Samantha March's Blog, page 12
February 19, 2014
Release Day: A Questionable Friendship
Today is the day! I’m so excited for the release of my third novel, A Questionable Friendship. This book is quite different from my first two – new location, older characters, and a touch of suspense. I think I’m so anxious to get this one out into the world because it’s actually been finished since September, but with my wedding and honeymoon (and getting a puppy) plus Marching Ink releasing two other fabulous novels, AQF got pushed back a little bit. But the day is here and I’m so grateful to be publishing a third book. When I first started this journey in 2009 I honestly did not think publishing one book was in my cards, let alone three and launching my own publishing company. My world changed so much with the simple start of Chick Lit Plus, and I want to give a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. I hope you can get your copy of A Questionable Friendship and that you enjoy! And book four is currently being written – I hope to share more details soon!
About A Questionable Friendship
Brynne Ropert and Portland Dolish have been best friends since being paired as roommates in college. Seven years later they are now twenty-five, married, and living in Maine–– but the two women couldn’t be more different. Brynne finds fulfillment in her life as a wife, mother and owner of a small café and bookshop, but is struggling to expand her family. Portland is still coping with her mother’s death during her childhood, and her marriage is unraveling before her eyes. Portland envies her friend’s seemingly stable and easy life while Brynne doesn’t understand the growing distance between them and cannot begin to guess what secret Portland is hiding about her husband and crumbling marriage. While one woman feels shut out, the other enters into a web of lies to protect herself.
A Questionable Friendship explores what really makes someone a true friend, a support system, a sister. How much trust goes into a friendship and when is being a friend not enough? Brynne and Portland’s story will attempt to answer those questions, and show that happily ever after isn’t in the cards for everyone.
BUY A QUESTIONABLE FRIENDSHIP!
Barnes & Noble – eBook
Kobo – eBook
Marching Ink – Print
February 17, 2014
Becoming a Puppy Parent
In November, my husband and I welcomed a baby – our Vizsla puppy Aries! We are both dog people, and a driving force to buying our house was because it would have more space than our condo and we could have a big fenced in yard for our puppy to run around in. We married in September, and the baby – uh, puppy – itch started right away. On a Wednesday night in November, we took Aries home from a breeder about an hour away from our house. Since then, life has been crazy! Vizsla’s are a high energy breed, and let me tell you – Aries has energy. She constantly wants to be doing something – playing with you, a toy, running around in circles inside the house, or laps around the yard outside. The only quiet time we get with her is at night when she gets tired – and that typically only happens when she has been extremely active during the day, or else she still is pretty high energy at night. As I’m writing this she is just over four months old, and it has been crazy to see her grow. We took her home at eight pounds 
and at her last vet visit she was just over twenty-five. My husband is slowly introducing her to pheasants as she will be a hunting dog, and her training is a lot of fun for me to watch. Vizsla’s are great at projects, so we love giving her a Kong with treats or peanut butter inside – and it helps entertain her for a few minutes!
I always knew I wanted a dog, but having Aries has been truly special. I work a lot of hours during the week, and she has made me really realize there is more to life than my work. Where I would typically sit in my office all day and most of the night, she now brings me out because I want to play with her, watch her train, or just let her sit in my lap while my husband and I watch a movie together. And I might be biased, but I think she’s just about the cutest 
thing ever 
February 16, 2014
Release Day: Tea and Primroses by Tess Thompson
I started working with the publishing company BookTrope in January, and I’m so excited to announce the release of Tea and Primroses by Tess Thompson. This is the first book that I’ve started working with to launch, and I can’t tell you how it happy it makes me to be working not only with the wonderful people of BookTrope such as Katherine and Heather, but with Tess. I have been a big fan of hers since I read Riverstar, and am happy to say I haven’t missed a book since. Tea and Primroses is my favorite yet from her, and I do hope you get a chance to read it. This book is a part of the Legley Bay series, but can be read as a stand alone. The first novel is titled Caramel and Magnolias, and you can read my 5 star review for that one! For the first week Tea and Primroses is just 99 cents, which is quite the steal. Happy Reading!
Summary:Nothing is as it seemed in calm, quaint Legley Bay.
Famous novelist Constance Mansfield lived a seemingly straightforward – if private – and somewhat predictable life. Friends, beloved daughter Sutton, a beautiful home, and all the success an author could wish for. A perfect life….but was it?
When a hit and run accident suddenly takes her mother’s life, Sutton finds hidden secrets with her heartbreak. Emotional walls she assumed Constance had built to protect her privacy may have been to protect something – or someone – else entirely. Family and friends return home for support, including her own lost-love, Declan. He’s the first thing she craves to help her cope with her loss and the questions she’s left with, but he’s also the last person she wants to see. Will he be able to put down roots at last?
