Samantha March's Blog, page 21
September 5, 2012
Interview and Excerpt: Don't Let Me Go by Catherine Ryan Hyde
Thanks to Catherine Ryan Hyde for stopping by with a Q&A and excerpt from Don't Let Me Go. Please visit her tour page at CLP Blog Tours for more information and to win a $25 Amazon gift card!
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you?
When I was a sophomore in high school. I had a wonderful English and creative writing teacher, Lenny Horowitz. He not only told me I had talent, but he told just about everybody else in the school as well. I wasn't used to being told I was good at things. Every day somebody tended to point out the opposite. What I sucked at. So his praise made a huge impression on me. I wrote a little essay about it for the Random House website, and it's also on my blog at: http://www.catherineryanhyde.com/blog/2009/4/3/i-owe-it-all-to-lenny-reprint.html Thank you for giving me a chance to share it with even more eyes.
How would you describe your books?
I like to think they live in that slight overlap between literary and mainstream/commercial. Many call them women's fiction, and I'm fine with that, but I tend to get a good reaction from men as well, though not in the same numbers. For years I wrote Young Adult, because I was told that my coming-of-age characters were so deeply felt, so key to the heart of each book. But I never really felt like I found my audience in YA. Now I think of myself as writing adult fiction, usually with strong coming-of-age themes. It's rare for me not to have a child or teen in one of my books, even if it's a just long piece of the story going back to the time when the character was a child.
I don't write genre fiction. I don't write paranormal, vampires, zombies. I don't write intricate, convoluted plots with tons of big action. I write about people, about what they want and need. About the human condition. I try to write character-based stories from that magic "sweet spot" where all humans can relate to all other humans. Because, deep down, we all want the same things. We want to be happy, safe, loved. And we want the same for the people we care for. All the other differences are about 1% on the surface of a person, in my opinion, and I love to write diverse characters and then cut right through the diversity to the common humanity. For me, that makes the whole process worthwhile.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
I'm pleased to say I've been having great luck with it lately, but the hardest part is going from not having an idea (for a novel) to having one. Because that's the part that's not entirely in the author's control. Once I have an idea, I can refine it with my brain. Once I have a draft I can go almost completely left-brained and polish it until it shines. I love that part of the process because it's so predictable. But to start a germ of an idea requires pure imagination, and there's no switch to turn it on. You can't force imagination. You can encourage it. But it always rests a little outside our understanding. This is why no author has ever satisfactorily answered the question, "Where do your ideas come from?" We're not holding out on you. We really don't know. Harlan Ellison answered that question by saying, "Schenectady." Which I guess is as good an answer as any.
What are your favorite genres to read?
Well, I really don't read in genres, if we're using the word the way it's most commonly used these days. I like to read realistic contemporary fiction, character-driven fiction that can make me care about its characters. Because, no matter how dramatic the plot, if I don't care about the people involved, it's not going to hold me. I like books that shine a realistic but somewhat hopeful light on what it means to be human.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?
The fact that probably don't need to be as afraid of each other as we are. And that we're not so different as we think. If someone looks different, or speaks a different language, that's often all we know about them. Because it's all we see. So I think we fall into a trap of thinking the world is full of people who are completely different from us, through and through. I don't think that's true, and I hope readers will feel less separate from others, less afraid of others, coming out of this novel, or any of my novels. I also like to explore what our responsibility is to help each other. Obviously there's no mandatory responsibility to help anyone, but most people feel some sense of humanity towards others, and I like to help stretch that a bit in readers, if they're willing.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?
I'd say about as important as water and sunscreen if you're walking across the desert. It's how I form bonds with readers, and how they can know me if they choose to. It's a lot like what authors used to try to do at bookstores when our publishers used to send us out on tours. Only much, much better. In addition to its being important to my career, I also find it gratifying, fulfilling and fun.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
Don't write in a vacuum. It's easy to want to guard your work because the feedback hurts. But if you're writing for publication, the feedback will find you. Even in this age of digital indie publishing, you're still opening up your work to readers, and they will still tell you what they think. Better to thicken your skin early on, and use the more on-target comments to hone your craft. I think writers' critique groups and beta readers are hugely important. Not always fun, but a necessary part of the plan if you really choose writing for your career.
Thank you for the great questions, thanks for hosting me on your blog, and thanks for spreading the word about Don't Let Me Go!-Catherine
**Excerpt**
He sat gingerly on the very edge of one rusty chair, leaning over the railing, looking down at the little girl’s head from maybe three feet above her. “A gracious good evening to you,” he said. “Hi,” she said, in a voice like a soprano foghorn.
Catherine has 4 backlist titles that will be available for Kindles coming in October! Check out:
Funerals for Horses
Earthquake Weather
Electric God
Walter's Purple Heart
And When You Were Older (available now in the UK) will be will be on sale in the US in November - print and eBook!
Author Bio:
Catherine Ryan Hyde is the author of 18 published and forthcoming books.
Her newest releases are When You Were Older, Don’t Let Me Go, Jumpstart the World , When I Found You and Second Hand Heart. Forthcoming is Walk Me Home (Transworld UK, Spring 2012).
Other newer novels are Becoming Chloe, Love in the Present Tense, The Year of My Miraculous Reappearance, Chasing Windmills The Day I Killed James, and Diary of a Witness.
Both Becoming Chloe and Jumpstart the World were included on the ALA’s Rainbow List. Jumpstart the World was chosen as a finalist for two Lambda Literary Awards, received a third place Rainbow Award for Young Adult/Coming of Age Fiction and a tie for first place in Bisexual/Transgender Fiction.Love in the Present Tense enjoyed bestseller status in the UK, where it broke the top ten, spent five weeks on the national bestseller list, was reviewed on a major TV book club, and shortlisted for a Best Read of the Year Award at the British Book Awards.
Older works include the story collection Earthquake Weather, and the novels Funerals for Horses, Pay it Forward, Electric God, and Walter’s Purple Heart.
Pay It Forward was adapted into a major motion picture starring Kevin Spacey and Helen Hunt, chosen by the American Library Association for its Best Books for Young Adults list, and translated into more than 23 languages for distribution in over 30 countries. The mass market paperback was released in October 2000 by Pocket Books and quickly became a national bestseller. It is still in print, and was rereleased in a trade paperback edition in April of 2010.
More than 50 of her short stories have been published in The Antioch Review, Michigan Quarterly Review, The Virginia Quarterly Review, Ploughshares, Glimmer Train, The Sun and many other journals, and in the anthologies Santa Barbara Stories and California Shorts and the bestselling anthology Dog is my Co-Pilot. Her stories have been honored in the Raymond Carver Short Story Contest and the Tobias Wolff Award and nominated for Best American Short Stories, the O'Henry Award, and the Pushcart Prize. Three have been cited in Best American Short Stories.
She is founder and former president (2000-2009) of the Pay It Forward Foundation. As a professional public speaker she has addressed the National Conference on Education, twice spoken at Cornell University, met with Americorps members at the White House and shared a dais with Bill Clinton.
Connect with Catherine!
My website: http://www.catherineryanhyde.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/cryanhydeFacebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/crhydeFacebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Catherine-Ryan-Hyde/55974126195Google+: https://plus.google.com/104995498482118293003/posts Tumblr blog: http://www.tumblr.com/blog/catherineryanhydePinterest: http://pinterest.com/cryanhyde/
Buy the Book!
ebook: http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Let-Me-Go-ebook/dp/B00896POTO paperback: https://www.createspace.com/3909105
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you?
When I was a sophomore in high school. I had a wonderful English and creative writing teacher, Lenny Horowitz. He not only told me I had talent, but he told just about everybody else in the school as well. I wasn't used to being told I was good at things. Every day somebody tended to point out the opposite. What I sucked at. So his praise made a huge impression on me. I wrote a little essay about it for the Random House website, and it's also on my blog at: http://www.catherineryanhyde.com/blog/2009/4/3/i-owe-it-all-to-lenny-reprint.html Thank you for giving me a chance to share it with even more eyes.
How would you describe your books?
I like to think they live in that slight overlap between literary and mainstream/commercial. Many call them women's fiction, and I'm fine with that, but I tend to get a good reaction from men as well, though not in the same numbers. For years I wrote Young Adult, because I was told that my coming-of-age characters were so deeply felt, so key to the heart of each book. But I never really felt like I found my audience in YA. Now I think of myself as writing adult fiction, usually with strong coming-of-age themes. It's rare for me not to have a child or teen in one of my books, even if it's a just long piece of the story going back to the time when the character was a child.
I don't write genre fiction. I don't write paranormal, vampires, zombies. I don't write intricate, convoluted plots with tons of big action. I write about people, about what they want and need. About the human condition. I try to write character-based stories from that magic "sweet spot" where all humans can relate to all other humans. Because, deep down, we all want the same things. We want to be happy, safe, loved. And we want the same for the people we care for. All the other differences are about 1% on the surface of a person, in my opinion, and I love to write diverse characters and then cut right through the diversity to the common humanity. For me, that makes the whole process worthwhile.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
I'm pleased to say I've been having great luck with it lately, but the hardest part is going from not having an idea (for a novel) to having one. Because that's the part that's not entirely in the author's control. Once I have an idea, I can refine it with my brain. Once I have a draft I can go almost completely left-brained and polish it until it shines. I love that part of the process because it's so predictable. But to start a germ of an idea requires pure imagination, and there's no switch to turn it on. You can't force imagination. You can encourage it. But it always rests a little outside our understanding. This is why no author has ever satisfactorily answered the question, "Where do your ideas come from?" We're not holding out on you. We really don't know. Harlan Ellison answered that question by saying, "Schenectady." Which I guess is as good an answer as any.
What are your favorite genres to read?
Well, I really don't read in genres, if we're using the word the way it's most commonly used these days. I like to read realistic contemporary fiction, character-driven fiction that can make me care about its characters. Because, no matter how dramatic the plot, if I don't care about the people involved, it's not going to hold me. I like books that shine a realistic but somewhat hopeful light on what it means to be human.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?
The fact that probably don't need to be as afraid of each other as we are. And that we're not so different as we think. If someone looks different, or speaks a different language, that's often all we know about them. Because it's all we see. So I think we fall into a trap of thinking the world is full of people who are completely different from us, through and through. I don't think that's true, and I hope readers will feel less separate from others, less afraid of others, coming out of this novel, or any of my novels. I also like to explore what our responsibility is to help each other. Obviously there's no mandatory responsibility to help anyone, but most people feel some sense of humanity towards others, and I like to help stretch that a bit in readers, if they're willing.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?
I'd say about as important as water and sunscreen if you're walking across the desert. It's how I form bonds with readers, and how they can know me if they choose to. It's a lot like what authors used to try to do at bookstores when our publishers used to send us out on tours. Only much, much better. In addition to its being important to my career, I also find it gratifying, fulfilling and fun.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
Don't write in a vacuum. It's easy to want to guard your work because the feedback hurts. But if you're writing for publication, the feedback will find you. Even in this age of digital indie publishing, you're still opening up your work to readers, and they will still tell you what they think. Better to thicken your skin early on, and use the more on-target comments to hone your craft. I think writers' critique groups and beta readers are hugely important. Not always fun, but a necessary part of the plan if you really choose writing for your career.
Thank you for the great questions, thanks for hosting me on your blog, and thanks for spreading the word about Don't Let Me Go!-Catherine
**Excerpt**He sat gingerly on the very edge of one rusty chair, leaning over the railing, looking down at the little girl’s head from maybe three feet above her. “A gracious good evening to you,” he said. “Hi,” she said, in a voice like a soprano foghorn.
Catherine has 4 backlist titles that will be available for Kindles coming in October! Check out:
Funerals for Horses
Earthquake Weather
Electric God
Walter's Purple Heart
And When You Were Older (available now in the UK) will be will be on sale in the US in November - print and eBook!
Author Bio:
Catherine Ryan Hyde is the author of 18 published and forthcoming books.
Her newest releases are When You Were Older, Don’t Let Me Go, Jumpstart the World , When I Found You and Second Hand Heart. Forthcoming is Walk Me Home (Transworld UK, Spring 2012).
Other newer novels are Becoming Chloe, Love in the Present Tense, The Year of My Miraculous Reappearance, Chasing Windmills The Day I Killed James, and Diary of a Witness.
Both Becoming Chloe and Jumpstart the World were included on the ALA’s Rainbow List. Jumpstart the World was chosen as a finalist for two Lambda Literary Awards, received a third place Rainbow Award for Young Adult/Coming of Age Fiction and a tie for first place in Bisexual/Transgender Fiction.Love in the Present Tense enjoyed bestseller status in the UK, where it broke the top ten, spent five weeks on the national bestseller list, was reviewed on a major TV book club, and shortlisted for a Best Read of the Year Award at the British Book Awards.
Older works include the story collection Earthquake Weather, and the novels Funerals for Horses, Pay it Forward, Electric God, and Walter’s Purple Heart.
Pay It Forward was adapted into a major motion picture starring Kevin Spacey and Helen Hunt, chosen by the American Library Association for its Best Books for Young Adults list, and translated into more than 23 languages for distribution in over 30 countries. The mass market paperback was released in October 2000 by Pocket Books and quickly became a national bestseller. It is still in print, and was rereleased in a trade paperback edition in April of 2010.
More than 50 of her short stories have been published in The Antioch Review, Michigan Quarterly Review, The Virginia Quarterly Review, Ploughshares, Glimmer Train, The Sun and many other journals, and in the anthologies Santa Barbara Stories and California Shorts and the bestselling anthology Dog is my Co-Pilot. Her stories have been honored in the Raymond Carver Short Story Contest and the Tobias Wolff Award and nominated for Best American Short Stories, the O'Henry Award, and the Pushcart Prize. Three have been cited in Best American Short Stories.
She is founder and former president (2000-2009) of the Pay It Forward Foundation. As a professional public speaker she has addressed the National Conference on Education, twice spoken at Cornell University, met with Americorps members at the White House and shared a dais with Bill Clinton.
Connect with Catherine!
