Samantha March's Blog, page 13

CLP Blog Tours Interview and Excerpt: New Beginnings by Mary Metcalfe

Thanks to Mary Metcalfe for stopping by today with a Q&A and excerpt from New Beginnings. Stop by the tour page at CLP Blog Tours for more information and a giveaway!

**Interview**

When did you know writing was for you?

I had my first Letter to the Editor published when I was seventeen. The thrill of seeing my name in print was right up there with marrying my amazing husband!

How would you describe your books?

Hopeful and with depth. I really like to explore my characters and see how they react to different situations. I also like to explore contemporary social issues via fiction. And, I do like happy ever after endings; I’m a perennial optimist.

Why was New Beginnings a book you wanted to write?

Carol was the best friend of the central character in Winds of Change, my debut novel. I realized there was something in Carol’s background that had turned her into defining success by her conspicuous consumption (i.e. shopaholic). I wanted to see if she would change her approach to life. So, she became the central character in New Beginnings.

What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?

Ramping up to finish the fourth! I wrote/edited/published three novels in a little over a year and probably burned myself out. I’ve given myself a break in recent months while promoting those novels and learning more about readers like and don’t like. Now, I have to get on with it.

What are your favorite genres to read? Top for me is autobiography, followed by Women’s Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, police procedurals and anything by John Grisham, who I consider a genre unto himself.

What do you want readers to take away from your story?

I want my readers to feel that there is always hope for a better future, despite great losses or tragedies. It’s hard for people to see past the death of a loved one or the end of a marriage. I’d like to bring them that hope.

How important do you think social media is for authors these days?

If you had asked me that a year ago I would have given a very different answer! I invested enormous amounts of energy and time in my social media platform, including a web site, blog (three times a week at first; now down to about twice a month), Twitter (3,500 followers), Goodreads, Shelfari, Facebook. I found it cut into my writing time and then became difficult to balance with the rest of my life. So, I cut back to what I believe is a reasonable balance. So, while I think social media are important, they should not come at the expense of the balance in your life.

What would be your advice to aspiring writers?

Write every day for at least a half hour. Writing needs constant practice if you want to be a good writer. And, read Stephen King’s “On Writing”, especially the second half. It is the most practical primer on novel writing I have ever read. Millions of readers would agree.

**Excerpt**

“Damn. I don’t have time for this.” Carol Brock stared down at her electric-blue BMW in dismay and growing anger. She’d been completely boxed in by a SUV on one side and a glossy black pickup on the other. Not a chance she could get in either the driver or passenger doors. I’m supposed to show a house in thirty minutes, half way across town. I don’t need this. Then she saw her driver’s side mirror and gasped. It was dangling on a couple of wires.

“What the hell?” Taking out her phone, she pressed on the camera app and started shooting. “Think you can get away with this? Think again.”

 

She snapped the scene, the vehicles, and their license plates and sent the photos to someone she knew in the Boston Police, with the message: ’Guzzo, you’re my witness. I’m having the pickup towed so I can get in my car.’

As she called for roadside assistance, Carol stamped her feet to try and warm them. It was another cold, wet, gray November day. Gone were the sweet smells and vibrant colors of early fall. While her soft leather boots were beautiful and comfortable to walk in, they were not meant to stand around in. I should call the Fowlers and let them know I’ll be a bit late, she thought and keyed in another number. I can blame it on the traffic.

The tow truck arrived. Within a few minutes, the driver had hitched up the gleaming black pickup and was pulling it onto the truck bed when a loud voice yelled over the grinding whine of the hydraulics.

“Whoa! Wait a minute. What do you think you’re doing? Stop!”

Carol turned to see a very tall, well-dressed man running across the parking lot. She stood her ground and watched his approach, with a smirk on her glossed lips. Great eye candy, but boy, does he look angry. I might enjoy venting on such a magnificent male. If you’re going to have a good mad on, might as well be mad at someone good looking.

As he drew up beside her, Carol looked up into molten hazel eyes that were flashing with anger. She felt a small frisson of fear but brushed it aside. She already had a business card in her hand. Before he could say a word, she held it out to him.

“You ripped off my side mirror. Here’s my card. I’d appreciate yours if you have one. You owe me for the mirror.” She could almost feel the heat of his anger and swallowed a bit nervously. But adrenaline was coursing through her veins. Her emerald green eyes stared straight into his.

“My God, woman.” He looked at her card. “Carol Brock, real estate agent. Well, you’re a real piece of work, Ms. Brock, let me tell you. What gives you the right to move my truck? I could have you charged with theft.”

“Go ahead and try. I’ve already sent photos to the police. I can prove you boxed me in and ripped off my mirror. I’m sure I can have you charged with something too.”

“Well, I’ll be damned. You don’t miss a beat. Photos to the police already.”

Carol watched in amazement as the flashing fire of anger was completely extinguished and replaced with mirth. She was sure the color of his eyes had changed in an instant. Now the brazen man was smiling and laughing at her. Her temper seethed as she fixed him with a look that only a mother could muster.