Can the loss of true love be the making of a life, or is it destined to be the undoing of everything? When money, power and love combine across time, anything is possible.
About Tess ThompsonTess Thompson is a novelist and playwright with a BFA in Drama from the University of Southern California. In 2011 she released her first novel, Riversong, which subsequently became a best seller.
Like her main character in the River Valley collection, Tess is from a small town in Oregon. She currently lives in a suburb of Seattle, Washington with her two young daughters, Emerson and Ella, and their puppy Patches. She is inspired daily by the view of the Cascade Mountains from her home office window.
Tess is working on her next novel and regularly blogs about her journey as a mother, author and friend at www.tesswrites.com.
Connect with Tess!
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTessThompson
https://twitter.com/TessWrites
Buy the Book!
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1bTdhBt
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tea-and-primroses-tess-thompson/1118622407?ean=9781620152096
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/tea-and-primroses/id814544996?ls=1&mt=11
February 13, 2014
Galentine’s Day: Meet the Women of The Green Ticket
It’s Valentine’s Day Eve and Day 4 on the #ChickLitLove promo. We’ve named this Galetine’s Day, because it’s all our MC and her girlfriends. Each girl from The Green Ticket is chatting about her VDay plans!
It’s Valentine’s Day Eve, and I’m having a girls’ night with the Wacker Girls. Even though we’ve moved off campus as we approach college graduation day we still find our way back to each other…often. Since all – yes, all – of us have dates tomorrow, we decided to get together tonight to celebrate a holiday that many of us have spent with each other in the past…since we were dateless. I have Lila on Skype since she’s in LA, but it’s just like she’s here…kinda. My roommate Hannah did a fantastic job making appetizers, and everyone else brought a bottle of booze. My kind of night.
I thought it would be interesting to share with you our thoughts on the romantic holiday and our plans and our men. So grab a margarita and enjoy!
Alex – Henry is making me dinner at his house and we’re watching movies. We thought about going out, but most restaurants are uber-busy, make you order off a tiny specific menu, and they rush you through the meal. I love Henry’s pasta dishes, so we thought staying in would make a better choice. He had to make sure his roommates stayed away for the night, but we should have the whole house to ourselves, which is rare. I’ve never been a huge fan of VDay, but having a serious boyfriend really helps put me in the romantic mood. I bought Henry a pair of boxer shorts and a new shirt, which I think is lame but you all assure me is fine. It’s not like I could get him a box of chocolates and a necklace, right?
Lila – My date tomorrow night is with Frank. (Room laughs). Yes, his name is Frank, but he’s only twenty-four, not some old man. He’s an emerging actor too and we met at an audition. If we get the parts we auditioned for – cross your fingers for me please! – then would play boyfriend and girlfriend in the show. Wouldn’t that be crazy? We’re just grabbing dinner and going to the beach. And I don’t think any gifts are involved – at least I know they’re not on my end. I’m over the whole ‘let’s get romantic on one day’ thing. Boring!
Hannah – Peter is taking me the Science Center for a stars and space exhibit. (Room laughs). Okay, I get it, you think that’s nerdy. Good thing Peter and I are nerds. This is my first Valentine’s Day with a boyfriend. I think it’s going to be romantic and wonderful. He’s had his eye on this watch for a while now, so I bought it for him. I don’t know if that’s too big of gift or not, but I wanted to do it. I’m hoping for like a bracelet or necklace – my first piece of jewelry from a guy. That would be pretty special.
Carmen – Snooze fest! Though good call on the watch, I think. We all know you can afford it, and he can probably buy you diamonds just for fun. Rich parents are rough! I love you, Han, you know that. Max and are going to Aftermath. Have you not heard about these specials anyone? $2 wells, $1 beers, $3 shots – all night long. Are you kidding me? They’re also having a kissing booth which I might just volunteer for. Unless Max decides…no, it doesn’t matter. We’re just friends. I’m not really that into him anyway. Everyone else has serious dates so we wanted to do something fun. It’s going to be a blast. No one call me Saturday morning because I will hungover.
Emma – Corey’s work is actually putting on a function, like a black tie ball. I had to get a new dress and everything. Lila, I don’t think I’ve shown it to you yet. Remind me to send you a picture. So we’ll be doing that, and it’s our first work thing together since we got engaged, so I’m a little nervous. But Corey promised me to take me on an “Emma Day” on Saturday where I can plan the entire day, and then Sunday we’re doing brunch and mimosas at The Bistro. And hopefully working on some wedding plans!
And there you have it. The grown up Wacker Girls. Some have found their “One” some think they have, and Carmen – well, she’s our forever bachelorette, I think. Happy Valentine’s Day all!