My website: http://www.catherineryanhyde.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/cryanhydeFacebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/crhydeFacebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Catherine-Ryan-Hyde/55974126195Google+: https://plus.google.com/104995498482118293003/posts Tumblr blog: http://www.tumblr.com/blog/catherineryanhydePinterest: http://pinterest.com/cryanhyde/
Buy the Book!
ebook: http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Let-Me-Go-ebook/dp/B00896POTO paperback: https://www.createspace.com/3909105
September 4, 2012
For the Love of Notebooks
I love notebooks. You could say I’m fairly obsessed with them. It started at a young age. I would love walking down the school supply aisle and picking up notebooks, flipping through the blank pages. It’s easy for me to look back now and say, yeah – I wanted to be a writer even way back then. It’s funny that I still get that same excited feeling when I walk down the office aisle. My fiancé even jokes sometimes that he doesn’t know which aisle he thinks I should avoid more – candy or office. Just something about the blank notebook gives me a tingly feeling in my fingers, like I have a story just itching to burst out of me. Even now in this day of age where notebooks are less and less common, being replaced by the big bad computers and tablets, the notebook still gets to me. I have boxes in storage that are filled with my old notebooks, and they contain some of my first stories – before I typed them up and put them on a floppy disk! (Seriously – can any computer even read a floppy disk anymore?) I have this bad habit of buying notebooks just because – I would 99% of my writing is done on the computer now, but every once in awhile, I’ll bust out a blank notebook. I’ll jot down thoughts, create a to-do list, and yes – every so often, I will even get some book planning done, giving my fingers a rest from the keyboard and my eyes a rest from the screen. 
August 31, 2012
Interview and Excerpt: Dewitched by EL Sarnoff
Thank you to EL Sarnoff for stopping by with a Q&A and excerpt from Dewitched. Please visit her tour page on CLP Blog Tours for more information!
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you? I've never had one of those "aha" moments when it's come to writing. It's just something I've enjoyed doing my whole life from turning Nancy Drew novels into plays to keeping an ongoing book of poems since I was in the third grade. As I struggle with the I-want-to-pull-my-hair-out edits for my sequel UNHITCHED, I sometimes wonder if writing is for me! Aagh!
How would you describe your books? This says it all : Juicy, happily-ever-after stories.
Why did you want to write a chick lit fairy tale novel? Truthfully, I had no idea I was going to write a chick lit fairy tale novel. I actually set off to write a YA fairy tale retelling, but once I realized my heroine, Jane, aka the Evil Queen, was in her early 30's, I knew it was fiction targeted to woman 18+ (though teens, like my twin daughters, seem to like it too!) Writing in a chick lit first person voice came naturally to me --it fitted Jane's snarky personality.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you? There are two things I find rather intimidating: 1) Waking up in the morning and fearing that I can't write another word; I'm a pantster, so I never quite know what's going to happen next and 2) Letting go and sending my book into the world. I am such a perfectionist...I'm always thinking I can find a better way of writing something.
What are your favorite genres to read? I do love chick lit; Sophie Kinsella is one of my favorite authors and my inspiration. I also like thrillers (Daniel Silva), crime/detective (James Patterson, Janet Evanovitch) and the occasional literary tear jerker. I just wish I had more time to read.
Who is your favorite Disney princess? Rapunzel from Tangled. I think she is a strong, modern role model for young girls. And, of course, I love Snow White too!
What do you want readers to take away from your story? Two things: 1) Beauty comes from within and, 2) You have the power to rewrite your life.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days? It's extremely important, and I've had to go on a fast learning curve to get on board. It's an easy, inexpensive way to get the word out about your book. However, equally or even important is good old fashioned word of mouth.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers? Read! Read! Read! Read! The more you read, the better you will write. And believe in yourself!
**Excerpt**
DEWITCHED EXCERPT: JANE, AKA THE EVIL QUEEN, IS HAVING HER SECOND THERAPY SESSION WITH HER SHRINK AT FARAWAY.
So relaxed, I’m not looking forward to my second session with Shrink, especially after all the insults she threw in my face yesterday. The nerve of her! She’ll be sorry if she pulls that stuff on me today. I’ll have her on her knees, begging for forgiveness. Then I’ll stomp on her and turn her into pixie juice. “Hello, Jane,” says Shrink in her no-nonsense voice as she flies into her office. Lying on the velvet chaise, I tilt my head up slightly and gaze at her with disdain. “Jane is an interesting name,” she begins. “It rhymes with both ‘plain’ and ‘vain.’" "Which one are you--a plain Jane or a vain Jane?” Plain Jane.The two words send a chill down my spine. It’s been so long since I’ve heard them, yet I can still hear my mother’s deprecating voice as if it were only yesterday. “You waste of human space. You’re nothing but a plain Jane.” “Well, Jane, which one are you?” Shrink’s words hurl me back to the moment. “I’m not answering that question.”
“Well, then I’ll answer it for you. You’re a vain Jane. That’s why your best friend was a mirror.” How does she know that my best friend was a mirror? Of course, she read my “admissions form.” Some enrollment application! It was just a bunch of trick questions to reveal my secrets. Sasperilla was right; they’re all spies around this place. “What did you use to ask your mirror?” “None of your business.” “Jane, that’s not what you used to say to your mirror. Now, tell me, what you really asked it.” “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest one of all?” I blurt out, unable to control myself. “And why did you ask your mirror this question?” “Because it told me I was the fairest.” “And why did you need to hear this?” “B-because…” I squirm. “Because you needed instant gratification,” steps in Shrink. “Instant gratification is a fundamental part of an addict’s personality.” “I am not an addict!” I shout, straightening up. “And what happened when your mirror told you someone else was the fairest one of all?” “I tried to kill her!” Wait! Why am I telling her all these things? What’s wrong with me? “Yes, your addiction to beauty drove you to evil.” “Stop it!” I grip the arms of the chaise. “You think you know everything about me, but you don’t!” “Jane, you are here because you have a problem. And I am here to help you overcome your problem.” “The only problem I have is that I’m stuck in this nuthouse. I didn’t ask to come here!” “You agreed to come here.” “It was all a bunch of lies! I was tricked! I thought I was being sent to a spa! I want to go back that dungeon!” “It’s too late. You can’t go back.” What! I’m stuck here? Rage crescendos inside me. “Here’s the deal,” she says to my face. “Everyday at this time for the next three weeks, you are going to talk to me about your life. I will listen with a third ear and find the underlying cause of your addiction. Then I will share this discovery with you, and we will work together toward a complete recovery.” I’m about to explode. There’s no way I’m going to spend three weeks opening up to this flying bug of a woman who has some invisible third ear. “You can’t keep me here!” I shout. “I’ll run away. Escape! In fact, I’m going to say good-bye to this dump right now.” I bolt off the chaise and head straight for the door. “Good luck,” says Shrink. “But may I remind you of the high stone wall, the locked gate, and the armed guardsman. And I almost forgot, there’s a moat.” I stop dead in my tracks. Why did she have to remind me? Rage becomes despair. I’m stuck in this madhouse! The chime sounds. “Time’s up for today, Jane. I’ll see you here tomorrow.”
Leaving a blinding trail of fairy dust, she zips out the door. I’ve got to get out of here. I’ve got to! Before that insidious bug of a woman who calls herself a therapist makes me completely insane. That also rhymes with Jane. I tremble as I put them together. Insane Jane. *********************************************************************************
Author Bio:
Ellen Levy-Sarnoff, writing under the name E. L. Sarnoff, has enjoyed a prolific career in the entertainment industry, creating, writing, and producing television series, including the original Power Rangers. She lives in Los Angeles with her Prince Charming-ish husband, twin princesses, and a bevy of pets. She’s also a not-too-evil stepmother. When she’s not writing in her PJ’s, she likes to dress up and pretend she’s Hollywood royalty.DEWITCHED: The Untold Story of the Evil Queen is Ellen's first novel. The sequel, UNHITCHED, will be available on October 29, 2012. Connect with EL Sarnoff! http://www.elsarnoff.com/http://www.facebook.com/ElSarnoffhttps://twitter.com/elsarnoffelsarnoff@gmail.com
Buy the Book!
http://www.amazon.com/Dewitched-Untold-Story-Queen-ebook/dp/B0089YA7W0http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dewitched-el-sarnoff/1112316812?ean=2940044729957http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/178067http://www.amazon.com/DEWITCHED-Untold-Story-Evil-Queen/dp/0615673163/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1345914940&sr=1-6&keywords=Dewitched
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you? I've never had one of those "aha" moments when it's come to writing. It's just something I've enjoyed doing my whole life from turning Nancy Drew novels into plays to keeping an ongoing book of poems since I was in the third grade. As I struggle with the I-want-to-pull-my-hair-out edits for my sequel UNHITCHED, I sometimes wonder if writing is for me! Aagh!
How would you describe your books? This says it all : Juicy, happily-ever-after stories.
Why did you want to write a chick lit fairy tale novel? Truthfully, I had no idea I was going to write a chick lit fairy tale novel. I actually set off to write a YA fairy tale retelling, but once I realized my heroine, Jane, aka the Evil Queen, was in her early 30's, I knew it was fiction targeted to woman 18+ (though teens, like my twin daughters, seem to like it too!) Writing in a chick lit first person voice came naturally to me --it fitted Jane's snarky personality.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you? There are two things I find rather intimidating: 1) Waking up in the morning and fearing that I can't write another word; I'm a pantster, so I never quite know what's going to happen next and 2) Letting go and sending my book into the world. I am such a perfectionist...I'm always thinking I can find a better way of writing something.
What are your favorite genres to read? I do love chick lit; Sophie Kinsella is one of my favorite authors and my inspiration. I also like thrillers (Daniel Silva), crime/detective (James Patterson, Janet Evanovitch) and the occasional literary tear jerker. I just wish I had more time to read.
Who is your favorite Disney princess? Rapunzel from Tangled. I think she is a strong, modern role model for young girls. And, of course, I love Snow White too!
What do you want readers to take away from your story? Two things: 1) Beauty comes from within and, 2) You have the power to rewrite your life.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days? It's extremely important, and I've had to go on a fast learning curve to get on board. It's an easy, inexpensive way to get the word out about your book. However, equally or even important is good old fashioned word of mouth.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers? Read! Read! Read! Read! The more you read, the better you will write. And believe in yourself!
**Excerpt**
DEWITCHED EXCERPT: JANE, AKA THE EVIL QUEEN, IS HAVING HER SECOND THERAPY SESSION WITH HER SHRINK AT FARAWAY.
So relaxed, I’m not looking forward to my second session with Shrink, especially after all the insults she threw in my face yesterday. The nerve of her! She’ll be sorry if she pulls that stuff on me today. I’ll have her on her knees, begging for forgiveness. Then I’ll stomp on her and turn her into pixie juice. “Hello, Jane,” says Shrink in her no-nonsense voice as she flies into her office. Lying on the velvet chaise, I tilt my head up slightly and gaze at her with disdain. “Jane is an interesting name,” she begins. “It rhymes with both ‘plain’ and ‘vain.’" "Which one are you--a plain Jane or a vain Jane?” Plain Jane.The two words send a chill down my spine. It’s been so long since I’ve heard them, yet I can still hear my mother’s deprecating voice as if it were only yesterday. “You waste of human space. You’re nothing but a plain Jane.” “Well, Jane, which one are you?” Shrink’s words hurl me back to the moment. “I’m not answering that question.”
“Well, then I’ll answer it for you. You’re a vain Jane. That’s why your best friend was a mirror.” How does she know that my best friend was a mirror? Of course, she read my “admissions form.” Some enrollment application! It was just a bunch of trick questions to reveal my secrets. Sasperilla was right; they’re all spies around this place. “What did you use to ask your mirror?” “None of your business.” “Jane, that’s not what you used to say to your mirror. Now, tell me, what you really asked it.” “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest one of all?” I blurt out, unable to control myself. “And why did you ask your mirror this question?” “Because it told me I was the fairest.” “And why did you need to hear this?” “B-because…” I squirm. “Because you needed instant gratification,” steps in Shrink. “Instant gratification is a fundamental part of an addict’s personality.” “I am not an addict!” I shout, straightening up. “And what happened when your mirror told you someone else was the fairest one of all?” “I tried to kill her!” Wait! Why am I telling her all these things? What’s wrong with me? “Yes, your addiction to beauty drove you to evil.” “Stop it!” I grip the arms of the chaise. “You think you know everything about me, but you don’t!” “Jane, you are here because you have a problem. And I am here to help you overcome your problem.” “The only problem I have is that I’m stuck in this nuthouse. I didn’t ask to come here!” “You agreed to come here.” “It was all a bunch of lies! I was tricked! I thought I was being sent to a spa! I want to go back that dungeon!” “It’s too late. You can’t go back.” What! I’m stuck here? Rage crescendos inside me. “Here’s the deal,” she says to my face. “Everyday at this time for the next three weeks, you are going to talk to me about your life. I will listen with a third ear and find the underlying cause of your addiction. Then I will share this discovery with you, and we will work together toward a complete recovery.” I’m about to explode. There’s no way I’m going to spend three weeks opening up to this flying bug of a woman who has some invisible third ear. “You can’t keep me here!” I shout. “I’ll run away. Escape! In fact, I’m going to say good-bye to this dump right now.” I bolt off the chaise and head straight for the door. “Good luck,” says Shrink. “But may I remind you of the high stone wall, the locked gate, and the armed guardsman. And I almost forgot, there’s a moat.” I stop dead in my tracks. Why did she have to remind me? Rage becomes despair. I’m stuck in this madhouse! The chime sounds. “Time’s up for today, Jane. I’ll see you here tomorrow.”