“I hardly think this is anything to laugh about.” Her voice dripped with disdain as she fixed him with a steely gaze. “I have a full day ahead. You’ve thrown my entire schedule off, and you’ve damaged my car. I’m going to lose valuable time getting it fixed.”

“Okay, Ms. Brock, mea culpa. I did park badly, but I didn’t realize I’d damaged your car. Now I see that I have, and I’m making you late for your next appointment. Can’t argue with you on any of those points. My name is Devin, Devin Elliott.” He held out his hand, which now held a business card.

Carol took the card but refused the offer of a handshake. She couldn’t argue with him. She swallowed her temper reluctantly.

“Devin Elliott, the architect.” Carol knew the name. Anyone in Boston real estate circles knew Elliott and Co., Restoration Specialists. “Well then, at least I know you can afford to pay for the mirror. That honking big truck of yours was a pretty obvious clue, too. The mirror will cost at least eight hundred dollars. It’s articulated, electronic, and heated.” She looked at her phone. “Damn. I really am going to be late. I need to get going.”

“Excuse me?” They both looked over as the tow truck driver leaned his head out of his window. “Where do you want the pickup, sir?”

“Just put it over there, please.” Devin pointed towards the entrance of the lot and then turned back to Carol. “What do you say we get the tow truck to take your car to your dealership? I’ll drive you to your next appointment if they don’t have a loaner for you.”

Carol snorted and put a hand up to smooth her coppery auburn waves. “I do not need a ride, and I am perfectly capable of handling this situation. You’ve been quite enough help already.” She pulled up to her full height. Even with towering heels she couldn’t look him straight in the eye. She thrust her chin up stubbornly.

He smiled down at her. “After seeing you in action just now, I’m quite convinced you can take care of just about anyone or anything. But I don’t think your day will get any better driving around with your side mirror hanging off.” Devin continued his delicate negotiations. “You’ll just get stopped by the police, ticketed, and pulled off the road. Then you’ll be calling for the tow guy again. He’s already here. Why not take advantage of it and save some of that valuable time you just mentioned? Plus, we can get the estimate, and I can pay for it right then and there.”

His small jab of sarcasm was not lost on her, but he did have a good point. “Oh, all right. I accept your offer.”

 *Anyone who leaves a comment on the tour page will be entered  to win a $20 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of New Beginnings before  January 31 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com will get 5 bonus entries!*





Author Bio:



Mary Metcalfe is the author of three published novels –Winds of Change, New Beginnings, Road to Tomorrow – and currently at work on her fourth. She and her long-time husband live in the foothills of the Laurentians in Quebec,Canada with a small herd of cats and a Canadian Eskimo dog. Their daughter is a published literary non-fiction author.

Links

Web site: www.marymetcalfe.ca
Blog: www.lakefrontmuse@blogspot.ca
Twitter: @MetcalfeMary
Shelfari: www.shelfari.com/marymetcalfe/shelf

Find New Beginnings at:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/QUESaR
Barnes&Noble:  http://bit.ly/SRR6BZ
Chapters/Indigo: http://bit.ly/SMiMqJ

Cover Reveal: A Questionable Friendship

The big day is here! I’m so excited to share this cover, because I haven’t been able to stop staring at it since Scarlett Rugers sent it to me. The publishing date isn’t quite firm yet, but I know it will be in February – after I am back from my honeymoon in St. Lucia and all relaxed and tan I would love to hear your thoughts on the cover, if you have any feedback please just comment below!

 

A Questionable Friendship

 

By Samantha March

 

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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BookBuzz Toronto: My Experience

I know I’m so super behind on writing on this post, but my life got a little crazy (well, craziER) the past couple of months. I wanted to be sure to get this post in here though, because BookBuzz Toronto was such a highlight for me. BookBuzz is a meet and greet event for authors and readers, and was founded by three incredible ladies – Meredith Schorr, Samantha Stroh Bailey and Francine LaSala. I wasn’t able to attend the first event because it was too close to my wedding (dang that wedding!) but when I found out the second would be held in Canada, I just couldn’t NOT go! Not only have I always wanted to visit Canada, but I was getting the chance to meet authors that I look up to and admire, such as Meredith and Sam, but also Romi Moondi, Heather Wardell, Chantel Guertin, Lydia Lacey and Kate Hilton. And I was going to get the opportunity to meet Cat Lavoie, who publishes with my company Marching Ink. Oh, and if I needed anymore incentive, Kaley Stewart with Books Etc was also going to be there, and Kaley and I have been virtual friends for years. So yes, no way was I going to miss this.

Like I said above, BookBuzz was such a highlight for me. The event itself was awesome. The Crest was a beautiful location and the authors were just as amazing as I knew they would be. It was truly something to meet with people who have read my books, bought my books, or just wanted to ask me questions about balancing writing and editing and publishing with blogging.  I left that night on a true high, unable to sleep because my mind kept, well, buzzing with excitement and almost disbelief at how happy I was after being a roomful of strangers – I’m kinda shy.