To read more, get your copy today!
On Pinterest? Check out the #ChickLitLove Pinterest board for all the featured books!
February 12, 2014
#ChickLitLove Promo: Interview with Henry Landon from The Green Ticket
It’s day 3 on the #ChickLitLove Valentine’s Day promotion! Today we are meeting the men from our novels, and I am sharing a Q&A with Alex’s leading man, Henry Landon from The Green Ticket.
Celebrity you’ve been told you look like:
I’ve gotten Ashton Kutcher before. I don’t think so.
Naughty food you like to indulge in:
I like to cook, especially for my girlfriend Alex, and I’m a pasta man. It’s not really naughty, but eating pasta 4 nights a week has to be a bit indulgent!
What you wear to bed:
I have to wear at least boxers. I have three guy roommates, and sometimes we have unexpected guests at the house. There’s no way I could risk sleep walking or running to the bathroom in my birthday suit.
Favorite body part of the opposite sex:
Can I be for real or…no? Um, eyes. Alex has a terrific set of…eyes.
How many people you’ve said “I love you” to:
How many people or girls? I’ve had two serious girlfriends and I’ve told them both. But I tell my mom and sister all the time too.
Relationship deal-breaker: Cheating. I’ve been on the receiving end of that. That shit hurts.
Your first kiss – How old were you? Did you instigate it?: I definitely did. I was in middle school and all my friends were already doing it, so during gym class I was helping Ana Lewis with her tennis serve and just leaned in and did it. I got detention for it since the teacher saw me, but we went to the movies two weekends in the row after that and everyone thought I was pretty cool. Worth it.
Do you have any tattoos or piercings? If so, describe: Nope. Not for me.
Favorite alcoholic drink: I’m a beer guy.
Describe your dream girl: Someone who is motivated, funny, and can roll with the punches. And faithful. That should be first. And nice set of ….eyes helps too!
To read more, get your copy today!
On Pinterest? Check out the #ChickLitLove Pinterest board for all the featured books!
February 11, 2014
Valentine’s Day Promo: Romantic Excerpt from The Green Ticket
It’s the second day of the #ChickLitLove promo, and today is all about romantic excerpts from the book. Hope you enjoy this clip from The Green Ticket, where Alex and Henry are on their second date…
Our meals came then, steaming plates that smelled like heaven in a meatball. My manicotti looked exquisite. I didn’t think I had ever thought exquisite when it came to a meal prior to coming to Bellini’s but that is just what my dinner looked like. The salad even looked like a high class salad, with lettuce that looked so crisp I just wanted to crack it, vegetables piled high and tiny croutons and maybe some sort of nut sprinkled throughout. I wasn’t sure what the dressing was, but as Lila warned me, it surely wouldn’t be ranch.
“This looks amazing. I’m almost afraid to eat it. It’s like art,” I whispered, then immediately felt a little silly. Henry had eaten here before, and from the way he spoke about his family, it sounded like they had a lot of money. I was just the poor starving girl who never ate.
To my relief, Henry grinned back at me, his smile flapping the wings of the multiple butterflies taking up residence in my stomach. “I know, right? If I can tell you the truth, this place always scares me a bit. I feel like I can’t make one mistake or I’ll be kicked out. Heaven forbid I don’t eat my salad with the correct fork or don’t place my napkin in the proper place to signal I’m done.”
“Where does the napkin go when you’re done?”
“On the plate. Not on the table. I learned that lesson here.”
“Really? I don’t know any of those rules. I’m much more of a…well…Applebee’s kind of girl,” I was embarrassed to admit it, but so what? Henry came to Applebee’s with me on the first date. He could have declined.
“Same here. I’m a messy eater, and I feel like I should have napkins covering my whole body when I eat. I like places where they give you wet naps because they just know things are going to get messy. Or bibs. I’m a big fan of bibs.”
My laugh was loud, maybe a little too loud for Bellini’s. Patrons at the other tables glanced our way as if I just stood on my chair and started performing the Macarena. “Whoops, my bad.” I blushed, wanting to crawl under the table.
“Don’t even worry about it. I’ve done much worse here.”
As we tucked into our dinners, Henry regaled me with stories of embarrassing his parents at fancy restaurants, sometimes on accident, sometimes on purpose just to get a rise out of them. I hung on to his every word, laughing louder and louder at each story. The night passed fast, too fast in my opinion. Before I knew it, our waiter was removing our plates (after we placed our napkins on them) and bringing the check.
Henry settled the bill, then looked up at me. “Well, now what?”
“What do you mean?” I asked, confused.
“Do you want to just go back to Wacker? Or is there anything else you’d like to do tonight?”
“I – I’m not sure, I guess. Did you have anything in mind?”