Leaving a blinding trail of fairy dust, she zips out the door. I’ve got to get out of here. I’ve got to! Before that insidious bug of a woman who calls herself a therapist makes me completely insane. That also rhymes with Jane. I tremble as I put them together. Insane Jane. *********************************************************************************
Author Bio:
Ellen Levy-Sarnoff, writing under the name E. L. Sarnoff, has enjoyed a prolific career in the entertainment industry, creating, writing, and producing television series, including the original Power Rangers. She lives in Los Angeles with her Prince Charming-ish husband, twin princesses, and a bevy of pets. She’s also a not-too-evil stepmother. When she’s not writing in her PJ’s, she likes to dress up and pretend she’s Hollywood royalty.DEWITCHED: The Untold Story of the Evil Queen is Ellen's first novel. The sequel, UNHITCHED, will be available on October 29, 2012. Connect with EL Sarnoff! http://www.elsarnoff.com/http://www.facebook.com/ElSarnoffhttps://twitter.com/elsarnoffelsarnoff@gmail.com
Buy the Book!
http://www.amazon.com/Dewitched-Untold-Story-Queen-ebook/dp/B0089YA7W0http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dewitched-el-sarnoff/1112316812?ean=2940044729957http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/178067http://www.amazon.com/DEWITCHED-Untold-Story-Evil-Queen/dp/0615673163/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1345914940&sr=1-6&keywords=Dewitched
August 27, 2012
Interview and Excerpt: Breaking the Rules by Cat Lavoie
Thank you to Cat Lavoie for dropping by with a Q&A and excerpt from Breaking the Rules. Please visit her tour page on CLP Blog Tours for more information and a giveaway!
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you?
I've always loved books and I knew I wanted to be a writer from an early age. But it wasn't until I was thirteen or fourteen that I sat down and actually started writing my own story. I spent an entire summer working on a very detailed outline for a romance novel called It's Never Over that (thankfully) never made it past the outlining stage. From that moment on, I was hooked on writing.
How would you describe Breaking the Rules? Was any part of it based on your life?
Breaking the Rules is the story of lifelong best friends (Roxy and Ollie) and how their relationship is put to the test when—for a brief moment—they cross the fine line between friendship and love. The only part of this book that was based on my life is Roxy's love of food. I share her enthusiasm for cooking but, sadly, not her talent.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
The first draft. I've always envied writers who can produce a first draft in a few weeks. I'd love to be able to get everything down on paper and then whip it into shape during edits. But I write with my 'inner editor' hovering over my shoulder and it's sometimes hard for me to move on to the next scene/chapter if I don't feel like it's exactly the way I want it to be.
How was your publishing experience?
It was quite a ride. I queried Breaking the Rules for almost two years and—although there was some interest from agents and editors—nothing happened. When I was looking for a freelance editor after deciding to self-publish earlier this year, I crossed paths with Samantha March (you might know her) and she offered to publish my novel with Marching Ink, the independent press she'd started. And with that, Breaking the Rulesfound its happy home.
What are your favorite genres to read?
Chick lit is definitely my favorite genre but I'll pretty much read anything. I also love travel memoirs—especially those involving the UK.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?
Breaking the Rules is about family and relationships and I hope that readers leave with the feeling that sometimes things falling apart can lead to better things coming together.
Are you currently working on a new project?
Yes! I'm working on my second novel called Zoey & the Moment of Zen. It's the story of a woman who gets sent to an island resort to get over an ex-boyfriend. I'm hoping to finish the first draft by the end of the year.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?
Very important. It's a great tool to promote your work but—more importantly—it helps you connect with readers and other writers. I've met some incredible people and discovered amazing books through social media. Even though it can be time-consuming—I'm guilty of spending way to much time on Facebook and Twitter—I think social media is an important tool that every writer should use.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
Write a book that you would want to read. And never give up on your dream.
**Excerpt**
If Ollie is making his dream come true, I should be able to do the same, right? I stare at the bandage covering the throbbing paper cut on my right index finger. Who am I kidding? The only thing I've been opening lately is Greta's mail. And I haven't been doing a good job of it either. Mostly because I want to stab myself with the letter opener. After a few more minutes of staring at the ceiling, I get up and make my way to the kitchen. As Ollie's best friend, it's my job to make this an evening he'll never forget. I need to stop throwing a pity-party for myself and get going on decorating the apartment and preparing the food. Food. Maybe I'll have a bit of breakfast first. I rummage through the fridge and take out some yogurt and berries before putting them back on the shelf. Today feels like a bacon and eggs kind of day. As I'm flipping over the eggs in the frying pan, I take a sip of coffee and wince. My throat is a bit raw from all the pretend coughing I had to do earlier. How does the old saying go again? Feed a fake fever, starve a fake cold. Or is it the other way around? Either way, I pile the food on my plate and head out to the living room. The apartment is way too quiet when Ollie's not here. The TV isn't blaring, his cell phone isn't ringing every two minutes and he isn't scolding me from across the room for putting a soda can in the garbage instead of recycling it. There's too much time to think and I don't like it one bit. Ollie left the paper scattered all over the coffee table and I grab the Arts and Entertainment section while reaching out to turn the radio on—playing around with the dial until I find the Golden Oldies station. I am becoming more like my parents each and every day. The moment I start sipping coffee while scanning the obituaries for the pictures of people I know, the transformation will be complete. Before I have time to take a bite of breakfast, the phone rings and I almost drop my plate. Scared that it might be Ollie checking up on me, I try to make my voice sound as stuffy as possible before answering. "Hello?" "Roxy. Where are you? You're late. You should have been here an hour ago." Greta, my boss. Clearly, she's forgetting something. "Hi, Greta. How are you? I'm not coming in today. You gave me the day off, remember?" "Oh, right. Do you think you could swing by around two? I need you to prepare the papers for my presentation next week." I take a quick bite of scrambled egg before answering her. "They're on your desk." "Right." I hear her rummage through papers. "Where?" "In the red folder with a Post-It that says Presentation Papers on it." It's the only folder I left on her desk. "Right. I see it. So you'll be in tomorrow?" I sigh. Here we go again. "Tomorrow's Saturday, Greta. I'll be in on Monday." "Right." Days off are never really off when you work for somebody like my boss. I know I shouldn't be doing this but I can't help it. "Greta, don't forget about tonight. Your niece has a ballet recital at seven. The tickets are in your wallet. I've arranged for flowers to be delivered at the office before you leave. The flowers are for your niece. Bring them to her." "Which niece is it again?" We've already been through this twice this week but I don't miss a beat. "Abigail. There'll be a card with the flowers." "Okay. Thanks, Roxy. I don't know what I'd do without you. You're a lifesaver. When you come in tomorrow we'll talk about a raise." ********************************************************************************** **Everyone who leaves a comment on Cat's tour page will be entered to win a $25 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of Breaking the Rules before September 10 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries.**
Author Bio:
Cat Lavoie was born in the small town of Jonquière in Québec, Canada. At the age of nineteen, she packed up her things (mostly books) and moved to the big city of Montreal where she currently lives with her tempestuous cat Abbie—who is both adorable and quite possibly evil.
An incurable Anglophile since her university days where she studied English Literature, she can often be found daydreaming about her next trip to London. Since she’s an expert at the art of procrastination, Cat is easily distracted by cooking and home improvement shows—even though she’s not particularly good at either.
Cat grew up watching soap operas and legal dramas and—had she not decided to be a claims analyst by day and write chick lit by night—she would have probably become a designer suit-wearing lawyer. Or a character on All My Children (which is what she really wanted to be when she was twelve).
Cat is not sure whether she’s a geek or a nerd—and is afraid she might be both. Breaking the Rules is her first novel.
Connect with Cat!
Cat blogs about the writing life and posts adorable pictures of Abbie over at the Catenabi Chronicles. Come say hello at: www.CatLavoie.com and follow @Catenabi on Twitter.
www.CatLavoie.com
http://www.facebook.com/CatLavoieAuthor?ref=stream
http://www.goodreads.com/
author/show/6440914.Cat_Lavoie
https://twitter.com/Catenabi
Buy the Book!
Barnes & Noble – Nook
Amazon – Kindle
Kobo
Amazon – Print
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you?
I've always loved books and I knew I wanted to be a writer from an early age. But it wasn't until I was thirteen or fourteen that I sat down and actually started writing my own story. I spent an entire summer working on a very detailed outline for a romance novel called It's Never Over that (thankfully) never made it past the outlining stage. From that moment on, I was hooked on writing.
How would you describe Breaking the Rules? Was any part of it based on your life?
Breaking the Rules is the story of lifelong best friends (Roxy and Ollie) and how their relationship is put to the test when—for a brief moment—they cross the fine line between friendship and love. The only part of this book that was based on my life is Roxy's love of food. I share her enthusiasm for cooking but, sadly, not her talent.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
The first draft. I've always envied writers who can produce a first draft in a few weeks. I'd love to be able to get everything down on paper and then whip it into shape during edits. But I write with my 'inner editor' hovering over my shoulder and it's sometimes hard for me to move on to the next scene/chapter if I don't feel like it's exactly the way I want it to be.
How was your publishing experience?
It was quite a ride. I queried Breaking the Rules for almost two years and—although there was some interest from agents and editors—nothing happened. When I was looking for a freelance editor after deciding to self-publish earlier this year, I crossed paths with Samantha March (you might know her) and she offered to publish my novel with Marching Ink, the independent press she'd started. And with that, Breaking the Rulesfound its happy home.
What are your favorite genres to read?
Chick lit is definitely my favorite genre but I'll pretty much read anything. I also love travel memoirs—especially those involving the UK.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?
Breaking the Rules is about family and relationships and I hope that readers leave with the feeling that sometimes things falling apart can lead to better things coming together.
Are you currently working on a new project?
Yes! I'm working on my second novel called Zoey & the Moment of Zen. It's the story of a woman who gets sent to an island resort to get over an ex-boyfriend. I'm hoping to finish the first draft by the end of the year.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?
Very important. It's a great tool to promote your work but—more importantly—it helps you connect with readers and other writers. I've met some incredible people and discovered amazing books through social media. Even though it can be time-consuming—I'm guilty of spending way to much time on Facebook and Twitter—I think social media is an important tool that every writer should use.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
Write a book that you would want to read. And never give up on your dream.
**Excerpt**
If Ollie is making his dream come true, I should be able to do the same, right? I stare at the bandage covering the throbbing paper cut on my right index finger. Who am I kidding? The only thing I've been opening lately is Greta's mail. And I haven't been doing a good job of it either. Mostly because I want to stab myself with the letter opener. After a few more minutes of staring at the ceiling, I get up and make my way to the kitchen. As Ollie's best friend, it's my job to make this an evening he'll never forget. I need to stop throwing a pity-party for myself and get going on decorating the apartment and preparing the food. Food. Maybe I'll have a bit of breakfast first. I rummage through the fridge and take out some yogurt and berries before putting them back on the shelf. Today feels like a bacon and eggs kind of day. As I'm flipping over the eggs in the frying pan, I take a sip of coffee and wince. My throat is a bit raw from all the pretend coughing I had to do earlier. How does the old saying go again? Feed a fake fever, starve a fake cold. Or is it the other way around? Either way, I pile the food on my plate and head out to the living room. The apartment is way too quiet when Ollie's not here. The TV isn't blaring, his cell phone isn't ringing every two minutes and he isn't scolding me from across the room for putting a soda can in the garbage instead of recycling it. There's too much time to think and I don't like it one bit. Ollie left the paper scattered all over the coffee table and I grab the Arts and Entertainment section while reaching out to turn the radio on—playing around with the dial until I find the Golden Oldies station. I am becoming more like my parents each and every day. The moment I start sipping coffee while scanning the obituaries for the pictures of people I know, the transformation will be complete. Before I have time to take a bite of breakfast, the phone rings and I almost drop my plate. Scared that it might be Ollie checking up on me, I try to make my voice sound as stuffy as possible before answering. "Hello?" "Roxy. Where are you? You're late. You should have been here an hour ago." Greta, my boss. Clearly, she's forgetting something. "Hi, Greta. How are you? I'm not coming in today. You gave me the day off, remember?" "Oh, right. Do you think you could swing by around two? I need you to prepare the papers for my presentation next week." I take a quick bite of scrambled egg before answering her. "They're on your desk." "Right." I hear her rummage through papers. "Where?" "In the red folder with a Post-It that says Presentation Papers on it." It's the only folder I left on her desk. "Right. I see it. So you'll be in tomorrow?" I sigh. Here we go again. "Tomorrow's Saturday, Greta. I'll be in on Monday." "Right." Days off are never really off when you work for somebody like my boss. I know I shouldn't be doing this but I can't help it. "Greta, don't forget about tonight. Your niece has a ballet recital at seven. The tickets are in your wallet. I've arranged for flowers to be delivered at the office before you leave. The flowers are for your niece. Bring them to her." "Which niece is it again?" We've already been through this twice this week but I don't miss a beat. "Abigail. There'll be a card with the flowers." "Okay. Thanks, Roxy. I don't know what I'd do without you. You're a lifesaver. When you come in tomorrow we'll talk about a raise." ********************************************************************************** **Everyone who leaves a comment on Cat's tour page will be entered to win a $25 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of Breaking the Rules before September 10 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries.**
Author Bio:
Cat Lavoie was born in the small town of Jonquière in Québec, Canada. At the age of nineteen, she packed up her things (mostly books) and moved to the big city of Montreal where she currently lives with her tempestuous cat Abbie—who is both adorable and quite possibly evil.
An incurable Anglophile since her university days where she studied English Literature, she can often be found daydreaming about her next trip to London. Since she’s an expert at the art of procrastination, Cat is easily distracted by cooking and home improvement shows—even though she’s not particularly good at either.
Cat grew up watching soap operas and legal dramas and—had she not decided to be a claims analyst by day and write chick lit by night—she would have probably become a designer suit-wearing lawyer. Or a character on All My Children (which is what she really wanted to be when she was twelve).
Cat is not sure whether she’s a geek or a nerd—and is afraid she might be both. Breaking the Rules is her first novel.
Connect with Cat!
Cat blogs about the writing life and posts adorable pictures of Abbie over at the Catenabi Chronicles. Come say hello at: www.CatLavoie.com and follow @Catenabi on Twitter.
www.CatLavoie.com
http://www.facebook.com/CatLavoieAuthor?ref=stream
http://www.goodreads.com/
author/show/6440914.Cat_Lavoie
https://twitter.com/Catenabi
Buy the Book!
