Laura McNeill's Blog, page 8
August 4, 2015
On the Road … The Center of Gravity Book Tour
The Center of Gravity Book Tour has taken me some wonderful places all over the southeast. Here’s where I stopped in most recently, signed books, and met some fabulous people!
Sat. July 25, 2015 – 5 Center of Gravity Signings in Atlanta, Ga. – Peachtree Street, Perimeter Square, Cumberland, Northpoint, & Georgia Tech (AND YES, sadly, received a parking ticket of $35.00…which I already paid. Toto, we’re not in Mobile, Ala. anymore…where the parking is free on weekends!)
Sat. July 25, 2015 – Center of Gravity Signing, Foxtale Book Shoppe, Woodstock, Ga. www.foxtalebookshoppe.com
Sat. July 25, 2015 – Center of Gravity Signing, A Cappella Books, Atlanta, Ga. (5 Points) www.acappellabooks.com
Sun. July 26, 2015 – Athens, Ga. Barnes & Noble
Mon. July 27, 2015 – Center of Gravity Interview, WRBC in Birmingham, on-air segment
Mon. July 27, 2015
Birmingham Barnes & Noble – Meeting Renae Turner McGill for coffee!
Upcoming Tour Schedule …
Wednesday, August 5, 2015 – WALA-TV Morning Show, Mobile, AL – 8 am
Thurs. August 6, 2015 – SunDog Books, Seaside, Florida, 6 pm, 89 Central Square, Seaside, FL 32459 www.sundogbooks.com
Fri. August 7, 2015 – Greer’s Fairhope Market, 4 pm – 6 pm, 75 S Section St, Fairhope, AL 36532 (251) 928-8029
Saturday, August 8, 2015 – Bay Books, Bay St. Louis, Miss. 5-7 pm Second Saturday ArtWalk www.mybaybooks.com
Center of Gravity is also now on AUDIBLE! Hope to see everyone out and about soon!
In the fall, I’ll be headed back to Decatur, Atlanta, Athens, and Louisiana!
xo, Laura
July 31, 2015
Celebrating Read-A-Romance Month
Hello everyone and thank you for stopping by! Though I’ve been focusing the past few months on the release of my new domestic suspense novel, Center of Gravity, I’m so happy to be part of Read-A-
Romance Month!
I’ve written 4 romantic comedies under the pen name, Lauren Clark, and it’s nice to go back and visit this genre during the month of August! Thank you to Lorelei of Lorelei’s Lit Lair for inviting me to be a part of this event!
The Joy of Romance
What comes to mind first when thinking about The Joy of Romance (the theme of this year’s Read-A-Romance Month) is having a second chance at love and happiness.
At the outset of each of my romance novels, each of my heroines faces life challenges. One protagonist
deals with drama in her career (Stay Tuned), another travels across the country to cover a news story (Dancing Naked in Dixie), one struggles to cope with the loss of a loved one (Stardust Summer), and one starts her own business (Pie Girls).
Each heroine has her life turned upside down. Each goes through 
some shock and struggles to determine her new course in life. Once, however, each of my heroines begins working on solving the problems or issues at hand, it’s then that she discovers happiness and true love.
In Stay Tuned, Melissa finds rekindled joy and romance in her own relationship, Julia discovers her soul mate in the most unlikely of places in Dancing Naked in Dixie. In Stardust Summer, Grace allows herself to be swept off her feet (finally!) by the boy next door, and Searcy, in Pie Girls, bakes up a delicious recipe for romance in Fairhope, Alabama.
And there’s so much more to discover during Read-A-Romance Month! Be sure to visit the site every day and each of the 93 authors who are bringing wonderful stories of love, joy, and second chances!
Questions for the Author
1. Tell us about a moment in your life when you experienced sheer joy.
A moment in which I experienced sheer joy was visiting Eufaula, Alabama after my second book, Dancing Naked in Dixie, was published. I was greeted by a large contingent of local people who had read the book and really enjoyed it.
I signed my novel at Shorter Mansion, which is an antebellum Southern home-turned museum in the heart of this historic city.
2. Tell us about a place that brings you joy.
Keuka Lake in Upstate New York is a place that brings me great joy. I spent every summer of my 
childhood there, and my parents now own a home there. It is the setting for my novel, Stardust Summer, and is the place where the main character, Grace finds love and happiness after losing her father.
Readers can get a true taste of the beauty of the region while reading the novel – there are lovely cottages, gorgeous sunsets, crystal clear water, starry nights, and wineries set on the top of mountains. It’s truly a magical area.
3 – Tell us about a sound that brings you joy.
A sound that brings me joy is the chirp of crickets and cicadas buzzing in the evening outside my home office where I do my writing.
I wrote my entire Pie Girls manuscript from this office. It’s so peaceful and provides a sort of music that soothes the soul—perfect for a stroll on warm Southern evenings.
4. What recent book have you read that brought you joy?
I really enjoyed The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. What a star-crossed love story. It’s well written, touching, and funny while capturing the angst of youth, first romance, and tragedy.