“Well – and tell me if I’m being totally out of line here – but I don’t really want this to end just yet. I’m having too much fun.”
Fun? With me? I wanted to die with happiness. “I don’t want it to end either,” I said softly, my eyes piercing straight into Henry’s. Damn, I was lucky.
“Do you have to work tomorrow?”
Instantly, my body grew tired. Just the mere mention of work and I felt exhausted and worried. “No, I don’t have to work. Hopefully I won’t get called in again, either.”
“Do you want to come back to my place? Maybe we can stop by and grab a movie to watch or something?”
Going to back to his place? On our second date? My toes tingled. Did I want to do that? Um, hell yes!
To read more, get your copy today!
On Pinterest? Check out the #ChickLitLove Pinterest board for all the featured books!
February 10, 2014
Valentine’s Day Promo: Q&A with Alex From The Green Ticket
The week of VDay is going to be fun for myself and some other fabulous chick lit authors! We have a #ChickLitLove theme going on for the week, so be sure to check out the blogs each day and follow the hash tag for more posts. I’m starting the week off with a Q&A with Alex, my leading lady in The Green Ticket. Happy Monday!
1) What three qualities do you find most attractive in a partner?
I find someone who is close to his family attractive. I love my family but rarely get to see my sister and her crew of kids because they live in Seattle. So someone who understands how special family is makes me think highly of them. My sister also always tells me to find someone who can make me laugh, because smiles and laughter help get you through life. And finally, just a nice guy. Someone who will open a door for you just because or send you a text message when he knows you need cheering up.
2) What’s your idea of romance?
My idea of romance right now is being off campus and away from my roommates. I have one roommate and Henry has three, so going to a restaurant or even just for a walk around the park or a lake is romantic to me.
3) Who’s your favorite on-screen couple (Film or TV)?
As someone who doesn’t watch a lot of TV or movies, this is a tough one! I’m sure my best friend Lila could name a zillion. She’s always talking about some vampire movie and it being an epic love story. Let’s go with that!
4) What’s been your most embarrassing moment in regards to the opposite sex?
Probably thinking my now-boyfriend Henry was gay. He turned me down one night (when my clothes were about half off) and that was pretty embarrassing, but then my girlfriends convinced me he had to be gay. I ended up telling him that story a few months into our relationship, and luckily he got a good laugh out of it.
5) What was your first impression of your partner or crush? How accurate was it?
I first locked eyes with Henry at a party at his house, and it was weird – like, almost love at first sight. I remember getting goosebumps as he looked at me. It was so crazy.
6) How have you coped with break-ups in the past?
With my girlfriends. The Wacker Girls (our nickname that stems from our building name on campus) are my best friends. We’re always there for one another, especially come breakups. Think margaritas, Mexican food, lots of movies, ice cream, wine, and plenty of boy bashing come breakups.
7) Which hot actor would you want to be stranded on a deserted island with and why?
Ooh, again I’m not great with movies. But the girls and I had a Magic Mike Night not too long ago and the guy that played the main stripper – yeah, him. I don’t think I need to explain why. Yummy.
8) What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done for love?
You know, I don’t think I have yet. I’m only twenty, so I think I still have plenty of time. I hope one day to!
9) PDA: How much is acceptable?
I don’t mind PDA – as long as it’s not anything too over the top, liking groping and tongues on display. That’s too far!
10) What is the best relationship advice you’ve ever gotten?
My sister always tells me to find my best friend. To find someone who will be with you through the good, the bad and the sad. She married her best friend and I hope to find mine. Who knows? Maybe Henry is the one…
About The Green Ticket
College junior Alex Abrams scores her dream job at the ripe age of twenty – manager to a successful salon and spa. Thrilled to finally have a real adult job, Alex enthusiastically jumps into the world of schedules, conference calls, and getting a massage when interviewing prospective employees. What she doesn’t expect are the very grown-up issues that comes with a demanding boss. Kevin Dohlman quickly becomes Alex’s worse nightmare – covering up his affairs, dealing with his enormous ego, and trying to protect her female staff from him becomes a full-time job in its own right. Alex has also befriended Kevin’s wife and co-owner, Dani, and is trying to keep Kevin’s secrets hidden from her. The situation only worsens when Kevin starts paying Alex off to make sure she keeps her insider knowledge to herself.
While struggling to keep her wits and stay happy with her new grown-up job, Alex is juggling college courses, a new love interest, and keeping up with her close group of girlfriends. When her roommate and best friend Lila gets offered an opportunity to move to Los Angeles and sign with an agent, Alex realizes her life truly is changing, and everyone around her – including herself ¬¬–– is growing up. Knowing she is faced with some hard decisions ahead, Alex struggles with keeping her job at Blissful. But does she really want to throw away what she dreamed of as a career – or will the secret-keeping for Kevin become too much to handle? The Green Ticket is a story about morals versus money, and how one young woman navigates the shaky line between the two.