But to top off the event itself, was connecting with the authors the next day. A group of us met up for breakfast and then saw a few Toronto sites, which was pretty awesome for me as I was in total tourist mode. The most interesting thing about that day though? How much we talked. At one point, I think we were going to go somewhere, and we met in the lobby of a hotel some of us were staying at. Two hours later, you could find all of sitting on the floor in a circle, chattering away. Yes, in the middle of a busy hotel lobby, we sat on the floor in a circle like at summer camp, talking about our lives, writing, books, anything we could think of. Seriously, amazing.  We managed to move around a bit throughout the day, but it always ended up the same way – all of just talking at warp speed and getting lost in the moment. When someone would have to leave the group and head for home, tears were shed. The word I keep finding myself saying about BookBuzz is empowering. Essentially, we’re all competition. We’re authors writing in the same genre, but there wasn’t one ounce of any animosity at any point. We cheered each other on, we encouraged one another, we gave advice and tips. I start to tear up as I write this line, but this scenario will always stay with me. While eating lunch, Cat turns to me to says a 5 star review just came in for Zoey & The Moment of Zen (which was published just prior to BookBuzz) and not only did I get to celebrate that with her in person, but everyone one else at the table broke into applause. I get goosebumps remembering that.

I could probably go on forever about how amazing my experience was, but I’ll try to wrap this up. I do have to give a very special shout out though to Kaley. She picked me up and dropped me off the airport, agreed to share a room with me  in Toronto to help save cost, let me spend the night at her house the following night, and took me to Niagara Falls, which by the way, took my breath away at the sheer beauty of that landmark. She helped me with Canadian money – see through, hilarious! – and was basically my sidekick the two days I was there. My experience was so fabulous, and she really had a lot to do with that. I can only hope we’ll meet again, but something tells me we’ll work it out!

So to sum up my BookBuzz Toronto experience, it was empowering, inspiring, and truly a highlight of my life. Thank you to everyone who came out, who supported us and continue to do so, and to the women who made this chick crazy thankful to belong in such an incredible group.

CLP Blog Tours Interview and Excerpt: Bitter Pill by Stacey Kade

Stacey is now on tour with CLP Blog Tours and Bitter Pill

Rennie Harlow is having a bad year. She had a handsome husband, a good job, and a renovated condo in Chicago. Now, thanks to one “exotically beautiful” paralegal, she’s divorced, faking her way through a writing career, and living above her hypochondriac mother’s garage back in Morrisville, the small town she couldn’t leave fast enough at eighteen. On top of all of that, she just found Doc Hallacy, the local pharmacist, dead behind his counter. And the worst part is, he’s the third body she’s stumbled across this year.

Jake Bristol has lived in Morrisville his whole life. A former bad boy turned sheriff, he doesn’t believe it’s just Rennie’s luck or timing that’s the problem. He thinks she’s too nosy for her own good. The last thing he needs is her messing around with his murder investigation so that she can freelance for the Morrisville Gazette. But as they both delve deeper into Doc’s death, they find that things don’t add up. This isn’t a robbery gone wrong or the work of a desperate junkie. Someone has a secret they’re killing to keep. The only question is—who’s next?

Interview:

Writing Specific

1.  Tell us something about yourself that’s not in your bio.

Once I found a dead body with a bunch of my friends in the woods…no, wait, that’s the plot of Stand by Me.

Um…I speak French. Badly.

2.  What do you like to do when you are not writing?

I’m a huge movie and TV fan. So, when I’m not at the computer writing, I’m usually parked in front of another screen.

3.  How did you choose the genres you write in?

I don’t think it’s really an active choice on my part. I think it’s more a matter of what stories you’re drawn to telling. Which sounds all grand and artistic…until you’re drawn to write in a genre that doesn’t sell particularly well.

4.  Is there any particular author or book that has influenced you or your writing?

I’ve frequently looked to Stephen King, Jane Austen, and Meg Cabot as the examples I want to learn from and follow.

5.  What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

The worst: I once got a very long letter from a prospective agent telling me EXACTLY what was wrong with the opening of my book. It wasn’t mean, but the agent certainly didn’t see any reason to soften the blow, either. But it turned out to be just what I needed. It pushed me in the direction I needed to learn more about my craft, if only to understand what the agent meant.

The best: When I get emails from people saying, “I was going through a hard time in my life and your book helped distract/entertain me.” That, to me, is the best compliment any storyteller can get, helping someone escape their troubles for just a few minutes.

Fun Stuff

6.  If you could have dinner with anyone, past or present, fictional or real, who would it be and why?

Jane Austen. Because her sister Cassandra destroyed a lot of her letters, we don’t know as much about her as we should. Or, at least, as much as I would like to. She is, essentially, the reason we have romance novels today. I love her books.

7.  You are going to be stranded on a deserted island and bring 3 luxury items.  What would they be?

Assuming I can’t fit an luxury hotel in my bag…I’d say a generator, an e-reader and a solid internet connection.

8.  Pick two celebrities to be your parents.  Who are they and why?

Oooh. I love this question! Do they have to be married to each other? Let’s assume not. Okay, Tom Cruise (even though he’s not quite old enough to be my dad) because I’ve always been curious what’s really going on there. Also, because my tell-all memoir would be AMAZING and sell a bajillion copies. And Connie Britton (nowhere NEAR old enough to be my mother) because I really admire her. Also, as her daughter, I would expect her to share all of her hair care secrets.