5. Favorite Chris?
I definitely have a crush on Chris Pratt. My two boys are really into superheroes, so we loved going to 
see “Guardians of a Galaxy.”
Chris Pratt would make a perfect ‘Luke’ from my novel Pie Girls. He’s the sexy and smart bike shop owner who falls for my protagonist Searcy Roberts.
Adorable and rugged, with a touch of charm and swagger, Chris Pratt is definitely a great book boyfriend.
6. Other Authors I Recommend for Light Romance and Smart, Strong Female Lead Characters –
Samantha Stroh Bailey – Website, Finding Lucas
Tracie Banister – Website, Twin Piques
Meredith Schorr – Website, How Do You Know?
Giveaway – Please enter my Rafflecopter Giveaway (Below) for a chance to win one of two paperback copies of Dancing Naked in Dixie.
Bio – Laura McNeill adores hot coffee, good manners, the color pink, and novels that keep her reading 
past midnight. She is a fan of balmy summer nights, fireflies, and pristine mountain lakes.
You can find Laura Tweeting @Lauramcneillbks and blogging at lauramcneill.com. She’s written four romantic comedies under the pen name, Lauren Clark. Laura’s suspense novel, Center of Gravity, was released by HarperCollins July 14th and takes place in Mobile, Alabama.
Again, I’d like to thank my sweet friend Lorelei of Lorelei’s Lit Lair for asking me to participate this year! Her post about her own joyous journey to romance can be found here for Read-A-Romance Month.
xo, Laura
Kindle Fire Giveaway Winner & New Contest
I’m so happy to introduce my Kindle Fire winner & am thrilled to report that more than 9,000 people entered the giveaway through the Center of Gravity Chick Lit Plus blog tour!
The lucky winner, chosen by the Rafflecopter widget, is BETH MINYARD from Bainbridge Island, Washington!
Here’s a photo of her with her new Kindle Fire! Again, thank you to EVERYONE who participated!
I am overwhelmed by the positive reviews, feedback, and conversation about Center of Gravity … You can order it HERE. (This week, paperbacks are only $8.37 on Amazon!)
For all of you who LOVE contests …. Here’s my NEW Giveaway for August!
xo, Laura
July 29, 2015
Photos From Friends & Upcoming Events
It’s been a whirlwind week ~ visiting 10 bookstores in Athens, Woodstock, Ga., Atlanta, Birmingham, and Tuscaloosa, as well as stopping in at WBRC-TV for an interview with Birmingham news anchor Janice Rogers on “Good Day Alabama!”
In the meantime, I’ve received so many fabulous photos from friends and readers and wanted to share them with you! I’ve included just a few. Please check them out (BELOW)!
Photo from Bob Stewart
Here’s my schedule for upcoming signings in Seaside, Fla., Fairhope, Ala., Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, and Decatur, Ga.
Center of Gravity Events!
Thurs. August 6, 2015 – Center of Gravity Signing, Sundog Books, Seaside, Florida, 6 pm, 89 Central Square, Seaside, FL 32459 www.sundogbooks.com
Fri. August 7, 2015 – Center of Gravity Signing, Greer’s Fairhope Market, 4 pm – 6 pm, 75 S Section St, Fairhope, AL 36532 (251) 928-8029
Saturday, August 8, 2015 – Center of Gravity Signing, Bay Books, Bay St. Louis, Miss. 5-7 pm Second Saturday ArtWalk www.mybaybooks.com
Saturday, September 5, 2015 – Center of Gravity Signing, Decatur Book Festival, Decatur, Ga. 11:30 am – 11:50 am https://www.decaturbookfestival.com/
Kristy Cambron
Samantha Stroh Bailey
Hope you are having a wonderful summer!
xx, Laura
Carolyn Simmons
Laura Rash
Heidi Pritchett
Jessica Sinn
Hailey Fish
Jen McGee
July 22, 2015
Book Launch Party for Center of Gravity
It’s been such a whirlwind since Center of Gravity‘s launch July 14th, but I was so fortunate to be able to stop and visit with my very best friends in Mobile, Ala. at Carpe Diem Coffee & Tea Company last night!
Here are just some of the photos from the evening….
I’ll be in New Orleans tonight (Wednesday, July 22nd) at Garden District Books (6 pm-7:30 pm) and Page & Palette in Fairhope, Ala. Thursday evening, July 23rd at 6 pm!
Friday, July 24th, I head to Seaside and visit Sundog Books (6 pm), followed by Foxtale Book Shoppe (1 pm) in Woodstock, Ga. and A Cappella Books in Atlanta (4 pm).
Thank you to everyone for your love & support!
xxx, Laura
July 19, 2015
Launch Week: Center of Gravity
I’m humbled by the amount of well-wishes I’ve received from friends and readers since release day (and before!). The response to Center of Gravity has been wonderful.
Since July 14th, I’ve been on the road … stopping at The Book Shoppe in Medina, New York
Lift Bridge Book Shop in Brockport, New York
Long’s Cards & Books in Penn Yan, NY
Barnes & Noble in Albany, New York
and Barnes & Noble in Manchester, New Hampshire!