January 30, 2014
CLP Blog Tours Interview and Excerpt: Hard Hats and Doormats by Laura Chapman
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you?
I can’t pinpoint an exact moment. I can’t remember a moment when I didn’t want to be an author. I always assumed I’d do it on the side of whatever career I had, which ranged from being an astronaut or doctor to being a high school history or English teacher. At the end of my freshman year of college, I decided to make it my career after doing some serious soul-searching. I changed my major to journalism, transferred to a different college with an accredited journalism program and started writing for college and local newspapers.
How would you describe your books?
Hard Hats and Doormats tells the story of a young woman at a personal and professional crossroad who must decide just how far off her planned path she’ll go – in a humorous tone.
Why was Hard Hats and Doormats a book you wanted to write?
After graduating from college in 2008, the first couple of years of my professional career were eye-opening. As naïve as it was, I assumed having a college degree would basically guarantee me any job I wanted. I quickly learned that there are no guarantees. In a weakened economy, I was just lucky to have a job, never mind worrying about whether or not it was my dream. At the same time, I realized just how big the world was and how small a person can feel in it. While I was feeling disillusioned, lonely and generally bummed out, I discovered I wasn’t alone. Just about every person I spoke with said they’d been through those emotions, too. Even before I knew exactly why I was doing it, I knew I wanted to tell the story of someone going through similar circumstances, because it’s something everyone can relate with at one point in time or another.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
For me, writing a story is easy in the beginning. Like the honeymoon period of a relationship, everything is new and exciting. It’s after that thrill is gone that it’s hardest for me to keep pushing forward to the end. There’s a reason I have only two finished novels and half a dozen started manuscripts with no endings. One of these days I’ll get around to writing “the end” for all of them.
What are your favorite genres to read?
I love a good love story, so romance, chick lit and mysteries with a romantic edge will always be favorites. And while I don’t need constant slapstick, I dearly like to laugh. Humor goes a long ways for me, whether it’s a quality in a potential date, friend or book.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?
I hope readers will finish Hard Hats and Doormats feeling entertained and hopeful. Everyone has a story and a purpose in this world. Life is about discovering how you’ll tell your story and what you’re going to do with it. Also that life is better when you have good friends – and perhaps a great partner – by your side. Also, even though life can be pretty serious and full of baggage, you might as well laugh.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?
I can’t imagine being an author without social media. Not only is it a great way to connect with readers and writers, but it’s a way to tell stories. Transmedia is a great method for storytelling. (Check out The Lizzie Bennet Diaries and Emma Approved for examples of visual transmedia storytelling.) I’ve been having fun tweeting from my main character’s Twitter profile (@theLexiBurke). I do have to laugh when Lexi and her love interest, Jason Beaumont, have to send tweets back and forth. I told my friend it makes me feel like Manti T’eo. (No disrespect, Manti.)
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
Keep writing. It’s so easy to get caught up talking about writing and making plans for what you do, but if you want to be a writer, you have to stop talking and start writing. I catch myself doing this all the time. Once you get yourself writing, keep an open mind. You can have a good plan in place and think you’re telling your story in the best possible way, but don’t close yourself off from new ideas or edits that can make it better. Also, read. If you want to write chick lit, check out other great chick lit titles in the market. You should also read other styles of writing – great narrative journalism, mystery novels, classics, blogs, etcs. – to expand your mind. Reading quality writing will constantly challenge you to be better at your craft.
**Excerpt**
Chapter One
Alexis Burke @theLexiBurke
Can a person refer to employees as Jackass 1 & 2 in an official report? Asking for a friend. #HRProblems #ThisIsMyLife
The universe keeps telling jokes and I’m the punch line. #IHaveProof
Okay, seriously. When did this become my life? Can I get a mulligan? #ObscureGolfAnalogyForLife
In kindergarten Sunday school, Lexi Burke imagined Hell as a fire-ridden, hate-filled pit below Earth’s surface. On a mighty throne of blackened steel and skulls, Satan preyed on the souls of the damned for eternity.
Twenty years later, she discovered a new version of Hell. It was a windowless conference room on an oil platform off the coast of God-only-knew-where Texas in the middle of May. The devil took form in two men, both middle-aged and madder than a hornets nest. Despite the sweat building on her neck, she shivered.
When did babysitting old guys become my job?
How mad do hornets get, and what does their nest have to do with it?
Where did I come up with that analogy?