Barnes & Noble – Nook
Amazon – Kindle
Kobo
Amazon – Print
August 25, 2012
Interview and Excerpt: Rum Punch Regrets by Anne Kemp
Thanks to Anne Kemp for dropping by with a Q&A and excerpt from Rum Punch Regrets. Please visit her tour page at CLP Blog Tours for more information and a giveaway!
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you?I've always loved to write, even when I was little. I'd enter creative writing contests in school and usually do well. I also attended camp every summer and the one I looked forward to the most was a creative writing camp. Those were good summers! Two weeks of writing all day. Loved it!
How would you describe your books?I think they're fun, light reads sprinkled with relatable characters. Well, at least I hope so!
Rum Punch Regrets is part of the Abby George series. What made you decide to have a series instead of a stand-alone book?Abby just needed more than just one book; She's a work in progress. We meet her at the toughest time in her life and take a journey with her as she is just beginning to figure "it" out. I really want to show her evolving, being the late-bloomer she is, finding love and having adventures she never thought she would have. Couldn't do all of that in just one book.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?Fighting distractions. From wanting to reorganize a closet to petting my dog, I sometimes look for ways to slack off, and you can't do that when writing. No, no, no!
What are your favorite genres to read?Romance, mystery/thriller and YA.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?I'm not a normal, traditional 9-5 type of girl, and there are a lot women out there just like me. I wanted us to have someone we could root for, someone who is flawed and human with tons of imperfections and lots of heart. I want readers to want to grab a drink with Abby or hang out with her. I want them to see that nobody's perfect and we're all trying to figure "it" out!
How important do you think social media is for authors these days? Very important. As authors we must create our product, market our product and sell our product. We're lucky we live in a time where we can do ALL of this simply by turning on our computer and connecting with the world. It's all about community and outreach.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?Don't give up and learn to love the word "no." Rejection became a turn on for me - the more I was rejected, the harder I worked. Just as we find our voices in writing, we also find our team, our support group who will stand behind us 100% - that's your agent, editor and publisher. Get the right team on your side and you can do anything!
**Excerpt**
Morning came quickly. Abby had planned an early rise so she could have her coffee, waking up properly by sipping peacefully on her caffeine by the pool. She was so busy daydreaming that she didn’t see the gigantic centipede that had begun making its way across the terrace toward her bare foot. It was a big one, measuring about ten inches. And its little legs were swiftly bringing it closer to Abby’s unsuspecting feet. Snapping out of her dreamy state to see the pincered insect approaching quickly, Abby made a split-second decision. In her mind, she pictured herself jumping in a fluid motion from sitting position to standing on the chair, or maybe using the chair as a launching pad, like Jennifer Garner would in Alias, or Angelina Jolie in one of the Tomb Raidermovies, so she could jump over to the pool house, landing by the door, and get one of Ben’s boots, twirl around and pummel the rippling caterpillar-like demon to a bloody and deliberate death. Unfortunately, Abby wasn’t quite so graceful. When she saw the centipede, she let out such frightened, guttural sounds that one might be forgiven for thinking she was fleeing from a mass murderer. Meanwhile, she was trying to hoist herself on top of the chair to remove her feet and legs from harm’s way. But as luck would have it, her flip-flop caught one of the plastic chair rungs, making it wobble just long enough to make her lose her balance and descend into a slow-motion free fall. It was only fitting that at this precise moment Andrew emerged from the pool house to check on the commotion. As Andrew’s foot touched terra firma outside the front door, Abby was slowly falling backward, toward the pool. At the same time, while it was sinking in that she was about to fall into cold water at 7 a.m. for her own private hell of a wake-up call, her robe was beginning to slide off her body. Arms flailing as she tried to hold on to the small bit of fabric covering her bra and panties, Abby still had her eyes on the centipede and was barking at Andrew to “KILL IT!!!” She hit the water, chair still caught in her flip-flop -- her robe on the ground next to where she’d stood. Andrew was already using Ben’s boot to crush the centipede. As Abby raised her head out of the water, she watched as the creature lifted his body one last time toward Andrew before he delivered the crushing fatal blow. Abby bobbed in the water, breathing heavily, not sure what to do. Andrew turned, pointing at the centipede. “Got it,” he said, and grinned. “Great. That’s just great.” She was unhooking her shoe from the chair and putting them up on the side of the pool. “I’m glad.”*********************************************************************************** **Everyone who leaves a comment on Anne's tour page will be entered to win a $10 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of Rum Punch Regrets before September 3 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries.**
Author Bio:
Anne Kemp is the author behind the Abby George Series, which includes her debut novella, All Fruits Ripe , and first novel, Rum Punch Regrets, which is available in print and as an eBook . She is also the columnist behind “Anne In Progress,” which appears monthly in the Frederick News-Post, a newspaper in the DC-Metro area. As a blogger, she was nominated for a 2012 Bloggers Choice Award for Best Humor Blog, and is known for penning “The Ultimate Late Bloomer.”Follow her on Twitter, @MissAnneKemp , or join her fans on Facebook for fun contests and giveaways. You can always find her at her website: www.annekemp.com .A portion of Anne's proceeds are donated to Lupus LA .
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you?I've always loved to write, even when I was little. I'd enter creative writing contests in school and usually do well. I also attended camp every summer and the one I looked forward to the most was a creative writing camp. Those were good summers! Two weeks of writing all day. Loved it!
How would you describe your books?I think they're fun, light reads sprinkled with relatable characters. Well, at least I hope so!
Rum Punch Regrets is part of the Abby George series. What made you decide to have a series instead of a stand-alone book?Abby just needed more than just one book; She's a work in progress. We meet her at the toughest time in her life and take a journey with her as she is just beginning to figure "it" out. I really want to show her evolving, being the late-bloomer she is, finding love and having adventures she never thought she would have. Couldn't do all of that in just one book.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?Fighting distractions. From wanting to reorganize a closet to petting my dog, I sometimes look for ways to slack off, and you can't do that when writing. No, no, no!
What are your favorite genres to read?Romance, mystery/thriller and YA.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?I'm not a normal, traditional 9-5 type of girl, and there are a lot women out there just like me. I wanted us to have someone we could root for, someone who is flawed and human with tons of imperfections and lots of heart. I want readers to want to grab a drink with Abby or hang out with her. I want them to see that nobody's perfect and we're all trying to figure "it" out!
How important do you think social media is for authors these days? Very important. As authors we must create our product, market our product and sell our product. We're lucky we live in a time where we can do ALL of this simply by turning on our computer and connecting with the world. It's all about community and outreach.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?Don't give up and learn to love the word "no." Rejection became a turn on for me - the more I was rejected, the harder I worked. Just as we find our voices in writing, we also find our team, our support group who will stand behind us 100% - that's your agent, editor and publisher. Get the right team on your side and you can do anything!
**Excerpt**
Morning came quickly. Abby had planned an early rise so she could have her coffee, waking up properly by sipping peacefully on her caffeine by the pool. She was so busy daydreaming that she didn’t see the gigantic centipede that had begun making its way across the terrace toward her bare foot. It was a big one, measuring about ten inches. And its little legs were swiftly bringing it closer to Abby’s unsuspecting feet. Snapping out of her dreamy state to see the pincered insect approaching quickly, Abby made a split-second decision. In her mind, she pictured herself jumping in a fluid motion from sitting position to standing on the chair, or maybe using the chair as a launching pad, like Jennifer Garner would in Alias, or Angelina Jolie in one of the Tomb Raidermovies, so she could jump over to the pool house, landing by the door, and get one of Ben’s boots, twirl around and pummel the rippling caterpillar-like demon to a bloody and deliberate death. Unfortunately, Abby wasn’t quite so graceful. When she saw the centipede, she let out such frightened, guttural sounds that one might be forgiven for thinking she was fleeing from a mass murderer. Meanwhile, she was trying to hoist herself on top of the chair to remove her feet and legs from harm’s way. But as luck would have it, her flip-flop caught one of the plastic chair rungs, making it wobble just long enough to make her lose her balance and descend into a slow-motion free fall. It was only fitting that at this precise moment Andrew emerged from the pool house to check on the commotion. As Andrew’s foot touched terra firma outside the front door, Abby was slowly falling backward, toward the pool. At the same time, while it was sinking in that she was about to fall into cold water at 7 a.m. for her own private hell of a wake-up call, her robe was beginning to slide off her body. Arms flailing as she tried to hold on to the small bit of fabric covering her bra and panties, Abby still had her eyes on the centipede and was barking at Andrew to “KILL IT!!!” She hit the water, chair still caught in her flip-flop -- her robe on the ground next to where she’d stood. Andrew was already using Ben’s boot to crush the centipede. As Abby raised her head out of the water, she watched as the creature lifted his body one last time toward Andrew before he delivered the crushing fatal blow. Abby bobbed in the water, breathing heavily, not sure what to do. Andrew turned, pointing at the centipede. “Got it,” he said, and grinned. “Great. That’s just great.” She was unhooking her shoe from the chair and putting them up on the side of the pool. “I’m glad.”*********************************************************************************** **Everyone who leaves a comment on Anne's tour page will be entered to win a $10 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of Rum Punch Regrets before September 3 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries.**
Author Bio:
Anne Kemp is the author behind the Abby George Series, which includes her debut novella, All Fruits Ripe , and first novel, Rum Punch Regrets, which is available in print and as an eBook . She is also the columnist behind “Anne In Progress,” which appears monthly in the Frederick News-Post, a newspaper in the DC-Metro area. As a blogger, she was nominated for a 2012 Bloggers Choice Award for Best Humor Blog, and is known for penning “The Ultimate Late Bloomer.”Follow her on Twitter, @MissAnneKemp , or join her fans on Facebook for fun contests and giveaways. You can always find her at her website: www.annekemp.com .A portion of Anne's proceeds are donated to Lupus LA .
August 22, 2012
Excerpt: This Tangled Thing Called Love by Marie Astor
Please enjoy the excerpt below for This Tangled Thing Called Love by Marie Astor. Be sure to visit her tour page at CLP Blog Tours for more stops and a giveaway!
Upon waking up the next morning, Claire arched her back, relishing the feel of the satin sheets against her skin. Beside her, David lay breathing evenly, still asleep. It had only been a couple of months since she had finally gotten comfortable enough to actually be able to sleep with him in the same bed. Before, Claire would always find an excuse to go home after they made love, but David must have gotten onto her - one night, he insisted on staying at her place, and ever since then they had been taking turns between his and hers apartments. Granted, David’s place was a lot more glamorous than Claire’s – a split-level junior four in a full service luxury building in Battery Park.
Clair rose on her elbow and checked the time – it was ten a.m. She snuck out of bed and tiptoed to the bathroom to brush her teeth – she might have gotten comfortable enough to sleep in the same bed with David, but she still wanted her breath to smell fresh when he woke up.
A few minutes later she tiptoed back into bed and snuggled next to David. Usually, David was always the first to wake up, and together, they would go for a four-mile run. No doubt, upon waking up, David was bound to get upset for oversleeping, but Claire was not about to nudge him – she wanted them to spend the morning reading newspapers over breakfast instead of gasping for breath in sweat-soaked clothes. David muttered something incoherent as he flung his arm across Claire’s chest. Careful not to wake him, she maneuvered out of the way and tucked the comforter up to her chin – she loved lounging in bed like this.“What time is it?” David mumbled groggily, reaching for the clock on the bedside table. “Ten thirty? Claire, are you up?” He turned toward her.
“Huh? What?” Claire was a good actress when she needed to be one.
“Good morning, sleepy head.” David smooched her. “Well, since we’ve overslept our run this morning, I think there are a few other activities I can think of for us to make up for missed exercise.” He reached underneath her lacy nightgown.
“What exactly did you have in mind?” Claire grinned, thinking that her plan had worked perfectly – after all, she much preferred making love to jogging.
**Everyone who leaves a comment on Marie's tour page will be entered in the giveaway! Anyone who purchases their copy of This Tangled Thing Called Love before August 27 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries! Five individual winners will receive a piece of jewelry shown above, and one bonus winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card! Please note this is open to US residents only.**
Author Bio:
Marie Astor is the author of contemporary romance novels Lucky Charm, On the Rim of Love, This Tangled Thing Called Love, romantic suspense novel, To Catch a Bad Guy, and a short story collection, A Dress in a Window. Marie Astor is also the author of young adult fantasy adventure novel, Transadonia: Silverboard Rider.If you would like to find out more about Marie’s books, please visit Marie at her website: www.marieastor.com.Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Marie-Astor/e/B004EBDX9Q/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/marieastorcollectionGood Reads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4665230.Marie_Astor Books by Marie Astor: To Catch a Bad Guy: http://www.amazon.com/To-Catch-Bad-Guy-ebook/dp/B008W1L5IA/ref=la_B004EBDX9Q_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1344820115&sr=1-5This Tangled Thing Called Love: http://www.amazon.com/This-Tangled-Thing-Called-ebook/dp/B0078IPNCW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344820073&sr=8-1&keywords=marie+astorLucky Charm: http://www.amazon.com/Lucky-Charm-Contemporary-Romance-ebook/dp/B005BZL3L4/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1On the Rim of Love: http://www.amazon.com/On-Rim-Love-Contemporary-ebook/dp/B005TOWI7K/ref=pd_sim_kstore_3Transadonia: Silverboard Rider: http://www.amazon.com/Transadonia-Silverboard-Fantasy-Adventure-ebook/dp/B008WF1Y78/ref=la_B004EBDX9Q_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1344820130&sr=1-6
Upon waking up the next morning, Claire arched her back, relishing the feel of the satin sheets against her skin. Beside her, David lay breathing evenly, still asleep. It had only been a couple of months since she had finally gotten comfortable enough to actually be able to sleep with him in the same bed. Before, Claire would always find an excuse to go home after they made love, but David must have gotten onto her - one night, he insisted on staying at her place, and ever since then they had been taking turns between his and hers apartments. Granted, David’s place was a lot more glamorous than Claire’s – a split-level junior four in a full service luxury building in Battery Park. Clair rose on her elbow and checked the time – it was ten a.m. She snuck out of bed and tiptoed to the bathroom to brush her teeth – she might have gotten comfortable enough to sleep in the same bed with David, but she still wanted her breath to smell fresh when he woke up.