9.  What would we find in your refrigerator right now?

Lots of takeout leftovers. I’m fresh off a book deadline.

10. If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?

Weird Girl in the Corner

Think Fast

Summer or Winter? Summer

Coffee or Tea? Tea

Cake or Pie? Cake

Car or Truck? Truck

Print or Electronic? Print

Thanks for coming by and spending some time with us.  Any final words of wisdom to pass along?

Thank you for having me! “Always…no, no…never…forget to check your references.” (Sorry, I couldn’t resist. It’s a quote from Real Genius, one of my favorite movies.) Real advice: be nice to one another out there. Life is short, and sometimes traffic is bad and the weather is crappy.

*Anyone who leaves a comment on the tour page will be entered in the giveaway! Three separate winners will receive one of the following: a $20 Amazon gift card, a signed copy of Bitter Pill (US/CA only) or an eBook copy of The Ghost of Goth by Stacey Kade! Anyone who purchases their copy of Bitter Pill before  January 6 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com will get 5 bonus entries!*

Excerpt:

Bristol rubbed his face wearily, then stared at me, his warm brown eyes too intense. “How do you get yourself into this? The first person found on the scene is usually a viable suspect for the murder. But not in this town, not with you.”

“I can’t help it, it just happens.” I tried not to sound too plaintive.

“No, Rennie, lightning strikes just happen.” He shook his head with a tight smile. “You are a walking disaster.”

Stung, I shoved the thermos lid back at him, sloshing coffee onto the leather interior, and jabbed my car keys into the ignition. “Screw you, Bristol.”

He sighed. “Rennie…”

“What?” I jerked the gearshift into reverse.

He started to say something then shook his head. “I’m going to need you to come in to make an official statement.”

“Not till this afternoon.” I lifted my chin defiantly, daring him to challenge me. “I have to get home to explain to my mother that she’ll have to wait for her prescription and then I’ve got an interview with Gloria Lottich.”

“Fine. We’ve already got your prints on file, so we can rule out anything you touched.” His mouth tightened and he hesitated for the slightest of seconds. “We’re going to need your shirt.”

“What? Why?” I looked down at myself and saw, for the first time, a splotch of blood shaped like a tear drop on the stomach of my pale blue t-shirt.

“Crime lab will want to make sure that’s Doc’s blood and not the killer’s.”

I swallowed hard, struggling against the urge to pluck the fabric away from my skin. “So, I’m just supposed to drive home topless? This is Morrisville. There are laws about how long Christmas decorations can stay up. You’re telling me there are no ordinances about half-naked driving?” I asked, discomfort setting my tone a little too close to rude.

He walked back to his squad car, tossing out the remains of the coffee in the thermos lid on the way. He returned with a paper bag and a bright blue bundle of fabric. The fabric, a t-shirt, he handed to me, while he held onto the bag.

I put the car back into park and unfolded the t-shirt. The front had a small patch of writing over the left side in the shape of star. Morrisville Sheriff’s Office, it read. Interdepartmental Softball League. I flipped it over to look at the back. Bristol 17.

“Your softball shirt?” I asked. God help me, despite the circumstances, I loved the idea of his name on my back, his shirt against my skin. Bad, Rennie. Bad, bad.

He shrugged. “Unless you have a better idea.”

I shook my head. He stood and turned his back toward the window, blocking the view from the side of the car. That helped, but it didn’t keep anyone from looking through the windshield. I sighed. Oh, well, what little I had, they were welcome to see. Besides, Deputy Sheffey appeared to be occupied with taking notes anyway, and the first curiosity-seekers on the scene had their attention focused on the pharmacy door, now blocked off with crime tape.

I yanked the bloodied shirt off over my head, silently thanking whatever voice of caution in my brain had urged me to wear proper undergarments this morning. Much to my chagrin, bras were more wishful thinking on my part than a strict necessity. However, it would have been nice if the voice of caution had also recommended a little more time on my hair this morning—I could feel it standing up in messy spikes, like a blonde tumbleweed on top of my head. Very attractive.

I thrust my arms through Bristol’s t-shirt. The familiar smell of him, the clean scent of his clothing, surrounded me. I tugged the rest of the shirt down into place, loving the feel of it against my skin even as I knew it was wrong. After all, Bristol’s shirt smelled good, like him, because it had been recently laundered…by his wife, Margene.

Without thinking, I bumped his arm with the back of my hand to let him know I’d completed my wardrobe change. As usual, he’d rolled his shirt sleeves up, revealing tanned and strong forearms. I jolted slightly at the warmth of his skin against mine, and my heart flipped up and twisted in my chest, like a paper cutout on a string in the breeze.

Bristol turned around and opened the paper bag. I dropped my bloodied shirt inside.

“So, how’s Margene?” I asked Bristol, as I always did when I started having trouble remembering he was married.

His face closed down, like he’d shut some internal door against me. “Fine.” He didn’t really sound surprised at the strange conversation twist I’d thrown him. “Getting ready for the Garden Show.” He closed up the top of the bag with precise, crisp folds in the paper.

