.

Her first novel, Fourteen Days Later, was short listed for the Harry Bowling Prize 2008 and received a highly commended by the Yeovil Literary Prize 2009. It is a romantic comedy with a unique infusion of British and Turkish Cypriot culture. Written in a similar style to Sophie Kinsella and Marian Keyes, Fourteen Days Later is My Big Fat Greek Wedding meets Bridget Jones. My Perfect Wedding is the sequel to Fourteen Days Later, although it can be read as a standalone novel.

The Fashion Police was a runner up in the Chapter One Promotions Novel Competition 2010 and nominated Best Novel with Romantic Elements 2010 by The Romance Reviews. It is a screwball comedy-mystery, combining murder and mayhem with romance and chick-lit, and the first in a series featuring feisty, larger-than-life insurance investigator, Amber Fox. Written in a similar style to Janet Evanovich and Myron Bolitar, The Fashion Police is Stephanie Plum meets Harlan Coben. Be Careful What You Wish For is the second Amber Fox Mystery.

~*~
Blurb for Be Careful What You Wish For:

For fans of Janet Evanovich, Kate Johnson, and Gemma Halliday...

Armed with cool sarcasm and uncontrollable hair, feisty insurance investigator Amber Fox is back in a new mystery combining murder and mayhem with romance and chicklit…

Three deaths.
A safety deposit box robbery.
The boxing heavyweight champion of the world.

Somehow, they're all related, and Amber has to solve a four year old crime to find out why.

As she stumbles across a trail of dead bodies and a web of lies spanning both sides of the social divide, it's starting to get personal. Someone thinks Amber's poking her nose in where it's not wanted, sparking off a game of fox and mouse – only this time, Amber's the mouse.

Amber's forced to take refuge in the home of her ex-fiancé, Brad Beckett, and now it's not just the case that's hotting up. So is the bedroom…

All Levi Carter wanted to be was the boxing heavyweight champion of the world, but at what cost?

All Carl Thomas wanted was to be rich, but would his greed be his downfall?

All Brad Beckett wants is to get Amber back, but there's a reason for the ex word.

Be careful what you wish for…you might just get it.

~*~
Reviews:

"I was hooked in this book from beginning to end. This is a very well written book that has humour and romance." Geeky Girl Books

"If you like Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum I think you will really like Amber Fox - I know I do." Martha's Bookshelf

"Amber Fox was hilarious with her tough as nails outer persona and her hysterical one-liners that were frequently laugh out loud funny.

I definately recommend picking this book up!!" The Caffeinated Diva reads...

"Be Careful What You Wish For is a sharp, fast-paced story with intrigue, evil, romance, and humor. Amber Fox is the kind of strong lead female character with a great sarcastic wit that I love to read." To Read, Perchance to Dream

~*~
Links:

Ebook:

Amazon.com
Amazon.co.uk
Smashwords
B&N Nook

Paperback: Amazon.com

Author website
Author blog
For reviews and purchases of my latest novels        

Follow me on Twitter

Can Men and Women Just Be Friends by Miss Know It All

The question people always ask, "Can men and women just be friends." The answer to that question is yes. However, in order for this friendship to endure, there must be an unambiguous understanding as to how men and women define friendship and what their expectations are.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines friendship as an acquaintance, one attached to another by respect or affection, or one who supports or favors something.

Sometimes when a man and woman become close friends, there may be an undercurrent of innuendos or misunderstandings developing because each party never discussed their role in the relationship.

There is an assumption that men and women cannot be just friends, because there is a presumption that sex has to be the ulterior motive in order to maintain a close connection.

A perfect example is the role of friends with benefits, which can cloud one's perception as to whether individuals are just looking for sex and are using the term friends as a reason to satisfy each other's needs or do these people really have a healthy and lasting friendship?

Once sex is in the picture, can a friendship between men and women be sustainable?

What do you think? Post your comments now!

How do you know if He is the One? By Debbie Lamedman

Our lives take many unexpected twists and turns throughout our lifetime; and certainly incidents may occur which we never planned for. Society and culture often tells us how to live our lives, including who we are supposed to love and if we should marry. For many of us, it's difficult to be told what to do, particularly when it comes to matters of the heart. Marriage and family may not be the right path for some of us, though I do believe it is human nature to pair ourselves up and not travel down a solitary road.

Looking back at past relationships, I know I believed at the time that I was in love with some of these individuals. And I'm sure I was. Then. But not now. We learn about ourselves and life from every relationship we are involved in. And we learn from every relationship we encounter, not only romantic partners, but also family, friends, business associates and collaborators. As we learn and grow and move forward, the one we met and fell in love with when we were twenty is probably not the person we want to be with at 45. But then again…maybe he is. Everyone is different. There are plenty of couples who can get together when they are 20 years old and move and grow forward together. There is no rhyme or reason to the mystery of what keeps people in a relationship. Well, actually, there is a reason…the reason is love.