A few minutes later she tiptoed back into bed and snuggled next to David. Usually, David was always the first to wake up, and together, they would go for a four-mile run. No doubt, upon waking up, David was bound to get upset for oversleeping, but Claire was not about to nudge him – she wanted them to spend the morning reading newspapers over breakfast instead of gasping for breath in sweat-soaked clothes. David muttered something incoherent as he flung his arm across Claire’s chest. Careful not to wake him, she maneuvered out of the way and tucked the comforter up to her chin – she loved lounging in bed like this.“What time is it?” David mumbled groggily, reaching for the clock on the bedside table. “Ten thirty? Claire, are you up?” He turned toward her.
“Huh? What?” Claire was a good actress when she needed to be one.
“Good morning, sleepy head.” David smooched her. “Well, since we’ve overslept our run this morning, I think there are a few other activities I can think of for us to make up for missed exercise.” He reached underneath her lacy nightgown.
“What exactly did you have in mind?” Claire grinned, thinking that her plan had worked perfectly – after all, she much preferred making love to jogging.
**Everyone who leaves a comment on Marie's tour page will be entered in the giveaway! Anyone who purchases their copy of This Tangled Thing Called Love before August 27 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries! Five individual winners will receive a piece of jewelry shown above, and one bonus winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card! Please note this is open to US residents only.** Author Bio:
Marie Astor is the author of contemporary romance novels Lucky Charm, On the Rim of Love, This Tangled Thing Called Love, romantic suspense novel, To Catch a Bad Guy, and a short story collection, A Dress in a Window. Marie Astor is also the author of young adult fantasy adventure novel, Transadonia: Silverboard Rider.If you would like to find out more about Marie’s books, please visit Marie at her website: www.marieastor.com.Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Marie-Astor/e/B004EBDX9Q/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/marieastorcollectionGood Reads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4665230.Marie_Astor Books by Marie Astor: To Catch a Bad Guy: http://www.amazon.com/To-Catch-Bad-Guy-ebook/dp/B008W1L5IA/ref=la_B004EBDX9Q_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1344820115&sr=1-5This Tangled Thing Called Love: http://www.amazon.com/This-Tangled-Thing-Called-ebook/dp/B0078IPNCW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344820073&sr=8-1&keywords=marie+astorLucky Charm: http://www.amazon.com/Lucky-Charm-Contemporary-Romance-ebook/dp/B005BZL3L4/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1On the Rim of Love: http://www.amazon.com/On-Rim-Love-Contemporary-ebook/dp/B005TOWI7K/ref=pd_sim_kstore_3Transadonia: Silverboard Rider: http://www.amazon.com/Transadonia-Silverboard-Fantasy-Adventure-ebook/dp/B008WF1Y78/ref=la_B004EBDX9Q_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1344820130&sr=1-6
August 21, 2012
Interview and Excerpt: Ripple the Twine by Jenn Flynn-Shon
Thank you to Jenn Flynn-Shon for stopping by with a Q&A and excerpt from Ripple the Twine. Please visit her tour page at CLP Blog Tours for more information!
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you?
At a pretty young age actually, I was about eleven when I started writing in my diary. That was right after I got into a fist fight for the first time in my life.
I was pent-up emotionally as a pre-teen from dealing with my parent’s divorce and being a kid who was picked on often by others. Kids can be cruel to each other and I tried my hand at being a tough girl. But fighting just wasn’t for me. I’m a lover not a fighter. After that day I channeled my emotions into a diary. I wrote out every last detail of my feelings on life, family, friends, boys. Journaling became my outlet, therapy.
I remember my first creative fiction assignment came just a year later, when I started Junior High School. I was in seventh grade and had one of the best English teachers; still a favorite teacher to this day. When I realized that I could create alternate realities where life could play out any way I wanted it to, I was instantly hooked on writing fiction. It was an even broader outlet for my innermost feelings about life, family and boys.
I’ve been writing in journals or online in some form or another every single day since that fist fight. It’s the thing that keeps me going.
How would you describe your books?
I say it all the time and it is still true – I’m a sucker for a happy ending! I love the riding off into the sunset vibe that comes with a happy ending. Speaking of…I love sunsets, first kisses, second kisses, cute and upbeat, happy people, silver linings. Despite the fact that I understand life isn’t always sunshine and roses, and I do force my characters to struggle through their issues, my books will always contain elements of perky cuteness. That’s who I am for the most part so I write what I know.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
Not forcing it, but subsequently not feeling bad when I don’t force it. I pretty much write every day and probably end up writing over 25,000 words in any given week. Some days I spend my time and words on fiction, some on blogs, some marketing, tweets, interviews, email… In other words, I don’t only work on my manuscript and there are days when, just like anyone, I simply need to play hooky. What makes this hard is not doing the hooky thing every day but making sure my dedication is there to get those 25k+ words out and keep the muscle working.
What are your favorite genres to read?
Chick-Lit or anything with a strong female character who stumbles, learns from her mistakes, takes in the lesson, and changes herself for the better while she takes a chance or two along the way (and maybe even finds love). I also enjoy a great suspense, mystery and memoir on occasion.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?
I wrote Ripple the Twine to provide insight into the lives of a group of people in Boston who have formed a lasting and unbreakable friendship despite their differences. The main character, Sara Quinn, has thrown herself into work and neglected her friends. But it wasn’t just Sara who disappeared. All four of the friends have been off dealing with their lives on their own. Then a spontaneous brunch plan has them sharing time together for the first time in six months. Everyone begins to divulge what’s been happening in their lives while they were apart. There are secrets revealed and glaring omissions which force Sara to question friendship, loyalty and love. When one friend shares devastating news it forces the group back together again to rely on each other in ways they never could have imagined needing to do at such a young age. Through the heartache Sara meets a, very cute, man named Ben. She connects with him quickly but she questions if she can open up to him. Could Ben be someone to help her get through the difficult times? I want the reader to see that when you open yourself up, friendship and love can save your life.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?
Social media is a double edged sword to me. In order to utilize it for the best possible benefit and outcome one must balance very delicately on its sharp blade.
On the one side it provides connections like this! Great bloggers, readers, writers, fellow Authors to connect with and promote. I love talking about my friend’s books and sharing links to all of their stuff. I love reading what they also post to discover new Authors and bloggers that love doing the same things I love doing (Writing! Reading!). I love promoting myself on these venues as well (I’m not too proud to admit that I enjoy the shameless self-promotion). When I sit and really think about how social media works, it is mind blowing that I can easily have a conversation with a writer in Australia anytime, any day. It opens worlds of opportunity.
Which leads me to the other, much pointier and dangerous side of the knife. The side where all of the day’s minutes and hours can be easily sucked away in the blink of an eye by doing all of the above activities on social networks. I have quite a few accounts – Facebook, twitter, LinkedIn, Goodreads, blogs, Etsy. I have to stay disciplined to limit the time I spend on these sites however or I’d never get any writing, proofing, editing or reading done. Let alone live life!
I do truly believe in the technologies available at our fingertips these days and enjoy their ability to help us connect, but only in limited doses.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
Do. Not. Stop. Writing.
Ever.
The best way to become an authority in what you do is to keep practicing. I know people who have their entire day to write as they do it for a living (and actually make a living doing it – side note: I aspire to be these people!) and I also know people who only have twenty minutes a day to work on their craft. It doesn’t matter which category you’re in, or if you fall somewhere in the middle.
Take your ten minutes, your ten hours, or whatever precious moments you have and just write. Write whatever you want because no one has to read it. Just get it out on the page. Then edit when the story’s done.
For those writers who aspire to be published Authors, the motto goes: write first, edit later. No one gets it perfect on their first try but no one ever published an unfinished manuscript either. Words first, red pen later. Write what’s in your gut and you’ll never go wrong.
**Excerpt**
Chapter SevenQuick Whistle: The official will whistle the play "dead" with the puck still visible. This often draws an unfavorable reaction from hometown crowds especially when the whistle negates a perceived scoring chance for the home team.
“I have no idea what the hell I’m doing going to this silly dinner tonight. Please talk me out of this.” Sara said. She stood in front of her full length mirror and fiddled with the neck of her shirt.
“Are you freaking kidding me? Look babe, you so need a date. Really, all you do is sit in your house and write or come to The Rose. You have got to get out and meet someone.”
Once it started to sink in that her mother was setting her up on a blind date, Sara’s one time nerves of steel faded into rusted flecks of iron on the breeze. Sara had decided Perth would be the one to give her an excuse for how to get out of the fix up. Sara had informed Perth that Paul was a lawyer, homeowner, allegedly gorgeous, apparently never married and that he had no children. Suddenly, her best friend was a highly uncooperative participant in Sara’s plan.
“Thanks… friend. Or should I just call you Mother?”
“I don’t care if it’s a set up by your mother, this guy sounds unreal. You can try that pity crap but the only one feeling bad is you. I know the way you critique yourself but you look amazing and regardless, you deserve a fling at least.”
“Perth, you know I’m wicked conservative. I can’t just jump into bed with someone I just met. I mean, my mother never even mentioned his last name. How can I possibly have a fling with someone when I don’t even know his last name?”
“Because sweetie, that’s just it. I am talking about a fling, last names are for guys you plan to marry, and then it’s only for the invitations.”
“Please don’t be flip, I’m not kidding.”
“Yeah well neither am I. Go and meet him, have a couple glasses of wine, flirt the way you do at The Rose and then bring the boy home. I’m not talking a lifelong commitment here. I beg you, just get some before you go loopy and take the rest of us down with you.”
“I’ll think about it.”
Sara wasn’t surprised that her friend could have so easily changed her mind in such short order; it had been far too long since she had some good naked fun with anyone. And she was stressed about work.
“Truth? Don’t listen to your mother. Listen to the person who really knows you. Me. Have fun and, you know, show him that move you do with your hips every Thursday on the dance floor.”
Sara fumbled with her mascara wand as she sharply inhaled then laughed into the receiver. She had never been as comfortable talking about sex as Perth; even after all those years Sara still got embarrassed by her friend’s many comments.
“Hey watch it, you almost made me ruin my outfit.”
“Details.”
“OK, um, my boot cut Levis.”
“The ones that show off your butt or the black ones?”
“The butt ones.”
“Yup, nice.”
“Brown boots.”
“Which ones?”
“Those ones with the back zipper, I think I got them with Robyn but they’re really cute and have a little leather flower on the outer ankle.” Sara paused and watched as her face in the mirror flashed back a look of contemplation. “But I highly doubt he’ll be looking at them all that closely so I suppose it doesn’t really matter. Oh, and my garnet top.”
“That low dipping, sleeveless, cowl neck one you got when we went out last month?”
“Yeah?”
Sara was instantly pensive with her response. The tone in Perth’s voice suddenly made Sara question if her friend thought the outfit made her look too desperate.
“Yeah, that’s hot. It’ll look even better on your floor tomorrow morning after you wake up to find he snuck out before the sun came up.”
“Perth! Come on, I don’t want to look slutty, just…good.” Sara heard Perth laugh. “Great. I need to change.”
“Okay, I’m sorry. Don’t change, it looks fantastic on you and think of how easy it will be for him to take it off.” Her friend giggled and Sara rolled her eyes, Perth was pathological. She should have been used to her best friend’s frankness but Sara still turned tomato red.
“Ugh. Alright, I’m running late and you know my mother will be all frantic. I don’t know if this guy can even carry on a conversation. Guess we’ll see.”
“Sweetie the only thing he has to know how to say is ‘how can I please you?’” ************************************************************************************************************* Author Bio: Jenn Flynn-Shon is an Author, born and raised in the Boston, Massachusetts area but currently living and working in Phoenix, Arizona. She quite happily lives, child-free, with her husband in the Valley of the Sun. She is an avid recycler, upcycler, and refuser of superfluous things. Love of sports is a cultural experience, an almost mandated way of life for most Bostonians, and Jenn is no exception to that rule. Jenn loves to travel, read, spend time with family and friends, and blog. "Ripple the Twine" is her first fiction novel. Connect with Jenn! Blog - http://randomnessandlunacy.blogspot.com/
Writesy - http://writesy.blogspot.com/
Ripple the Twine - http://http//www.lulu.com/shop/jenn-flynn-shon/ripple-the-twine/paperback/product-20117696.html
Amazon - http://amazon.com/author/jennshon
Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/jennshon
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/JennFlynnShon
Twitter - http://twitter.com/jennshon
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you?
At a pretty young age actually, I was about eleven when I started writing in my diary. That was right after I got into a fist fight for the first time in my life.
I was pent-up emotionally as a pre-teen from dealing with my parent’s divorce and being a kid who was picked on often by others. Kids can be cruel to each other and I tried my hand at being a tough girl. But fighting just wasn’t for me. I’m a lover not a fighter. After that day I channeled my emotions into a diary. I wrote out every last detail of my feelings on life, family, friends, boys. Journaling became my outlet, therapy.
I remember my first creative fiction assignment came just a year later, when I started Junior High School. I was in seventh grade and had one of the best English teachers; still a favorite teacher to this day. When I realized that I could create alternate realities where life could play out any way I wanted it to, I was instantly hooked on writing fiction. It was an even broader outlet for my innermost feelings about life, family and boys.
I’ve been writing in journals or online in some form or another every single day since that fist fight. It’s the thing that keeps me going.
How would you describe your books?
I say it all the time and it is still true – I’m a sucker for a happy ending! I love the riding off into the sunset vibe that comes with a happy ending. Speaking of…I love sunsets, first kisses, second kisses, cute and upbeat, happy people, silver linings. Despite the fact that I understand life isn’t always sunshine and roses, and I do force my characters to struggle through their issues, my books will always contain elements of perky cuteness. That’s who I am for the most part so I write what I know.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
Not forcing it, but subsequently not feeling bad when I don’t force it. I pretty much write every day and probably end up writing over 25,000 words in any given week. Some days I spend my time and words on fiction, some on blogs, some marketing, tweets, interviews, email… In other words, I don’t only work on my manuscript and there are days when, just like anyone, I simply need to play hooky. What makes this hard is not doing the hooky thing every day but making sure my dedication is there to get those 25k+ words out and keep the muscle working.