“Right,” I said. Margene had been more than happy to settle into her role of Mrs. Sheriff, second only to Mrs. Mayor, Gloria Lottich. Margene and I’d also gone to school together, although she was a couple years younger than me. She’d moved to town in the seventh grade when her father took a job at the propane factory. By her junior year in high school, she’d worked her way up from trailer trash to co-captain of the varsity cheerleading team, second only to Laura Brown. Apparently, Margene’s ambition had limits. Word was, she’d caught wind of Jake’s upwardly mobile plans as soon as he’d returned to town from the Army and she’d trapped him with her reportedly magnificent thighs. Chelsea was born barely inside of wedlock, and then all Margene had to do was sit back and wait while Jake’s star kept rising.

“And Chelsea?” I asked.

“Finishing fifth grade in a couple weeks.” He frowned at me, highlighting those marvelous wrinkles near his eyes.

Time to change the subject again. “What about Max?” I asked.

“Max,” he repeated with a frown.

“Yeah. Editor of the Gazette, nosiest human being alive?” I waited for some flicker of recognition from Bristol and got a grim nod. “He’s going to want details for a story. Time of death, potential motives, the weapon…”

Bristol frowned. “I don’t want to share any of that information with the public just yet. Incidentally, I think you’re right about the cane being the murder weapon.” His eyes dropped to the phone in my lap. “I don’t want that part in the paper, got it?” He rubbed his face, the stubble on his chin making a rasping sound against his hand. “I’d rather not have anything in the paper just yet.”

I shook my head. “Max is sitting right over there.” I pointed at the Gazette office. “It’s not like he can’t see it for himself. You know him, he’ll print something. Better he get most of the facts from a reliable source.”

“You run all of it past me before anything hits the printer,” he said.

I made an exasperated sound. “We’ve been through this before. I get the lecture from you about responsible media. Then I turn around and get the freedom of the press speech from Max.” I glowered at him. “I should put the two of you in a room together and let you duke it out.”

Bristol’s mouth twitched upward in a smile. “Wouldn’t be fair.”

“Why not?”

“Max could convince a snake to go vegetarian. I just have a gun.”

I pretended to consider his words. “True enough. I guess my money’s still safe on Max.”

“Oh, ha, ha.”

I smiled at him reluctantly. “I’ll see you this afternoon.”

.

Author Bio:

As a former award-winning corporate copywriter, Stacey Kade has written about everything from backhoe loaders to breast pumps. But she prefers to make things up instead. She’s the author of two YA series from Hyperion: The Ghost and the Goth trilogy (The Ghost and the Goth, Queen of the Dead, and Body & Soul) and Project Paper Doll trilogy (The Rules, The Hunt, Book 3 TBD).

Stacey lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, Greg, and their two retired racing greyhounds, Tall Walker (Walker) and SheWearsThePants (Pansy).

Connect with Stacey!

Website: www.staceykade.com
Blog: www.tumblr.com/blog/staceykade
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/authorstaceykade
Goodreads author page:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3125711.Stacey_Kade

Twitter: @staceykade  https://twitter.com/staceykade

Buy the Book!

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Bitter-Pill-Stacey-Kade-ebook/dp/B00G74P4O0/ref=sr_1_6_bnp_1_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1386634656&sr=8-6&keywords=stacey+kade

Hello 2014!

Now that the New Year is officially upon us (hello, 2014) I wanted to share this post that was originally posted on Step Into Fiction during The Green Ticket birthday celebration. I have given myself 10 goals to achieve in 2014 instead of making one or two resolutions, and I hope to tackle them all. 2013 was such an amazing year. I got married, I got an adorable puppy, I bought a house. My publishing company published two more novels from amazing authors – looking at you Cat Lavoie and Laura Chapman! – and I got to travel all the way to Canada for BookBuzz Toronto and meet so many fabulous women that I look up to on a daily basis. So cheers to you 2014 – you have a lot of competition but I can’t wait to see what you bring me

I don’t like making New Year’s Resolutions, as sometimes I think those are just silly. Everyone tends to stick with the same thing over and over, yet by February they have fizzled out. Just look at my gym for proof. January – packed. February – not so much. This year, I’ve decided to make a Top 10 List of things I would like accomplish. Some are important, some are time-consuming, some are just for a fun. I’m a big list-maker, so I thought this would help me keep on track better – because I’m one of those who has an addiction to checking things off lists. So here’s my Top 10 List for 2014!

1. Try not to work too hard on my honeymoon. My new husband can let me know if I accomplish this.

2. Write book # 4. All. The. Way.

3. Train my new puppy. Please, let me get her trained.

4. Buy (and do) Tracy Anderson Method workout DVD’s. They look killer.

5. Launch a new business. I seem to do it every year.

6. Plan a trip for 2015. I’m thinking Vegas, California or Florida.

7. Cook more. Stop being afraid of the oven. Learn to use my crockpot because of fear of the oven.

8. Learn how to contour my face. Seriously, it’s awesome.

9. Take dance lessons. Being a Dancing With the Stars fan makes me want this to happen.

10. Enjoy life as a wife, mom (to a puppy), daughter, sister, aunt and friend. I can’t wait to see where 2014 takes me.

 

Marching Ink Two-Day Sale!