So how do we know if the person we are currently with is "the one?" What does "the one" mean anyway? Someone to spend the rest of our days with and grow old with? Maybe. But perhaps "the one" is the person who is right for you at the time. The one you can learn the most from. The person who can be with you unconditionally and allow you to see yourself as he sees you. I believe we may meet several "ones" during a lifetime. And we know in our hearts if he or she is the right one for us at that particular time in our life. We may not always stay with that person, but if it's a relationship worth having, we will definitely learn from him.

Our society says we should meet one person and settle with him forever. That may be possible for some people, but if you look at the state of marriage, and divorce being so common these days, it may not be practical. I am certainly not the same woman I was 25 years ago; I'd like to think I'm constantly growing and changing. I have experienced loss of all sorts of relationships, both friends and lovers, because people grow at a different pace. I have no regrets and believe with all my heart that everything happens for a reason. I met, fell in love and experienced certain relationships because that is what I needed at the time. The person I was with was the right person for me then. If things didn't work out, it's because we both needed to move on to the next phase, whatever that may be.

Sometimes it's hard to let go when you love someone. But you have to ask yourself if the person you are now with is someone who is willing to grow and change as you are doing. It's a terrible feeling if you think you are stuck with someone—this leads to bitterness and resentment. Be grateful for the time the two of you had together, and know that moving on will be better for both of you. If, however, this person is "the one," you have the capability within your relationship to enjoy each other for a lifetime. Sometimes, however, we don't always we get what we want; but we always get what we need.

~*~
Bio: Debbie Lamedman is a published and produced playwright, blogger and freelance writer who writes about online dating and relationships. Among the websites Debbie writes for is DatingServices.net. She also writes a personal blog at Confessions of a Cluttered Mind.

A Conference for the Passionate Erotic

The Erotic Authors Association will hold its first Inaugural Conference on September 9-10, 2011 at The Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Connect with authors, artists, publishers and fans for an amazing weekend of readings, panels, classes and industry networking. The conference will be capped by a reception at the Flamingo's Terrace Balcony.

This is the first convention designed for readers, authors and for those who enjoy the erotic side of life.

Registration fee is $165.00 until August 1. After August 1, $185.00.

No refunds 30 days before the event.

For more information, please visit their site at http://eroticauthorsassociation.com/EAA/conference/

Plain & Simple Books is Proud to Announce the Release of Their First Two Books! Daniel's Dream and Sullivan's Secret

About Daniel's Dream
Daniel Robert Lynch, a young and artistically gifted student, was a victim of mistaken identity in a shooting on September 22nd, 2006. "Dan" was an inspiring art student working towards his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. He had a dream, and nothing was going to stop him… nothing except a bullet.
Following his tragic death, his parents, Robert and Marian Lynch worked passionately to establish The Daniel Robert Lynch Art Education and Scholarship Program (DRL Art Program) in loving memory of their son. The DRL Art Program is now part of the Cache Education Foundation and provides art supplies and scholarship funds to students inspired by art. Daniel's Dream is the story of Daniel's life, death, and the legacy he left behind.
"My inspiration is art, because without art, we would just be stuck with reality."
Daniel Lynch
Daniel's Dream is now available at Amazon.com in paperback, or ask your local bookseller to order it for you. It is also available in Kindle Reader and Barnes & Noble Nook Book.

About Sullivan's Secret
Dr. Marie Bartek's life has been uneventful as the local veterinarian on Sullivan's Island, SC, until her ability to see spirits returns after eighteen years. After confiding in her best friend and realizing their interests in the paranormal, they organize a paranormal investigation team called Sullivan's Island Paranormal Society, SIPS. Marie learns to channel her ability through the help of one of the team members, but not before learning the spirits are trying to warn her about the murders taking place on Sullivan's Island. Sullivan's Secret captivates the reader with murder, suspense, and the world of the paranormal.
Sullivan's Secret is now available at Amazon.com in paperback, or ask your local bookseller to order it for you. It is also available in Kindle Reader and Barnes & Noble Nook Book.
Our new authors are excited about their new books and hope you will consider purchasing a copy for yourself, a friend, or a loved one who are sure to enjoy these wonderful new books!
See both books in the publishers Web store at http://plainandsimplebooks.webs.com/apps/webstore/  
Writer's visit A Book Inside at http://abookinside.blogspot.com  
Ready to publish your book...for FREE? Visit http://www.plainandsimplebooks.webs.com

Up and Coming Author with a Wicked Sense of Humor has Penned her Third E-Book

An author with a wicked sense of humor is how you can describe Vivienne Diane Neal, the new author on the block.

Born in 1946, Vivienne has been writing articles for over twenty years, and started writing fictional short stories in 2007. She gets her story ideas from observing people, places and things and watching true TV court cases.

While she has never taken a course in creative writing, she contributes her love for writing to her college professor who taught English and stressed applying proper sentence structure when writing. In fact, Vivienne will tell you, "I did not learn how to write until I went to college."


Her first book, Making Dollar$ And Cent$ Out Of Online Dating is a true-life and humorous account as to why and how she got into the dating business and the problems she has encountered and still does while trying to keep afloat in the ever-changing world of the Internet dating business.