Right now, I’m on a plane to Charlotte, North Carolina for a signing at Park Road Books before heading back to Mobile, Alabama.
To pick up a copy of Center of Gravity, click HERE. Again, much love to everyone who’s shared news about the book, written a review, or told a friend about Center of Gravity!
For all of my upcoming tour stops, check out this listing: Events & Signings. I’ll be in New Orleans, Seaside, and Atlanta soon!
xo, Laura
July 13, 2015
Facebook Launch Party July 14 @ 6 pm CT
Please join me for the Center of Gravity Facebook Launch Party, hosted by Loving the Book Launch Party girls.
Come find out more about the book, play games, participate in Q & A with me, and win prizes!
If you already have an invite, join us here: Facebook Launch for Center of Gravity
If you NEED an invite, please email me at laura@lauramcneill.com!!!! Everyone Welcome!
Tuesday, July 14th
Event time:
4:00 PM – PST
5:00 PM – MST
6:00 PM – CST
7:00 PM – EST
Hope you can join us!
xo, Laura
July 11, 2015
My 2 Center of Gravity ARC Winners
Thank you to all who entered my Center of Gravity ARC giveaway!
Akron, NY Post Office
I signed the two ARCs (Advance Reader Copies) this morning and shipped them off from our town’s little post office myself!
Liana from Kentucky
Winners
Rafflecopter chose Liana from Georgetown, Kentucky and Jennifer from North Carolina as the winners of this giveaway!
I am so grateful to everyone who has been Tweeting, posting, and sharing the word about Center of Gravity and its release on July 14th.
To pick up your own copy, click here: Pre-Order On Amazon
Jennifer from NC
Exclusive Content
If you’d like to receive four chapters of exclusive, deleted content from Center of Gravity, sign up for my newsletter here: eepurl.com/biZe11.
Newsletter subscribers will be the only friends getting those chapters on July 14th!
Book Tour News
I’ll be signing books in:
Penn Yan, NY at Longs’ Cards & Books at 3 – 5 pm Thursday, July 16
Manchester, NH at Barnes & Noble 1 – 3 pm Saturday, July 18
Charlotte, NC at Park Road Books, 1 -3 pm, Sunday, July 18
Hope to see you there! For more events, visit this page: http://lauramcneill.com/newsevents/
xo, Laura
July 10, 2015
Write an Amazon Review in 3 Easy Steps
As the Center of Gravity release day fast approaches (JULY 14), I’ve had a number of people ask exactly HOW to leave an Amazon review.
Whether it’s for Center of Gravity or your favorite novel, leaving a review on Amazon means the world to an author and can be done in a few simple steps! Let’s take a look:
STEP 1
Visit the book page and click under the title, next to the yellow star rating, where “customer reviews” are listed. Click on “customer reviews.”
Step 2
On the next page, you’ll see this section. Click on “write a customer review.”
Step 3
Here’s where you write the review. Give the book an honest critique, assign a star rating, and click “SUBMIT.”
That’s it! It only takes a few moments, and leaving a review is truly the highest compliment you can pay an author.
Readers rely on reviews to purchase books, and your insight could make all of the difference in a person hitting the “purchase” button, or moving on to another novel.
What are your thoughts about leaving Amazon reviews?
xo, Laura
Pre-Order Center of Gravity: Amazon
July 9, 2015
“Center of Gravity” Playlist
Just like books, music moves the heart and soul. Here are the songs that come to mind when I think about Ava and her journey through Center of Gravity. Enjoy this 10-song playlist from Spotify.
1. Just Give Me a Reason – This song is about a relationship falling apart. 
The two people don’t see their lives as one, and the lyrics are heartbreaking, raw, and powerful.
2. Your Side of The Bed – The harmony, of course, is amazing from this group. Hauntingly sad as they lyrics speak of an empty side of the bed.
3. Don’t Speak – One of my favorites on the list. Ava doesn’t want to face what’s happening with Mitchell at first, so she tries hard not to “hear” him.
4. Ship to Wreck – Florence + the Machine do a great job with this powerful song about regret.
5. If You’re Gone – Rob Thomas can belt out a song, and he doesn’t back down on his message to a lost love.
6. 100 Years – Ava has to remind herself that life is fleeting and that she
has to seize the moment to make things right or forever regret it.
7. Highway 20 Ride – This song makes me cry. Seriously. Anyone who’s shared custody of a child will know exact meaning of this song. Country Fan or not, Zac Brown and his band’s vocals are amazing.
8. Fight Song – I’m a new fan of Rachel Platten. Ava finally finds the 
strength to really fight, no one else believes in her, and this song represents it.
9. Stand Back Up – Sugarland delivers an achingly beautiful ballad about someone who’s been knocked down many times but refuses to quit. A must-have for this list.
10. A Little Bit Stronger – Sara Evans’ song is another that anyone who’s come out of a breakup can relate to. The lyrics are spot on and it’s a testament to perseverance and tenacity.
What do you think? Are there any songs I should add?
xo, Laura