Marching Ink is having a quick two-day sale on all five novels! You can get Destined to Fail, Breaking the Rules, The Green Ticket, Zoey & The Moment of Zen and Hard Hats and Doormats for only 99 cents for the remaining days of 2013. Help us welcome in the New Year by grabbing these fabulous books. Happy Reading and cheers to a great year. Welcome 2014!

Destined to Fail

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Amazon

Breaking the Rules

Kobo

Barnes & Noble

Audible

Amazon

The Green Ticket

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Amazon

Zoey & The Moment of Zen

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Amazon

Hard Hats and Doormats

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Amazon

 

Sign Up: A Questionable Friendship Cover Reveal

Just last night, I approved the final cover for A Questionable Friendship! Big thank you to Scarlett Rugers, who took what I envisioned and created a cover so fast that and so on the money that I wondered if she snuck into my brain to create the look. I can’t wait to share it with everyone, and I’m hoping a few of you lovelies would like to help spread the good news with a cover reveal! Wednesday, January 8 will be the big day, so if you have time on your calendar and would like to participate, please use the form below. I will be in touch with everyone who signs up. Thank you so much and Happy Holidays!

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Title and Blurb Reveal!

I’m so excited to finally announce the title and blurb for my third book! I’ve been working on this since The Green Ticket went into editing, but it went to the back burner for a bit while Marching Ink published Zoey & The Moment of Zen and Hard Hats and Doormats, but now it is in my line of vision once again! I also need to thank the lovely Kaley Stewart, Cat Lavoie and Laura Chapman for their help and feedback with the blurb, you ladies seriously rock!  The cover design process is happening as I type, and we are getting so close to the perfect one. I will be begging some of you wonderful people to help me with a cover reveal in the upcoming weeks, but for now, the spotlight is on the title and blurb. Ta da!

A Questionable Friendship

By Samantha March

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. 

CLP Blog Tours Interview and Excerpt: The Hunting by Kerry Peresta

Thanks to Kerry Peresta for stopping by with a Q&A and excerpt from The Hunting! Visit CLP Blog Tours for more information and a giveaway!

**Interview**

When did you know writing was for you?

In high school, I consistently excelled in English and composition; anything literary. I even made straight A’s on grammar and identifying parts of the sentence! It was so easy for me. The sad thing is I didn’t even think about majoring in it in college – I still can’t figure that out. I was an art major.

After a crazy, bizarre journey through ill-fated marriages, raising four kids, and keeping my head above water until they were grown, I finally had time to breathe. I wrote a letter to the editor. He liked it. I got a call. “Do you want to do a humor column?” YES! Do I get paid, I asked? “Of course not!” I did it anyway, and to my delight, people liked it. I had a following. I got recognized in grocery stores! (Okay, so the town was really, really small, but whatever). I got hate mail! That’s when I knew I’d arrived. I was hooked. That was in 2009. I started writing “THE HUNTING” in 2011.

 How would you describe your books?

Fast-paced. Engaging. Funny. Realistic. Probing. Tear-jerking. Clean. Elements of suspense. Elements of romance. Uplifting. Hopeful.

I typically write about women who have major issues, but are blind to them and thus begin a journey of consequences and self-discovery. (Somewhat like – cough,cough – me.) They may fall into a huge pit they’ve dug for themselves and someone else must pull them out; or they clamber out of the darn pit by themselves. My first book was written almost on auto-pilot as the words came pouring out in a torrent. My second book is moving more slowly because I’ve tackled a subject I haven’t exactly lived, but know many women who have. So I’m doing more research for backstory. Since I’m a debut novelist, I’m not exactly sure where my keyboard-pounding fingers will take me, but I’m pretty sure it will have to do with flawed female protagonists that wrestle with life. Or their kids, or their men. Either way, they have serious wrestling issues.

Why was The Hunting a book you wanted to write?

I wrote the book because I wanted to write something edgy, snarky and real that had no gratuitous, steamy, moist sex scenes and very little profanity. My experience with women’s fiction has been that they are Danielle Steele-esque, or Nora Roberts-esque. Both are wonderful writers. However, I wanted to write something in between these voices.

My character, Isabelle Lewis, (Izzy) has been divorced a couple times and is clueless why she cannot seem to pick a man that is undamaged and therefore able to be responsible, dependable, and forthright. So she simply compartmentalizes her crippled emotions, and continues mothering, making a living, doing what she has to do. She doesn’t realize her interactions with men are attracting the wrong kind of attention, but it feels so good she cannot resist it! So she dives into online dating with both hands, both feet, and her entire heart. Which, not surprisingly, causes major fallout. This is a very real issue worthy of discussion. But it also had a zillion opportunities for humor. Which is quite often how we survive the tough stuff, right ladies?

What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?