Solving those mysteries had to wait. Casting a glance at the figures gathered around the badly chipped table, she considered the situation at hand. The two men, their union reps, and a team of local managers were going yet another round in their verbal sparring without a semblance of resolution. The representatives wanted the men to go back to work. The managers wanted to give them pink slips.
As the HR manager assigned – albeit at last-minute – to the investigation, she wanted to keep everyone from killing each other. Not an easy task, considering the two men under investigation already gave murder their best shot.
According to the initial report, the incident happened over the weekend. The men engaged in a particularly heated discussion about college football. The man to her right apparently took offense to the one on her left using derogatory names to describe his beloved team.
She grimaced at the list of profanities. Three or four of them merited HR intervention on their own. Then again, others struck her as downright creative. Note to self: Use “dag nab ass backwards pile of swamp waste” in a sentence later today.
The fight escalated when Mr. Right expressed his displeasure by raking his broken glass across Lefty’s face. A few days later, the wounds swelled red and blotchy. Her stomach churned when she examined their faces closely.
His opponent fared no better. Lefty managed a couple of solid jabs with a shard from a shattered plate. His cheek and eyebrow were held together with the help of twenty-two stitches.
How did these men still have jobs? Surely trying to kill your co-worker violated the Employee Code of Conduct. But because they had no previous violence on their records, the company’s agreement with the union guaranteed them the right to an investigation – this investigation.
“I told ‘em to back off and leave my Tigers alone,” Idiot Number One shouted. “But he started waving around his God-damned glass. I had to grab hold of something to protect myself. A man’s got a right to defend himself and his pride.”
“What the hell are you talking about, son?” Moron Number Two chimed in. “You were the one bent outta shape in the first place. He’s pissed because my Hogs’ll beat the hell out of this pussy lover’s team next year.”
Hogs? Tigers? Did these men seriously put their jobs and lives on the line over the Arkansas and LSU football teams? Did Lexi have to take team allegiances into consideration when she hired new employees to avoid catastrophe? Were SEC fans this torn up about football year-round?
Will we have full-on riots come September?
She struggled to recall the last two football seasons, but nothing came to mind. In her early days at Gulf America, she’d spent most of her life adjusting to the heavy travel schedule of a field HR representative. Current events, sports, and anything unrelated to HR dealings never entered her mind. She instead concentrated on getting through each day, never mind remembering what happened in the rest of the world.
What kind of fights should she expect when the Big 12 schools in Texas started beating up on each other in the fall?
God help us all.
Pulling her shoulder-length brown hair off her neck, she longed for a breeze. Not the kind from men yelling at each other, but a real, honest-to-God breeze.
She sighed and stared back at her notes. Even if the investigation proved the men deserved firing, she wouldn’t make the decision. Her worthless boss would be using whatever recommendations she gave him.
Dale seldom left his office during the work day. Unless he heard an ice cream truck. Then he raced out the door with a dollar in hand. Why bother leaving for something important–– like his job–– when he had minions like her to do his dirty work in the field? He reserved his energy to sweep in at the end when he took credit and – by all appearances – saved the day.
This time, he didn’t even have the courtesy to make his decision before dawn. In her eagerness to please – the department had a promotion up for grabs – she overlooked the faux pas that sent her straight to hell. Sure the Assistant Regional Director job would be more work, but it came with a healthy salary increase and less travel. And at twenty-four, she’d be the youngest director at headquarters.
The shouts escalated.
Is a promotion worth this?
Another realization hit Lexi like a ton of bricks. Damn, another random metaphor. This dispute would have long-term implications impacting more than her chances of promoting within the company. The safety department would surely ban glass cups and plates from company premises before the end of the week. The idiots had proven breakables were a liability Gulf America would no longer risk.
Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of one man knocking his coffee mug to the floor. Damn. Another dish casualty. The shattered mug brought Lexi’s attention back to the present. One of the local managers sent her a silent plea. Clearing her throat, she filled her lungs with the heavy air weighing on her chest.
“Excuse me, gentlemen,” she began, in her sweetest drawl. A Midwesterner by nature and nurture, she spent the past two years cultivating her fake accent. It was useful in tense situations like this one. “I appreciate you sharing your perspectives. I’m sure both of your teams value loyal fans like you. But I need you both to take a few deep breaths and listen to what I say.”
She politely glared at the men. Their chests rose up and down in suppressed fury, but their mouths stayed shut.
“Violence is never the answer. It has no place in the sports arena or at work. Remember, you come from the same conference. Y’all should treat each other with the mutual respect your fine teams deserve.”
She paused for dramatic effect. She used a variation of the speech at least a dozen times in the past month alone. In her experience, a few well-timed beats of silence struck fear into the hearts of men better than a million words.