What are your favorite genres to read?
Chick-Lit or anything with a strong female character who stumbles, learns from her mistakes, takes in the lesson, and changes herself for the better while she takes a chance or two along the way (and maybe even finds love). I also enjoy a great suspense, mystery and memoir on occasion.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?
I wrote Ripple the Twine to provide insight into the lives of a group of people in Boston who have formed a lasting and unbreakable friendship despite their differences. The main character, Sara Quinn, has thrown herself into work and neglected her friends. But it wasn’t just Sara who disappeared. All four of the friends have been off dealing with their lives on their own. Then a spontaneous brunch plan has them sharing time together for the first time in six months. Everyone begins to divulge what’s been happening in their lives while they were apart. There are secrets revealed and glaring omissions which force Sara to question friendship, loyalty and love. When one friend shares devastating news it forces the group back together again to rely on each other in ways they never could have imagined needing to do at such a young age. Through the heartache Sara meets a, very cute, man named Ben. She connects with him quickly but she questions if she can open up to him. Could Ben be someone to help her get through the difficult times? I want the reader to see that when you open yourself up, friendship and love can save your life.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?
Social media is a double edged sword to me. In order to utilize it for the best possible benefit and outcome one must balance very delicately on its sharp blade.
On the one side it provides connections like this! Great bloggers, readers, writers, fellow Authors to connect with and promote. I love talking about my friend’s books and sharing links to all of their stuff. I love reading what they also post to discover new Authors and bloggers that love doing the same things I love doing (Writing! Reading!). I love promoting myself on these venues as well (I’m not too proud to admit that I enjoy the shameless self-promotion). When I sit and really think about how social media works, it is mind blowing that I can easily have a conversation with a writer in Australia anytime, any day. It opens worlds of opportunity.
Which leads me to the other, much pointier and dangerous side of the knife. The side where all of the day’s minutes and hours can be easily sucked away in the blink of an eye by doing all of the above activities on social networks. I have quite a few accounts – Facebook, twitter, LinkedIn, Goodreads, blogs, Etsy. I have to stay disciplined to limit the time I spend on these sites however or I’d never get any writing, proofing, editing or reading done. Let alone live life!
I do truly believe in the technologies available at our fingertips these days and enjoy their ability to help us connect, but only in limited doses.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
Do. Not. Stop. Writing.
Ever.
The best way to become an authority in what you do is to keep practicing. I know people who have their entire day to write as they do it for a living (and actually make a living doing it – side note: I aspire to be these people!) and I also know people who only have twenty minutes a day to work on their craft. It doesn’t matter which category you’re in, or if you fall somewhere in the middle.
Take your ten minutes, your ten hours, or whatever precious moments you have and just write. Write whatever you want because no one has to read it. Just get it out on the page. Then edit when the story’s done.
For those writers who aspire to be published Authors, the motto goes: write first, edit later. No one gets it perfect on their first try but no one ever published an unfinished manuscript either. Words first, red pen later. Write what’s in your gut and you’ll never go wrong.
**Excerpt**
Chapter SevenQuick Whistle: The official will whistle the play "dead" with the puck still visible. This often draws an unfavorable reaction from hometown crowds especially when the whistle negates a perceived scoring chance for the home team.
“I have no idea what the hell I’m doing going to this silly dinner tonight. Please talk me out of this.” Sara said. She stood in front of her full length mirror and fiddled with the neck of her shirt.
“Are you freaking kidding me? Look babe, you so need a date. Really, all you do is sit in your house and write or come to The Rose. You have got to get out and meet someone.”
Once it started to sink in that her mother was setting her up on a blind date, Sara’s one time nerves of steel faded into rusted flecks of iron on the breeze. Sara had decided Perth would be the one to give her an excuse for how to get out of the fix up. Sara had informed Perth that Paul was a lawyer, homeowner, allegedly gorgeous, apparently never married and that he had no children. Suddenly, her best friend was a highly uncooperative participant in Sara’s plan.
“Thanks… friend. Or should I just call you Mother?”
“I don’t care if it’s a set up by your mother, this guy sounds unreal. You can try that pity crap but the only one feeling bad is you. I know the way you critique yourself but you look amazing and regardless, you deserve a fling at least.”
“Perth, you know I’m wicked conservative. I can’t just jump into bed with someone I just met. I mean, my mother never even mentioned his last name. How can I possibly have a fling with someone when I don’t even know his last name?”
“Because sweetie, that’s just it. I am talking about a fling, last names are for guys you plan to marry, and then it’s only for the invitations.”
“Please don’t be flip, I’m not kidding.”
“Yeah well neither am I. Go and meet him, have a couple glasses of wine, flirt the way you do at The Rose and then bring the boy home. I’m not talking a lifelong commitment here. I beg you, just get some before you go loopy and take the rest of us down with you.”
“I’ll think about it.”
Sara wasn’t surprised that her friend could have so easily changed her mind in such short order; it had been far too long since she had some good naked fun with anyone. And she was stressed about work.
“Truth? Don’t listen to your mother. Listen to the person who really knows you. Me. Have fun and, you know, show him that move you do with your hips every Thursday on the dance floor.”
Sara fumbled with her mascara wand as she sharply inhaled then laughed into the receiver. She had never been as comfortable talking about sex as Perth; even after all those years Sara still got embarrassed by her friend’s many comments.
“Hey watch it, you almost made me ruin my outfit.”
“Details.”
“OK, um, my boot cut Levis.”
“The ones that show off your butt or the black ones?”
“The butt ones.”
“Yup, nice.”
“Brown boots.”
“Which ones?”
“Those ones with the back zipper, I think I got them with Robyn but they’re really cute and have a little leather flower on the outer ankle.” Sara paused and watched as her face in the mirror flashed back a look of contemplation. “But I highly doubt he’ll be looking at them all that closely so I suppose it doesn’t really matter. Oh, and my garnet top.”
“That low dipping, sleeveless, cowl neck one you got when we went out last month?”
“Yeah?”
Sara was instantly pensive with her response. The tone in Perth’s voice suddenly made Sara question if her friend thought the outfit made her look too desperate.
“Yeah, that’s hot. It’ll look even better on your floor tomorrow morning after you wake up to find he snuck out before the sun came up.”
“Perth! Come on, I don’t want to look slutty, just…good.” Sara heard Perth laugh. “Great. I need to change.”
“Okay, I’m sorry. Don’t change, it looks fantastic on you and think of how easy it will be for him to take it off.” Her friend giggled and Sara rolled her eyes, Perth was pathological. She should have been used to her best friend’s frankness but Sara still turned tomato red.
“Ugh. Alright, I’m running late and you know my mother will be all frantic. I don’t know if this guy can even carry on a conversation. Guess we’ll see.”
“Sweetie the only thing he has to know how to say is ‘how can I please you?’” ************************************************************************************************************* Author Bio: Jenn Flynn-Shon is an Author, born and raised in the Boston, Massachusetts area but currently living and working in Phoenix, Arizona. She quite happily lives, child-free, with her husband in the Valley of the Sun. She is an avid recycler, upcycler, and refuser of superfluous things. Love of sports is a cultural experience, an almost mandated way of life for most Bostonians, and Jenn is no exception to that rule. Jenn loves to travel, read, spend time with family and friends, and blog. "Ripple the Twine" is her first fiction novel. Connect with Jenn! Blog - http://randomnessandlunacy.blogspot.com/
Writesy - http://writesy.blogspot.com/
Ripple the Twine - http://http//www.lulu.com/shop/jenn-flynn-shon/ripple-the-twine/paperback/product-20117696.html
Amazon - http://amazon.com/author/jennshon
Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/jennshon
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/JennFlynnShon
Twitter - http://twitter.com/jennshon
August 20, 2012
Interview and Excerpt: The Way by Kristen Wolf
Thanks to Kristen Wolf for stopping by with a Q&A and excerpt from The Way. Please visit her tour page at CLP Blog Tours for more information and a giveaway!
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you?When I was about seven years old, I started making my own “books” by folding over and stapling papers from my Dad’s legal pads. I tried to make them as authentic as possible by including tables of contents, chapter numbers, and illustrations. So I think I’ve always had a fascination with writing. And reading. Yet, it took me until I was forty to finish a novel. I’d been writing all that time, but never thought I had something that was publication-worthy. That changed when I finished THE WAY.
How would you describe your books?Every book I’m ever going to write will likely have the same characteristics. Those being: iconoclastic, fantastical, sensual (i.e. drawing heavily on the senses), cinematic (because I “see” the scene before I write about it), and provocative. For me, the power of story lies in its ability to challenge our beliefs, our paradigms and our assumptions. In other words, in imagining the world as it “could be” rather than “as it is.” In other words, I’m not going to write novels that describe the human condition or experience as much as ones that explore challenging ideas.
I read that you plan on making a trilogy – how exciting! Are you currently working on the next title?
I actually just finished the first draft of another novel, though it’s not from THE WAY trilogy! Writing that first title was a long process and I felt like I needed a break from that world. That said, both of the next books are sketched out and, in some cases, partially written. The central idea and purpose behind the trilogy is to bring The Way into our world today, and then bring it into the future – to explore the possibilities this would offer us.
Taking a break was good, but I’m looking forward to diving back. I miss everybody!
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
Honestly? Finding balance. Once I get hooked by an idea, I tend to over-work. Or so I’m told! What I’m trying to remember now is that famous Chinese quote that “The journey of a thousand miles begin with a single step.” To that I would add: “And is completed by taking one step at a time.” In other words, writing three pages a day, every day, rather than writing eighty pages in four days, will yield the same results. And the true reward is that a more consistent approach, rather than an obsessive one, allows me to remain engaged in the rest of my life.
What are your favorite genres to read?
I read a wide variety of books. My secret loves are poetry and science. I read heavily in both these genres. I also enjoy fiction, though I tend toward novels that “break the mold” or explore big ideas, rather than those that appear on the bestseller list. The last book I read that really took my breath away was The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?
Having felt first-hand how our stories can affect and influence our lives, I became convinced that what the world most needed was a new story to tell around our spirituality—an invigorating myth to prod and guide us.
Since the most powerful story I knew was that of Jesus, and since his character already possessed an intrinsic fluidity, I chose to reshape his mythology, his story, for our time.
THE WAY is, at its heart, an attempt to breathe new life into our collective mythology. It’s a tale that asks, “If it were thought possible that one of history’s greatest spiritual leaders had been female, how might women and men feel differently about themselves and their world?”
Unlike all other books on the subject, THE WAY does not claim to be a historical account, but a fiction that seeks to agitate and inspire. By mixing fact and fantasy, the novel seeks to touch a global nerve, offer hope, compel readers to question their beliefs, expand their spiritual boundaries, and seek new possibilities—not only for themselves, but for our collective future.
In other words, I hope THE WAY will encourage and empower readers to take responsibility for, and control of, their own spirituality.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?
I think we’ve barely begun to scratch the surface of what social media will bring to the art of storytelling – both for authors and for readers. I think it’s creating new relationships not just among readers, but also between readers and their favorite authors. And even among the authors themselves! When people the world over can be in real-time conversation about a story, which is not far off, then I think we’ll find ourselves sitting around a global campfire, sharing our stories, and building a sense of boundary-less community as never before. I myself find this future potential incredibly exciting!
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
The same advice that was given to me!
**Excerpt:
Curious to know what could be making her father so happy, Anna felt tempted topeek inside his shop. But she knew he would not welcome her visit, and did not wish toanger him.
As she went along, the goats kept at her. A few guinea hens soon joined. Annagripped the tray and kept her eyes on the shifting surface of milk. She did not need towatch where she was going. She could navigate by smell. When the scent of goats andhay gave way to the heavier odor of wood smoke, it meant she was near the farmers’houses where the women had stoked fires to bake bread. She heard the grunts of menloading their mules with supplies to take into the olive groves. The time of the harvesthad come. Anna lowered her face deeper into her shawl and hurried past. Despite thefamiliarity of the routine, of lifting fabric to face, she hated the act of hiding herself. Thetradition felt stifling—as though someone were standing on her chest.
**Everyone who leaves a comment on Kristen's tour page will be entered to win a $10 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of The Way before August 20 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries.**
Author Bio: Kristen Wolf, 43, is a mother and writer living in the Rocky Mountains. She is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Georgetown University and holds an M.A. in creative writing and film from Hollins College where she was awarded a full scholarship.As a child, Wolf grew up in a heavily forested suburb outside New York City with her parents, a younger brother, and an ever-changing menagerie of pet animals.Both Wolf’s parents and grandparents passed onto her an avid love and respect for nature which explains the photos of Wolf posing with an ever-widening array of pets, including cats, dogs, guinea pigs, mice, quail, two raccoons, chickens, even a squirrel that lived in her bedroom! Needless to say, hers wasn’t the average American family.Later, Wolf’s family purchased land in upstate New York and on weekends and summers lived like a regular Swiss Family Robinson, clearing the land, building fences, barns and, eventually, raising and tending cattle, horses, pigs, goats, chickens etc. This led to a very unique life for Wolf and her brother as they lived like farmers on the weekends and students in a suburban public school during the week.Wolf credits her unique childhood for providing her with keen powers of observation, a passion for living things, unlimited curiosity, and a strong independent streak.As an adult, Wolf has worked primarily as filmmaker and writer.THE WAY is her first novel - and will be out in paperback in November! Connect with Kristen!
website: http://www.kristenwolf.comamazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Way-Kristen-Wolf/dp/0307717690facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thewaynovelbook trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzwaQgMlJKg
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you?When I was about seven years old, I started making my own “books” by folding over and stapling papers from my Dad’s legal pads. I tried to make them as authentic as possible by including tables of contents, chapter numbers, and illustrations. So I think I’ve always had a fascination with writing. And reading. Yet, it took me until I was forty to finish a novel. I’d been writing all that time, but never thought I had something that was publication-worthy. That changed when I finished THE WAY.