Organization and structure. I’ve had enough writing instruction to know that there are major plot points and scenes that attach to each point and character arcs to consider. I’ve even scribbled the illustrative diagrams in my notebook. I know that the protagonist must fall into major despair and then be pulled out only to be pushed back again and almost killed, metaphorically or physically, before final resolution of the story. I know all this. I do.

But I struggle with making sure it’s all included, so my initial outline is kind of a scrawled, haphazard work in progress. I am much more organic in how I write, but I do visit the outline now and again.

 What are your favorite genres to read?

Interestingly, I love murder mysteries and stories about the criminal mind. (Yes, I love the show Crinminal Mind too!) I’m a sucker for all those cop shows. But since I’m clearly devoid of the inner workings of police or detective work, I just cannot bring myself to write in that genre. All my stories, however, have cliffhanger, suspense stuff going on.

I’ve tried – but failed – to immerse myself in historical fiction or literary fiction. The writing is often beautiful, but for me, it simply takes too much concentration and I bog down. I like fast-paced, first-person, edgy, irreverent writing. Not in the religious sense, but in the ‘let’s make fun of life’ sense. I love the Jack Reacher books. He’s a ‘make fun of life’ guy if I ever saw one. I’d attack him on the street. I love Dean Koontz books, although I won’t read his flat-out horror, I enjoy his science fiction and third dimension-ish stories. Dean Koontz’ writing leaves me Breathless. (Get it, Dean Koontz fans? Breathless…one of his book titles?) I do love a good Chick Lit read, of course! The beachy stuff gets me every time. Dorothea Benton Frank? Oh my goodness. What fun!

What do you want readers to take away from your story?

That there is always HOPE no matter how dark the night. That we are never alone, not really. A dark, long tunnel is just that – a long tunnel. There is always light at the end of it.

Additionally, laughing at ourselves and realizing everyone has issues and problems keeps us grounded. That our wrestling matches with life keep us humble, teach us a lot, and are temporary. Not only do they make life interesting, but our personal success stories are beneficial to others about to go down the same road.

How important do you think social media is for authors these days?

Oh so VERY impossibly important. I was overwhelmed at one point, had a long talk with myself and decided I would choose four, major on those, then go from there. Twitter. Facebook. LinkedIn. Goodreads. Plus, an author website is important and it should contain a blog. One that has relatively recent posts that are interesting to the author’s genre. I found my publisher on Twitter through relationships I’d developed there, and my website designer through LinkedIn. LinkedIn has incredible writer groups that provide excellent information. It is imperative that authors have a basic understanding and relationship with social media. I’ve barely scratched the surface.

What would be your advice to aspiring writers?

1) Find a local critique group. They are invaluable! Plus, other writers you meet within these groups have connections you may need.

2) Attend book fairs and writer’s conferences. Such a depth of information! The conference speakers teach on everything from character development to legal issues to how to write a query letter. You’ll meet authors hawking their books that will share first-hand information and also agents that sometimes will ask to see a sample of your work. Don’t be shy, ask!

3) Look for opportunities to improve your craft. Local community colleges offer many types of writing courses at reasonable rates. Many are at night, if working hours are a problem. Online courses are an option, but for me, the community is important as well as the skill. Seek to improve your writing via any route you can find.

4) If you’ve finished your masterpiece, ask your writing buddies for the name of a good editor. A good editor is important. LinkedIn has thousands. I would suggest hiring an editor before submitting your manuscript to publishers or agents.

5) Persevere. Your success may be right around the corner!

 **Excerpt**

PROLOGUE

There is just one man at the bar, sitting in the darkest, most lonely corner of it, nursing a drink. I gaze around the room, looking for the mystery man I’d arranged to meet. I order a glass of wine as I wait and move toward the empty stools. The bartender works his way over, stops in front of me and smiles.

“What’ll it be tonight, Izzy?”

“A pinot, I think. Do you have Bearboat?”

“Yep.” He plucks a bottle from the shelves behind the bar, deftly uncorks, and pours.       “Give it a sec, Izzy.” I nod, wait impatiently for the wine to breathe. Turning the stool around, I scan the bar in case the man appears. After a few minutes, I swirl and sniff, then sip. Heaven in a glass.

The man who had been sitting alone at the far end of the bar pushes off his stool and walks toward me. My eyes lock on his face as he emerges from the dark. The scene unfolds eerily, like something from an old Hitchcock movie. I clutch the stem of the wine glass like a security blanket and lift it to my mouth. The disgust I feel spikes as he pulls out a stool and sits beside me. The stench of cheap cologne curls up my nose. He must have freshened it since our meeting at the office. I still feel the sting of his words.

“Understandable that you are upset, Izzy. We need to clear the air, I think.” I turn my head toward him, my lips a firm line.

“I agree,” I spit out. “But this is not the time. I’m meeting someone in a few minutes. So can we talk about this at the office tomorrow?” Twin rows of perfectly straight, white teeth blaze through the dim lighting.

“Nope. We’re gonna talk about it right now. Who you waiting for, by the way?”

“My business. We’ve had this discussion.” His grin does not diminish by a single kilowatt.

“Yeah. We have. However, the discussion is ongoing.” A beat of silence. “Dreamsicle.”