After giving her words room to settle uncomfortably, she continued. “Y’all need to treat each other respectfully. Not only because you’re co-workers and conference mates, but because you’re both good men with families who depend on you. Consider how you’d want someone to treat the people you love most. That’s how y’all should treat each other.”
The men had the good grace to bow their heads in shame. She mentally patted herself on the back for not flinching when she said “y’all.” Three times. When she moved to Texas after college, she swore she would never pick up the strange jargon.
It only took a month for the Southern slang to find its way into her vocabulary.
Sensing the men had finished their moaning, Lexi nodded at one of the managers to begin his end of the investigation. Leaning back in her chair, she scribbled on a copy of the report. She bored easily when her mind wasn’t constantly engaged. Doodling helped her maintain some focus on a situation without actively paying attention. As an added bonus, writing on paper gave everyone else the illusion she was busy.
On this day, she found paying attention to the investigation exceptionally difficult. Her afternoon meeting back at Corporate Headquarters would determine her future with Gulf America.
She made a note to dust off the training video about respectful language. More than likely, the oil rig’s crew would moan about having to sit through thirty minutes of bad acting. They’d also likely ignore the message, but she had to try.
For the men, she added a few suggestions for her boss to consider. They at least needed anger management counseling. Offering them a buyout in exchange for early retirement would satisfy the union and the company.
With her work done, she turned over her notes to doodle a picture. She drew two donkeys. One held a glass, the other a plate. Leaning back in her chair she admired her work, both the drawing, and the much more relaxed atmosphere in the conference room.
Damn she was good.
Author Bio:
Laura Chapman found a way to mix her love of romance and humor as a women’s fiction author and blogger. A 2008 graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Laura studied journalism, English and history. She traveled across the United States as a writer/photographer before settling into a career in communications. She also maintains Change the Word, a blog devoted to promoting women’s fiction and documenting her experiences as a writer.
Born and raised in Nebraska – in a city, not on a farm – she is a devoted fan of football, British period drama, writing in bars and her cats, Jane and Bingley.
Connect with Laura!
laurachapmanbooks.com
Blog
GoodReads
Buy the Book!
eBook – Barnes & Noble
eBook – Kobo
Amazon – Print & eBook
Marching Ink – Print
January 29, 2014
CLP Blog Tours Interview and Excerpt: Something Yellow by Laura Templeton
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you?
I used to spend my summer vacations devouring books at the rate of about one per day. I remember one summer when I’d gorged on gothic romance for weeks. I turned the last page and said to my mother, “I can write one of these.” Well, it turned out to be a lot harder than I thought at fourteen! And I have yet to write a gothic romance (I no longer even read them—I think that summer did me in…) But that was definitely the moment when the desire to write took hold.
How would you describe your books?
My books are typically mysteries—often with a slight element of magic realism and always with a romance. My characters struggle with real-life issues and experience loss and grief. They are generally trying to get unstuck in order to make their way forward.
Why was Something Yellow a book you wanted to write?
I started with the desire to write a book set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwest Virginia. This picturesque area of the country is where my father grew up, and I’ve made many trips there over the years to visit relatives. I hoped to capture and portray at least a bit of the beauty of the mountains, the warmth of the people, and the blessings provided by a large and welcoming extended family.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
I am very much a character-driven writer. Generally, my stories begin when I “hear” a character talking in my head. The characters and their internal growth inspire me. I have a harder time with the external plot. Getting the right events in the right order to support the characters’ journeys tends to be tricky for me.
What are your favorite genres to read?
That’s a tough question because I read a wide variety of things. I enjoy nonfiction books on a range of subjects. I tend to get on kicks, where I delve into a certain subject and read several books on it. Sometimes this turns into research for my writing. And I read women’s fiction (Karen White, Jodi Picoult, Mary Alice Monroe), literary fiction (Barbara Kingsolver, Joshilyn Jackson, Anne Tyler), and a little bit of contemporary romance (Debbie Macomber). I’m sort of a moody reader. If I’m on a nonfiction binge, not much will make me pick up a novel. And vice versa.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?
In a word: hope. Often my characters struggle with tragedy – personal tragedy or even societal tragedy. But at the end of the day, the end of the story, there is always hope for a better future. Life is hard enough, and today we’re bombarded by negativity in so many forms – from offensive or hurtful social media posts to political ranting to news of murder and mayhem. I try to offer a counterpoint to the negative–characters that persevere and overcome…and hopefully give encouragement to the rest of us.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?
For most authors, participating in social media is a must. Unless you have the name recognition of Nora Roberts or Stephen King, you’ve got to engage with readers.