How would you describe your books?Every book I’m ever going to write will likely have the same characteristics. Those being: iconoclastic, fantastical, sensual (i.e. drawing heavily on the senses), cinematic (because I “see” the scene before I write about it), and provocative. For me, the power of story lies in its ability to challenge our beliefs, our paradigms and our assumptions. In other words, in imagining the world as it “could be” rather than “as it is.” In other words, I’m not going to write novels that describe the human condition or experience as much as ones that explore challenging ideas.
I read that you plan on making a trilogy – how exciting! Are you currently working on the next title?
I actually just finished the first draft of another novel, though it’s not from THE WAY trilogy! Writing that first title was a long process and I felt like I needed a break from that world. That said, both of the next books are sketched out and, in some cases, partially written. The central idea and purpose behind the trilogy is to bring The Way into our world today, and then bring it into the future – to explore the possibilities this would offer us.
Taking a break was good, but I’m looking forward to diving back. I miss everybody!
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
Honestly? Finding balance. Once I get hooked by an idea, I tend to over-work. Or so I’m told! What I’m trying to remember now is that famous Chinese quote that “The journey of a thousand miles begin with a single step.” To that I would add: “And is completed by taking one step at a time.” In other words, writing three pages a day, every day, rather than writing eighty pages in four days, will yield the same results. And the true reward is that a more consistent approach, rather than an obsessive one, allows me to remain engaged in the rest of my life.
What are your favorite genres to read?
I read a wide variety of books. My secret loves are poetry and science. I read heavily in both these genres. I also enjoy fiction, though I tend toward novels that “break the mold” or explore big ideas, rather than those that appear on the bestseller list. The last book I read that really took my breath away was The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?
Having felt first-hand how our stories can affect and influence our lives, I became convinced that what the world most needed was a new story to tell around our spirituality—an invigorating myth to prod and guide us.
Since the most powerful story I knew was that of Jesus, and since his character already possessed an intrinsic fluidity, I chose to reshape his mythology, his story, for our time.
THE WAY is, at its heart, an attempt to breathe new life into our collective mythology. It’s a tale that asks, “If it were thought possible that one of history’s greatest spiritual leaders had been female, how might women and men feel differently about themselves and their world?”
Unlike all other books on the subject, THE WAY does not claim to be a historical account, but a fiction that seeks to agitate and inspire. By mixing fact and fantasy, the novel seeks to touch a global nerve, offer hope, compel readers to question their beliefs, expand their spiritual boundaries, and seek new possibilities—not only for themselves, but for our collective future.
In other words, I hope THE WAY will encourage and empower readers to take responsibility for, and control of, their own spirituality.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?
I think we’ve barely begun to scratch the surface of what social media will bring to the art of storytelling – both for authors and for readers. I think it’s creating new relationships not just among readers, but also between readers and their favorite authors. And even among the authors themselves! When people the world over can be in real-time conversation about a story, which is not far off, then I think we’ll find ourselves sitting around a global campfire, sharing our stories, and building a sense of boundary-less community as never before. I myself find this future potential incredibly exciting!
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
The same advice that was given to me!
**Excerpt:
Curious to know what could be making her father so happy, Anna felt tempted topeek inside his shop. But she knew he would not welcome her visit, and did not wish toanger him.
As she went along, the goats kept at her. A few guinea hens soon joined. Annagripped the tray and kept her eyes on the shifting surface of milk. She did not need towatch where she was going. She could navigate by smell. When the scent of goats andhay gave way to the heavier odor of wood smoke, it meant she was near the farmers’houses where the women had stoked fires to bake bread. She heard the grunts of menloading their mules with supplies to take into the olive groves. The time of the harvesthad come. Anna lowered her face deeper into her shawl and hurried past. Despite thefamiliarity of the routine, of lifting fabric to face, she hated the act of hiding herself. Thetradition felt stifling—as though someone were standing on her chest.
**Everyone who leaves a comment on Kristen's tour page will be entered to win a $10 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of The Way before August 20 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries.**
Author Bio: Kristen Wolf, 43, is a mother and writer living in the Rocky Mountains. She is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Georgetown University and holds an M.A. in creative writing and film from Hollins College where she was awarded a full scholarship.As a child, Wolf grew up in a heavily forested suburb outside New York City with her parents, a younger brother, and an ever-changing menagerie of pet animals.Both Wolf’s parents and grandparents passed onto her an avid love and respect for nature which explains the photos of Wolf posing with an ever-widening array of pets, including cats, dogs, guinea pigs, mice, quail, two raccoons, chickens, even a squirrel that lived in her bedroom! Needless to say, hers wasn’t the average American family.Later, Wolf’s family purchased land in upstate New York and on weekends and summers lived like a regular Swiss Family Robinson, clearing the land, building fences, barns and, eventually, raising and tending cattle, horses, pigs, goats, chickens etc. This led to a very unique life for Wolf and her brother as they lived like farmers on the weekends and students in a suburban public school during the week.Wolf credits her unique childhood for providing her with keen powers of observation, a passion for living things, unlimited curiosity, and a strong independent streak.As an adult, Wolf has worked primarily as filmmaker and writer.THE WAY is her first novel - and will be out in paperback in November! Connect with Kristen!
website: http://www.kristenwolf.comamazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Way-Kristen-Wolf/dp/0307717690facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thewaynovelbook trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzwaQgMlJKg
August 8, 2012
Interview and Excerpt: Fatty Patty by Kathleen Irene Paterka
Thank you to Kathleen Irene Paterka for stopping by with a Q&A and excerpt from Fatty Patty. Please visit her tour page on CLP Blog Tours for more information!
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you?
I wanted to be a writer since I learned to read. I still remember that feeling of awe when I received my very first library card and realized all those books were now at my disposal. Our town’s public library was always my favorite place to hang out! But so many of my friends didn’t like to read. I couldn’t understand why they thought books were boring. I made a decision then and there (I think I was in 3rd grade) that someday when I grew up, I would write books that people would enjoy reading; books that would take them away for a few hours so they could forget the cares and concerns of every day life, and lose themselves in a world beyond what they knew. Hopefully, my novels have done just that.
How would you describe your books?
All of my novels embrace universal themes of home, family life, and love. Those are the things I am most interested in. Those are the things I like to write about. I am an emotional creature, which is why my novels are character-driven. It would be very difficult for me to write an action-adventure type novel.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
Coming up with a new story. My two critique partners (both multi-pubbed and fantastic authors!) constantly tease me about this. When I’m in the middle of a writing a novel, my mind is usually miles ahead, dreading the thought that ‘this is it’, my last story, that I’ll never come up with another new idea, that I’ll never write another book. But somehow, things always work out. I’m tremendously excited this summer because I actually have two brand new separate storylines with characters chattering away in my head. Since it takes me approximately one year to complete a novel, I’m good to go for the next two years. Yay!
What are your favorite genres to read?
I love Women’s Fiction. My favorite authors include Jodi Picoult, Elizabeth Berg, Maeve Binchy, Jennifer Weiner and Jane Porter, among others. I also enjoy romantic suspense. Roxanne St. Claire and Linda Howard are particular favorites of mine. Category romance? Try Jenna Mindel and Christine Elizabeth Johnson. For general fiction, I relax with novels by John Grisham. I also have a fondness for biographies. Fiction is wonderful, but I find real life and real people even more intriguing!
What do you want readers to take away from your story?
Most of all, I hope that when they read THE END, that they’re disappointed the story is finished. I want them to have fallen in love with the world my characters inhabit. Most of all, it’s my goal to convey a sense of hope with every novel. The world is grim enough without me adding to it.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?
It’s every bit important as writing a good book. Given the state of the publishing industry, more and more authors are being forced to self-promote. I’m not great at pushing myself out there in front of people, but I am comfortable on Facebook. I have a friend page (trying to keep up with family!) and an Author Page http://www.facebook.com/kathleenirenepaterka, where I connect with my fans. I’ve purposely chosen not to blog. I have a day job (I’m the resident staff writer at Castle Farms http://www.castlefarms.com, a world renowned castle listed on the National and State Historic Registries), which keeps me busy when I’m not working on my novels. My presence on Facebook and the occasional ‘guest blog’ such as this is as much as I can handle!
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
Write every day. No excuses allowed. Read good books. Hook up with other authors; listen and learn from them. Find yourself a good critique partner (or several). Join a writing group. Immerse yourself in the world of words. Writing is like any craft. If you decide you want to learn to knit, you don’t simply pick up a ball of yarn, knitting needles, and instantly create a beautiful sweater. It takes a lot of time to understand the basics: how to hold the needles, how to knit and purl, etc. Creating intricate patterns takes even more skill and practice. Such is the craft of writing. You must sit down every day and write. The more you write, the more you read good books, the more you’re around other writers, the more you practice your craft, the better writer you become. And—just like someone who starts knitting and keeps at it, eventually they end up fashioning a beautiful sweater—if you keep writing, someday you will have the satisfaction of typing THE END and knowing you did what so many people say they want to do, but don’t. You wrote a book!
**Excerpt**
Brand new school year. Brand new body. Brand new me.
That’s what I love about starting a new diet. The world seems bright and shiny, and I’m filled with happy hope. Anything is possible.
Like swimming twenty laps in James Bay’s community pool. Losing thirty pounds before Christmas. Finally winning that contest.
Patty Perreault, Teacher of the Year.
I’ve got the smarts, I just don’t have the body. And I never will—especially if I don’t let go of the smooth tiled railing and start swimming soon. So long, contest. Hello, loser. Not to mention, that new mantra of mine will need revising.
Brand new school year. Same old body. Same old me.
“Brrr.” Priscilla dips one foot in the water, then quickly pulls it out. “Sorry, Patty, I just can’t do it. You know I love you dearly, but the water is so cold, and—”
“Don’t worry about it.” I sidle alongside her, hugging the pool edge. God bless Priscilla. My fraternal twin would probably jump in the deep end if she thought it would help, but I’m not going to force her to endure this torture, too. Tiny and frail since the day we were born, she could stand to put on a few pounds. Plus, Priscilla’s a worse swimmer than me. If she jumps in, the pimply-faced teenage lifeguard will probably end up having to rescue us both.
“I feel so bad, just sitting here like this. After all, I promised to give you moral support, remember?” Goose bumps pop up on her thin arms as she reaches for her towel, then she suddenly brightens. “I’ve got an idea. How about you swim and I count your laps? That way you won’t have to keep track in your head.”
“Sounds good.” I yank at the too-tight bathing suit creeping up my rear end. If I plan to keep up this swimming-laps routine, I might have to break down and buy a new one. This ugly pink suit has seen too many summers and too many cookies. I’m pretty sure the James Bay School Board of Education would not approve of one of their teachers being arrested for indecent exposure.
Plus, I doubt a criminal record would be helpful in winning that contest. I’m a good teacher; my evaluations plus the fact my fellow teachers keep nominating me prove it. So why haven’t I won yet? I’m a quick learner, but this one has had me stymied. Four years worth of stymied. But not anymore, because I’ve finally figured it out: if I change the way I look, I know I’ll win the contest.
And I am determined to win that contest.*************************************************************************************Everyone who leaves a comment on Kathleen's tour page will be entered to win a $25 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of Fatty Patty before August 27 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries.**
Author Bio:
Kathleen Irene Paterka fell in love with writing (and food) at a very young age. By the time she graduated high school, she’d completed her first manuscript and she weighed 300 lbs. Though the extra pounds have long since disappeared, Kathleen still carries the emotional scars of being a former fatty. FATTY PATTY was born from the cruel teasing she endured on the school playground. Kathleen is the author of numerous novels which embrace universal themes of home, family life and love, including the Women's Fiction series, "The James Bay Novels". Kathleen is the resident staff writer for Castle Farms, a world renowned castle listed on the National Historic Register, and co-author of the non-fiction book FOR THE LOVE OF A CASTLE , published in 2012. Having lived and studied abroad, Kathleen's educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree from Central Michigan University. She and her husband live in the beautiful north country of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Kathleen loves hearing from readers. You can contact her via her website at http://www.kathleenirenepaterka.comor follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/KathleenIrenePaterka. Connect with Kathleen! My website: http://www.kathleenirenepaterka.comFollow me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KathleenIrenePaterka Buy the Book! Amazon.com : http://www.amazon.com/Fatty-Patty-James-Novel-ebook/dp/B0081FPIF8Barnes & Noble.com: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fatty-patty-kathleen-irene-paterka/1110600969Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/158308
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you?
I wanted to be a writer since I learned to read. I still remember that feeling of awe when I received my very first library card and realized all those books were now at my disposal. Our town’s public library was always my favorite place to hang out! But so many of my friends didn’t like to read. I couldn’t understand why they thought books were boring. I made a decision then and there (I think I was in 3rd grade) that someday when I grew up, I would write books that people would enjoy reading; books that would take them away for a few hours so they could forget the cares and concerns of every day life, and lose themselves in a world beyond what they knew. Hopefully, my novels have done just that.
How would you describe your books?
All of my novels embrace universal themes of home, family life, and love. Those are the things I am most interested in. Those are the things I like to write about. I am an emotional creature, which is why my novels are character-driven. It would be very difficult for me to write an action-adventure type novel.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
Coming up with a new story. My two critique partners (both multi-pubbed and fantastic authors!) constantly tease me about this. When I’m in the middle of a writing a novel, my mind is usually miles ahead, dreading the thought that ‘this is it’, my last story, that I’ll never come up with another new idea, that I’ll never write another book. But somehow, things always work out. I’m tremendously excited this summer because I actually have two brand new separate storylines with characters chattering away in my head. Since it takes me approximately one year to complete a novel, I’m good to go for the next two years. Yay!
What are your favorite genres to read?
I love Women’s Fiction. My favorite authors include Jodi Picoult, Elizabeth Berg, Maeve Binchy, Jennifer Weiner and Jane Porter, among others. I also enjoy romantic suspense. Roxanne St. Claire and Linda Howard are particular favorites of mine. Category romance? Try Jenna Mindel and Christine Elizabeth Johnson. For general fiction, I relax with novels by John Grisham. I also have a fondness for biographies. Fiction is wonderful, but I find real life and real people even more intriguing!