In 2009, she authored and self-published her second book, Shades of Deception, a collection of ten fictional short stories centering on diverse men and women, who in their speedy search for love, romance and bliss, become the targets and victims of deceit, betrayal, fraud, revenge and scandal.


She has just completed her third book Malicious Acts, an anthology of five short stories that centers on people who will stop at nothing to get what they want. If it means disguising themselves as benevolent individuals and destroying lives along the way, they are up for the thrill. They will use romance, lust, greed, manipulation, and deceit as preludes to suck unsuspecting men and women out of their life's savings.

Vivienne has been featured on SingleEdition, Black Love is Beautiful, A Book Inside, and Susan Whitfield's Blog and was a guest blogger on Cluculzwriter.

All of her e-books are available for immediate sampling in multiple e-book formats and readable on virtually any e-book reading device, namely Kindle, Sony Reader, epub, PDF, Palm Doc and iPad.

Links to sample each ebook are as follows:

Making Dollar$ And Cent$ Out Of Online Dating
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/12153

Shades of Deception
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/24236

Malicious Acts
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/43230

1PlaceForRomance Novella Contest

1PlaceForRomance is holding a Romance Story Writing Contest and the theme is SUMMER.

Published Authors and Rising Stars will compete in separate categories for editing and cover services, cash prizes and an exclusive sales contract at 1PFR. Finalists will be selected by the staff at 1PFR. The winners will be selected by the readers at 1PFR.

Story length is 5000-7000 words. Stories must be received by June 1, 2011.

Authors if you are looking to reach more readers, and looking for a fun contest, with a great theme, then enter now.

For more details and contest rules, please visit http://1PlaceForRomance.com/StoryContest.

If you have questions, please send them to: Promotion@1PlaceForRomance.com  

Meet Tinisha Johnson - Managing Stress is Her Forte

You could say Tinisha Johnson wears many hats. She is the founder of Have Stress Relief Now and the author of Lessons Learned: Loving Yourself as a Black Woman .

Tinisha Johnson is an author and freelance writer and resides in Colorado with her family. She is the brainchild behind Have Stress Relief Now , a free online membership site created in 2009. What started out as a blog, turned into a full launched website as of 2011.

After a failed marriage and two small kids, Tinisha thought it best to take a new route in her life; one that involved various ways to manage stress on different levels. Stumbling upon the following three books: Unstoppable Women by Cynthia Kersey, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, and Do You! by Russell Simmons, these books literally changed her life, and from that change, Have Stress Relief Now website was created.

Have Stress Relief Now is about helping YOU! Ever have too much to do, and not enough time? Interested in shedding a few pounds? Wonder what's the most effective way to organize both your personal and professional life? Interested in finding that someone special or improving your current relationship? If you've ever pondered on questions like these, then Have Stress Relief Now is for you. The site provides you with resources to manage your personal and professional life.

Tinisha wanted to make the information she provides through the site diverse, because let's face it, everyone's problems and stress are sometimes different and unique. By signing up to become an online member, the site will introduce you to all types of articles, services, products, and prizes that are of high quality and have proven results in the area of stress management.


Following is an excerpt from her book:
Forget About What You Don't Want, and FOCUS, FOCUS, FOCUS On What You Want Right Now!


Sometimes it can seem as though we do not have control over our lives. We want this or that, but yet, our thoughts are focused on something totally different, and on the flip side we're feeling something completely different. When this happens, our thoughts, actions, and feelings are conflicting, and when that happens, it's easy to feel out of control, or that life is pulling us by several strings in different directions. To feel a sense of meaning and peace, your thoughts, actions and feelings have to be in harmony.


Understand you do have direct control over your mind, which is the strongest component we have as humans.

Read this with me:

• I have direct control over my attitude.• I have direct control over my actions.
• I have direct control over what I allow myself to think about.
• I have direct control over changing how I view things that may be unpleasant to my mind
• I have direct control over removing unpleasant thoughts out of my mind.
• It's okay to make a mistake, but it should not okay for me to keep repeating the same mistake, and not learning from it. Also realize with mistakes can come consequences. Take it for what it is and move on with extra positive energy.
• I have direct control over everything that goes on inside my body, sprit, and mind. Treat the outer things as irrelevant.
• When I'm hurt or feeling low, I will always take it as a lesson learned for good or for bad and still move on with extra positive energy.
• I am worthy to be loved, and most importantly, I am worthy of self-love

Recognize your control. Own it and live it. Create a mission statement for your life right now. What do you stand for? What are you about? Where is your life heading? What do you REALLY want?

If you've enjoyed this passage, it's been inspired from the self-help book, Lessons Learned: Loving Yourself as a Black Woman . AVAILABLE NOW! Although geared towards women of color, the book will benefit any woman looking to make drastic changes in her life.

For more information on the book and the author, visit Tinisha Nicole Johnson at http://www.TinishaNicoleJohnson.com 

To learn more about and to become a member of Have Stress Relief Now , visit http://www.HaveStressReliefNow.com 

You can also follow her on Facebook and Twitter.