The dread starts at my toes and slithers the entire vertical length of my body. My brain, a hiccup or two behind the dread, snags the realization I’ve been had. An impromptu prayer pops into my head before I can argue with myself that it never works.

I turn to him, my tongue finally loosed, mad as hell. “You? You! What are you thinking? This breaks every privacy law ever legislated, for Pete’s sake! This is . . . this is . . . unspeakable!”

The smile falters, then disappears. His eyes, in the murky light, are unblinking. Reptilian.

“Izzy, you and I have some business to process together.” His lips press close to my ear and he whispers, “For Chrissakes, you treat me like a leper. It’s going to stop. Now.”

My hand reaches instinctively to cover my ear and he backs away. The moistness of the whispered words lingers. I rub my ear and put my hand back in my lap. My hand still clenches the stem of the wine glass. I am afraid I will break it, so I unwrap my fingers, nestle the globe instead, and drink. The glass makes a soft clink when I set it down. I focus my eyes behind the bar. My mind spins furiously. Doesn’t this fall under the realm of predatory? How does one go about proving it?

 

CHAPTER 1

Izzy

            I tell myself the late night had been worth it. The date had turned out to be a disaster, I’d missed my alarm this morning and my kids had been upset and snarky before they’d left for school, but let’s look at the bright side. I can cross one more guy off the list. Dabbing concealer on the dark half-moons under my eyes in morning rush hour traffic, I strive, but fail, to keep my Honda in the lane. I ignore the angry honks of startled motorists, and correct my course with one knee. I screech into the Sentinel’s parking lot a few minutes late, swipe on tinted lip gloss as a final nod to looking presentable, grab my purse and speed-walk into the building, hoping my hair is not sticking out in all directions.

The ancient elevator in the lobby, a dubious attempt at historic preservation in the heart of downtown Chatbrook Springs, creaks from the third floor to the first when I push the button. The doors take a full four seconds to open. I wonder, as I step in, why I don’t just run up the stairs to save time. Leaping out of the elevator before the doors fully open, I toss my purse on my desk conveniently located exactly two steps away, and thread my way through the maze of cubicles to the corner conference room.

“Hey, Iz!” My assistant yells at me across twenty thousand square feet of industrial carpeting divided into two workspaces by a wide strip of ugly linoleum. I spin around on one foot. He lifts a fresh ad proof he has retrieved from the production department, unfurls, and points to it. I squint at it, and him, nod vigorously, then lift my hand in the classic thumb-and-forefinger circle, which translates as Go ahead and clear it.

The other assistants sprinkled throughout the room smile at the exchange, glancing at each other and the moon-faced clock on the wall. I huff an exasperated sigh. Single parents have a little more to do in the mornings than some people. A recently hired young assistant with a shocking splash of orange in her hair approaches, her hand motioning me closer.

**Everyone who leaves a comment on the tour page will be entered to win a $20 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of The Hunting before  January 6 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries.**





Author Bio:

Kerry Peresta’s publishing credits include a popular newspaper and e-zine humor column, “The Lighter Side,” short stories in the published anthology, “That One Left Shoe,” and her debut novel, recently released by Pen-L Publishing, “The Hunting,” contemporary women’s fiction. She spent twenty-five years in advertising as an account manager, creative director, and copywriter before deciding to devote more of her time to writing. She is currently working on her second novel, participating in writing conferences, and serving on the leadership team of the Maryland Writers’ Association. Kerry was a single mother for many years to four great kids, all grown and successfully carving out their own unique paths. She and her husband live in the Baltimore metro area. Learn more about Kerry atwww.kerryperesta.com.

Buy the Book!
 http://amzn.com/B00H25O958 - eBook

http://amzn.to/1helhh8 - paperback


 http://kerryperesta.com/about-the-hunting/

Release Day: Hard Hats and Doormats by Laura Chapman

Today, Marching Ink released its fifth title. Huge congratulations to Laura Chapman and her debut novel Hard Hats and Doormats. I met Laura online via her blog Change the Word, and when she queried Marching Ink as a publisher, I was immediately excited. Not only do we live somewhat close by and I felt a Midwestern connection (Iowa and Nebraska) but I had a relationship with her already and knew that she was passionate about books, which would surely translate to her writing. And I was right. As I was doing my first read-through of Hard Hats, I kept getting more and more excited. I know when a book is right for my company when I can feel the tingles start in my fingers and I want to keep reading through dinner (and I love food). When I offered her a contract and she accepted, I cried a little. Being an author has been my dream since I was nine years old, and I’m now living it. Being able to take my enthusiasm, love, and knowledge for books and help other people achieve their dreams is so incredibly special. I feel …at a loss for words to describe how I feel today. Laura is so thrilled and proud to get her book out there, and she has made her journey to published author with me and Marching Ink a breeze. I hope you can take the time to read her book, because I of course think it’s terrific and would love for you to support her. I am raising a glass to you today, Laura. Congratulations again on Hard Hats and Doormats, and I hope you enjoy your big day. You deserve it!

Visit Marching Ink to see all the ways you can purchase the book!