What do you want readers to take away from your story?
Most of all, I hope that when they read THE END, that they’re disappointed the story is finished. I want them to have fallen in love with the world my characters inhabit. Most of all, it’s my goal to convey a sense of hope with every novel. The world is grim enough without me adding to it.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?
It’s every bit important as writing a good book. Given the state of the publishing industry, more and more authors are being forced to self-promote. I’m not great at pushing myself out there in front of people, but I am comfortable on Facebook. I have a friend page (trying to keep up with family!) and an Author Page http://www.facebook.com/kathleenirenepaterka, where I connect with my fans. I’ve purposely chosen not to blog. I have a day job (I’m the resident staff writer at Castle Farms http://www.castlefarms.com, a world renowned castle listed on the National and State Historic Registries), which keeps me busy when I’m not working on my novels. My presence on Facebook and the occasional ‘guest blog’ such as this is as much as I can handle!
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
Write every day. No excuses allowed. Read good books. Hook up with other authors; listen and learn from them. Find yourself a good critique partner (or several). Join a writing group. Immerse yourself in the world of words. Writing is like any craft. If you decide you want to learn to knit, you don’t simply pick up a ball of yarn, knitting needles, and instantly create a beautiful sweater. It takes a lot of time to understand the basics: how to hold the needles, how to knit and purl, etc. Creating intricate patterns takes even more skill and practice. Such is the craft of writing. You must sit down every day and write. The more you write, the more you read good books, the more you’re around other writers, the more you practice your craft, the better writer you become. And—just like someone who starts knitting and keeps at it, eventually they end up fashioning a beautiful sweater—if you keep writing, someday you will have the satisfaction of typing THE END and knowing you did what so many people say they want to do, but don’t. You wrote a book!
**Excerpt**
Brand new school year. Brand new body. Brand new me.
That’s what I love about starting a new diet. The world seems bright and shiny, and I’m filled with happy hope. Anything is possible.
Like swimming twenty laps in James Bay’s community pool. Losing thirty pounds before Christmas. Finally winning that contest.
Patty Perreault, Teacher of the Year.
I’ve got the smarts, I just don’t have the body. And I never will—especially if I don’t let go of the smooth tiled railing and start swimming soon. So long, contest. Hello, loser. Not to mention, that new mantra of mine will need revising.
Brand new school year. Same old body. Same old me.
“Brrr.” Priscilla dips one foot in the water, then quickly pulls it out. “Sorry, Patty, I just can’t do it. You know I love you dearly, but the water is so cold, and—”
“Don’t worry about it.” I sidle alongside her, hugging the pool edge. God bless Priscilla. My fraternal twin would probably jump in the deep end if she thought it would help, but I’m not going to force her to endure this torture, too. Tiny and frail since the day we were born, she could stand to put on a few pounds. Plus, Priscilla’s a worse swimmer than me. If she jumps in, the pimply-faced teenage lifeguard will probably end up having to rescue us both.
“I feel so bad, just sitting here like this. After all, I promised to give you moral support, remember?” Goose bumps pop up on her thin arms as she reaches for her towel, then she suddenly brightens. “I’ve got an idea. How about you swim and I count your laps? That way you won’t have to keep track in your head.”
“Sounds good.” I yank at the too-tight bathing suit creeping up my rear end. If I plan to keep up this swimming-laps routine, I might have to break down and buy a new one. This ugly pink suit has seen too many summers and too many cookies. I’m pretty sure the James Bay School Board of Education would not approve of one of their teachers being arrested for indecent exposure.
Plus, I doubt a criminal record would be helpful in winning that contest. I’m a good teacher; my evaluations plus the fact my fellow teachers keep nominating me prove it. So why haven’t I won yet? I’m a quick learner, but this one has had me stymied. Four years worth of stymied. But not anymore, because I’ve finally figured it out: if I change the way I look, I know I’ll win the contest.
And I am determined to win that contest.*************************************************************************************Everyone who leaves a comment on Kathleen's tour page will be entered to win a $25 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of Fatty Patty before August 27 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries.**
Author Bio:
Kathleen Irene Paterka fell in love with writing (and food) at a very young age. By the time she graduated high school, she’d completed her first manuscript and she weighed 300 lbs. Though the extra pounds have long since disappeared, Kathleen still carries the emotional scars of being a former fatty. FATTY PATTY was born from the cruel teasing she endured on the school playground. Kathleen is the author of numerous novels which embrace universal themes of home, family life and love, including the Women's Fiction series, "The James Bay Novels". Kathleen is the resident staff writer for Castle Farms, a world renowned castle listed on the National Historic Register, and co-author of the non-fiction book FOR THE LOVE OF A CASTLE , published in 2012. Having lived and studied abroad, Kathleen's educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree from Central Michigan University. She and her husband live in the beautiful north country of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Kathleen loves hearing from readers. You can contact her via her website at http://www.kathleenirenepaterka.comor follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/KathleenIrenePaterka. Connect with Kathleen! My website: http://www.kathleenirenepaterka.comFollow me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KathleenIrenePaterka Buy the Book! Amazon.com : http://www.amazon.com/Fatty-Patty-James-Novel-ebook/dp/B0081FPIF8Barnes & Noble.com: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fatty-patty-kathleen-irene-paterka/1110600969Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/158308
August 1, 2012
Interview and Excerpt: A Year to Remember by Shelly Bell
Thank you to Shelly Bell for stopping by with a Q&A and excerpt from A Year to Remember. Please visit her tour page on CLP Blog Tours for more information!
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you?A couple of years ago. I didn’t start writing until February of 2011. At least that’s what I thought until my childhood friends commented that I was always writing growing up. I love to read. It’s an addiction for me. I used to spend my allowance every week on a book (okay, there may have been a little candy bought too). A year and a half ago, I was looking for some way to express my creativity since I didn’t have time to do theater or join a choir. I’ve never felt more fulfilled since I started writing. Even if I don’t publish another book, I’ll always write.
How would you describe your books?No matter what I write, there seems to be an underlying theme about faith. A Year to Remember is humorous, but it involves some complex issues. My paranormal romance is more dramatic, with some humor in it. Neither book is religious or inspiration; however, both send the protagonist on journeys which involve their faith in a higher power.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?It’s hard for me to know what is and isn’t working in my manuscript. To me, it all makes sense. I don’t have the easiest time with criticism, so I hate to hear I need to cut a scene or change a character, but criticism and rejection are a part of the process. Maybe someday I’ll get used to it.
What are your favorite genres to read? I’m an avid romance reader. I read all the subcategories of romance except for inspirational. My favorite is paranormal romance. I also love chick lit and commercial women’s fiction. I like to be entertained and I need a happy ending.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?Some people are fat not because they lack willpower, but because they have an eating disorder. If you suffer from compulsive overeating, falling in love or losing weight won’t cure you. Weight is a symptom and you have to address the illness before you’ll find happiness.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days? I believe social media is imperative for authors. I have friends who have contracts with the big traditional publishers, but their books aren’t selling that well. Even though they have a Facebook page, website, and are on Twitter, they don’t do anything with it. I know it’s difficult to find the time, but readers (and I consider myself one of them) want to connect with authors these days. Also, the publishers don’t do much in terms of promotion these days, unless you’re one of their bigger names.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers? Join an organization like Romance Writers of America or Savvy Authors to learn more about your craft and the publishing industry. You may write the best book in the world, but if you don’t know how to write a query or synopsis, you’ll have a difficult time getting published.
**Excerpt**
“Would you care to dance?” Caleb asked.Although I really wanted to eat, I couldn’t turn down a dance with the one handsome eligible bachelor I didn’t hate.“Sure, I’d like that,” I said, moving back onto the dance floor.He put his left hand on my upper back and his right hand in mine. I felt like Elizabeth dancing with Mr. Darcy.“Doesn’t your date mind you dancing with someone else?” Even an overweight, frizzy haired one like me?He shook his head and smiled. “Staci and I are just friends. She has family in Detroit. She came with me from New York so I wouldn’t have to go stag to the wedding.”Hmm, single and available. Too bad he lived in New York and I lived in Michigan. Or was that a good thing? We could have one of those romantic long-distance relationships. One where we talked for hours on the phone, learning each other’s secrets and typed explicit emails about what we planned on doing to each other when we finally reunited. Build up everything, so that when we were together, the reality couldn’t possibly top the fantasies we’d created. Spend lots of money we didn’t have on airfare. Okay, maybe a long distance relationship wasn’t such a good idea. “You give a good speech by the way. I agree. It isn’t easy finding someone.” I waited for the ridicule and the criticism, but it never came. He gave me a compliment!“Thank you. I’m sure you don’t have any problem getting a date though, do you?”He smiled sheepishly. “No, you’re right, I can get a date whenever I want one. But it’s like you said in your speech. It might be easy to meet a person, but it’s much harder to find the right one.” He stared into my eyes with a look so hot it could melt an iceberg.Was he talking about me?
*************************************************************************
**Everyone who leaves a comment on Shelly's tour page will be entered to win a $10 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of A Year to Remember before August 13 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries.** Author Bio:
Shelly Bell started reading at three years old. In elementary school, the librarian gave her books to test out for the school library. As a teenager, she spent her allowance each week on romance novels, enjoying both young adult and adult romance. Married to Jason in 2003, they have two children and reside in the metro-Detroit area, where she reads on her Kindle each night when her family falls asleep.She is a member of Romance Writers of America and writes both women’s fiction and paranormal romance. Connect with Shelly! www.ShellyBellBooks.com Twitter Facebook Pinterest LinkedIn Google Plus Goodreads Buy the Book! For e-book:Soul Mate PublishingAmazonBarnes and NobleFor paperback:AmazonBarnes and Noble
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you?A couple of years ago. I didn’t start writing until February of 2011. At least that’s what I thought until my childhood friends commented that I was always writing growing up. I love to read. It’s an addiction for me. I used to spend my allowance every week on a book (okay, there may have been a little candy bought too). A year and a half ago, I was looking for some way to express my creativity since I didn’t have time to do theater or join a choir. I’ve never felt more fulfilled since I started writing. Even if I don’t publish another book, I’ll always write.
How would you describe your books?No matter what I write, there seems to be an underlying theme about faith. A Year to Remember is humorous, but it involves some complex issues. My paranormal romance is more dramatic, with some humor in it. Neither book is religious or inspiration; however, both send the protagonist on journeys which involve their faith in a higher power.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?It’s hard for me to know what is and isn’t working in my manuscript. To me, it all makes sense. I don’t have the easiest time with criticism, so I hate to hear I need to cut a scene or change a character, but criticism and rejection are a part of the process. Maybe someday I’ll get used to it.
What are your favorite genres to read? I’m an avid romance reader. I read all the subcategories of romance except for inspirational. My favorite is paranormal romance. I also love chick lit and commercial women’s fiction. I like to be entertained and I need a happy ending.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?Some people are fat not because they lack willpower, but because they have an eating disorder. If you suffer from compulsive overeating, falling in love or losing weight won’t cure you. Weight is a symptom and you have to address the illness before you’ll find happiness.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days? I believe social media is imperative for authors. I have friends who have contracts with the big traditional publishers, but their books aren’t selling that well. Even though they have a Facebook page, website, and are on Twitter, they don’t do anything with it. I know it’s difficult to find the time, but readers (and I consider myself one of them) want to connect with authors these days. Also, the publishers don’t do much in terms of promotion these days, unless you’re one of their bigger names.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers? Join an organization like Romance Writers of America or Savvy Authors to learn more about your craft and the publishing industry. You may write the best book in the world, but if you don’t know how to write a query or synopsis, you’ll have a difficult time getting published.
**Excerpt**
“Would you care to dance?” Caleb asked.Although I really wanted to eat, I couldn’t turn down a dance with the one handsome eligible bachelor I didn’t hate.“Sure, I’d like that,” I said, moving back onto the dance floor.He put his left hand on my upper back and his right hand in mine. I felt like Elizabeth dancing with Mr. Darcy.“Doesn’t your date mind you dancing with someone else?” Even an overweight, frizzy haired one like me?He shook his head and smiled. “Staci and I are just friends. She has family in Detroit. She came with me from New York so I wouldn’t have to go stag to the wedding.”Hmm, single and available. Too bad he lived in New York and I lived in Michigan. Or was that a good thing? We could have one of those romantic long-distance relationships. One where we talked for hours on the phone, learning each other’s secrets and typed explicit emails about what we planned on doing to each other when we finally reunited. Build up everything, so that when we were together, the reality couldn’t possibly top the fantasies we’d created. Spend lots of money we didn’t have on airfare. Okay, maybe a long distance relationship wasn’t such a good idea. “You give a good speech by the way. I agree. It isn’t easy finding someone.” I waited for the ridicule and the criticism, but it never came. He gave me a compliment!“Thank you. I’m sure you don’t have any problem getting a date though, do you?”He smiled sheepishly. “No, you’re right, I can get a date whenever I want one. But it’s like you said in your speech. It might be easy to meet a person, but it’s much harder to find the right one.” He stared into my eyes with a look so hot it could melt an iceberg.Was he talking about me?
*************************************************************************
**Everyone who leaves a comment on Shelly's tour page will be entered to win a $10 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of A Year to Remember before August 13 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries.** Author Bio:
Shelly Bell started reading at three years old. In elementary school, the librarian gave her books to test out for the school library. As a teenager, she spent her allowance each week on romance novels, enjoying both young adult and adult romance. Married to Jason in 2003, they have two children and reside in the metro-Detroit area, where she reads on her Kindle each night when her family falls asleep.She is a member of Romance Writers of America and writes both women’s fiction and paranormal romance. Connect with Shelly! www.ShellyBellBooks.com Twitter Facebook Pinterest LinkedIn Google Plus Goodreads Buy the Book! For e-book:Soul Mate PublishingAmazonBarnes and NobleFor paperback:AmazonBarnes and Noble