The trick, I think, is to narrow your social media presence to those things you can do well. I don’t have a blog—I simply don’t have time to maintain one. (I’m also obsessive about what I write—the ability to whip out quick blog posts goes against my grain!) So, I’m particularly thankful for Samantha and all the other bloggers who’ve graciously allowed me to write guest posts. I do try to maintain a Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter presence, and I keep my website current.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
Find a group of likeminded writers and link up. It wasn’t until I joined a professional writing group (two actually) that I began to take myself seriously as a writer. Hanging out with other writers taught me the specifics of what to do (how and when to query agents, how to polish my work), what to expect, and how to keep the faith during all those months when the answer was “no thanks.” Other than that, an aspiring writer must stay the course. Getting published is a long and arduous process for most of us. You have to want it badly enough to believe in yourself when the rejections come (and they will)!
**Excerpt**
Tina Lynn pulled on my arm. “Come on. Let’s get the food before it gets cold.”
She opened the back of her SUV and handed me a pair of gaudy, orange-flowered oven mitts and a large aluminum foil tray.
“It’s hot. And you’d better hold it from the bottom. These pans are a little flimsy.” She set a package of plastic cups on top of my dish, balanced the pan of fried chicken on her hip, and closed the back of the SUV with one hand. I followed her into the church, trying not to dread the slew of greetings I’d encounter.
Sure enough, as soon as I entered the building, friends and relatives I hadn’t seen in years bombarded me, and I felt like a bride in a receiving line. Tina Lynn moved ahead of me to set down the heavy dish of chicken. I wished she’d come back and rescue me.
“Now, young lady, you’re going to have to help your mama through this.” My great-aunt, Eloise, crushed me to her side in a hug that defied her ninety-some years.
“Yes, ma’am,” I said, not sure if she was referring to the cancer or to Cailey’s disappearance. Or to both. The edge of the hot pan jabbed into my side, so I slid out of her embrace as quickly as I could. She moved away toward one of my aunts, her wide denim skirt swaying like ocean waves, her waddling gait the result of a hip replacement a few years back.
I still held the pan of macaroni and cheese as I carried on multiple conversations and accepted hugs from distant cousins. Between the McCanns and the Callahans, Mother’s people, our family practically owned this corner of the county. Finally, Tina Lynn realized my predicament and headed my way to help.
Before she could reach me, I heard someone call my name. I turned to see Aunt Eloise moving toward me like a ship plowing through swells.
“Holly, look who’s here.”
When I realized whom she was steering my way, my stomach dove to my feet. Houston Phelps.
Cailey was dead for sure.
Author Bio:
Laura Templeton lives near Athens, Georgia, with her husband, son, and a menagerie of animals, mostly rescues. In her day job she serves as Vice President of Operations for a laboratory equipment manufacturer. By night–early morning, actually–she writes fiction. Her first novel, Something Yellow, was released by PageSpring Publishing in October 2013. When she’s not writing, Laura enjoys reading, gardening, learning to figure skate—with a very patient instructor, and taking long walks on the quiet country roads near her home. Laura can be contacted at lauratempletonwriter@gmail.com.
Connect with Laura!
Website: www.Laura-Templeton.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraTempletonWriter
Buy the Book!
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1n2LNOe
January 28, 2014
A Questionable Friendship – On Sale February 19!
My third novel, A Questionable Friendship, will be released on February 19 – and I can’t wait! I’m really proud of this book as I chose a different route than I would normally take when writing, and a different writing style all together. Also set in a location that I am not familiar with (Maine) the research was a lot more thorough than with my first two novels that are set in Iowa, where I live. But as the countdown gets on for launch day, I am looking for a handful of readers that would like an advance copy of the book in exchange for posting their review to Amazon (and GoodReads or your blog, if you would like) during the week of publication. I would be extremely grateful to any of you that have time in your schedule and would like to review the book. I am really looking for the reviews to go up on Amazon, if you post elsewhere that is just icing on the cake for me. Please use the form below if you are interested, and I will get you your copy ASAP. Thank you!
Summary:
Brynne Ropert and Portland Dolish have been best friends since being paired as roommates in college. Seven years later they are now twenty-five, married, and living in Maine–– but the two women couldn’t be more different. Brynne finds fulfillment in her life as a wife, mother and owner of a small café and bookshop, but is struggling to expand her family. Portland is still coping with her mother’s death during her childhood, and her marriage is unraveling before her eyes. Portland envies her friend’s seemingly stable and easy life while Brynne doesn’t understand the growing distance between them and cannot begin to guess what secret Portland is hiding about her husband and crumbling marriage. While one woman feels shut out, the other enters into a web of lies to protect herself.
A Questionable Friendship explores what really makes someone a true friend, a support system, a sister. How much trust goes into a friendship and when is being a friend not enough? Brynne and Portland’s story will attempt to answer those questions, and show that happily ever after isn’t in the cards for everyone.
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