Kathryn R. Biel's Blog, page 11
June 2, 2014
Staying Positive
My day today is about balancing out the positives and negatives.
(-) Raced like a mad woman attempting to break the sound barrier to get from one place to another for a meeting. When I got there, I found the meeting had been rescheduled. For the second time.
(+) During my drive, I got to belt out Meatloaf's "2 Outta 3 Ain't Bad" AND "Paradise by the Dashboard Lights." "Paradise" plays a roll in my upcoming book which I am currently editing, so hearing that on the radio made me happy.
Winner: (+) Meatloaf (the artist, not the meal) makes everything ok.
(-) I didn't get to the market yesterday, which meant I would have to race through after work today, which just makes the day long.
(+) Above cancelled meeting meant more time for marketing, plus I picked up a rotisserie chicken for dinner so I don't have to cook.
Winner: (+) See above: I don't have to cook.
(-) I got a negative review for Hold Her Down.
(+) I got a positive review for Hold Her Down.
While I'd like to say they cancel each other out, the negative review hurts more. Winner: (-)
(+)My daughter's field trip, scheduled for tomorrow, has been rescheduled. This means I don't have to take two days in a row off.
(-) It was rescheduled for Wednesday, the same day as my son's field trip. I signed up to chaperone both. Time to call in reinforcements.
Winner: (+) I only have to take one day off of work.
(+) I think I finally found a cover for my new book that not only conveys the story of my book, but will also draw readers in.
(-) I accidentally went back to iStock and found more pictures and now I'm even more confused.
Winner: Me. I'm gonna have a kick ass cover either way.
(+) Committed to doing 30-day ab challenge. I'm on day 2.
(-) I hate ab work. I mean really, really, really. Do the sit-ups I had to do at work today count? They should.
Winner: In theory the (+), but it doesn't feel that way when I'm doing it.
All in all, the tally for the day is more positive than negative. I guess I can live with that.
(-) Raced like a mad woman attempting to break the sound barrier to get from one place to another for a meeting. When I got there, I found the meeting had been rescheduled. For the second time.
(+) During my drive, I got to belt out Meatloaf's "2 Outta 3 Ain't Bad" AND "Paradise by the Dashboard Lights." "Paradise" plays a roll in my upcoming book which I am currently editing, so hearing that on the radio made me happy.
Winner: (+) Meatloaf (the artist, not the meal) makes everything ok.
(-) I didn't get to the market yesterday, which meant I would have to race through after work today, which just makes the day long.
(+) Above cancelled meeting meant more time for marketing, plus I picked up a rotisserie chicken for dinner so I don't have to cook.
Winner: (+) See above: I don't have to cook.
(-) I got a negative review for Hold Her Down.
(+) I got a positive review for Hold Her Down.
While I'd like to say they cancel each other out, the negative review hurts more. Winner: (-)
(+)My daughter's field trip, scheduled for tomorrow, has been rescheduled. This means I don't have to take two days in a row off.
(-) It was rescheduled for Wednesday, the same day as my son's field trip. I signed up to chaperone both. Time to call in reinforcements.
Winner: (+) I only have to take one day off of work.
(+) I think I finally found a cover for my new book that not only conveys the story of my book, but will also draw readers in.
(-) I accidentally went back to iStock and found more pictures and now I'm even more confused.
Winner: Me. I'm gonna have a kick ass cover either way.
(+) Committed to doing 30-day ab challenge. I'm on day 2.
(-) I hate ab work. I mean really, really, really. Do the sit-ups I had to do at work today count? They should.
Winner: In theory the (+), but it doesn't feel that way when I'm doing it.
All in all, the tally for the day is more positive than negative. I guess I can live with that.
May 24, 2014
Getting in Touch with My (Literary) Roots
I got roped into some spring cleaning over at my parents' house today. To say that they are pack rats would be kind. But, they are also realists. Comments have been made (and not really in jest) that each one wants to be the one to die first so that they don't have to get stuck with cleaning out the house. Realistically, I know it will fall on me.
I'm not gonna lie--cleaning this stuff is hard for me as well. When push came to shove, I was not able to get rid of three of my dolls/stuffed animals. The rest I tossed, shedding a tear for my Cabbage Patch Preemie (Linette Elisa) and my Koosa (Sunshine), as well as the Raggedy Ann and Strawberry Shortcake dolls my mom made for me.
I can see how hard it is on my mom throwing this stuff out, especially some of the things that were my grandmother's. But she/we made progress with large piles of things for donations and garbage. I did find some board games that I know my kids will play when they are over there, including this 1980 Star Wars game (check out the price!!!). My brother cleaned out some of his books and gave a bag to my son, who is all excited to read the original Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark series, in addition to Back to the Future.
I found a necklace that my dad gave me when I was sick as a get well present. I was probably five or six.
I also found a bunch of my old school work. While I don't really remember ever wanting to be a writer, I certainly did a lot of writing when I was in elementary and high school. Here is a book review I did for the 7th and 8th grade newspaper:
This was also in that newspaper, which was the November 1989 edition (frankly, I don't remember it at all).
The two other articles are by the girls who were among my closest friends in grade school (Mari-ann, you had an add for a scooter for sale right under my book review).
I found some notes from friends (Kelly, they are hysterical. We have to get together and read through them some day). But then I also found a poem that I wrote, probably in high school. I was apparently disenchanted with some of the classics we had been reading. Ironic, considering I loved high school English (with the exception of Emily Dickinson, who I thought was a freak. I have since matured). I was such a nerd that I probably thought trashing these authors was a huge act of rebellion. I guess it just goes to show that even the literary greats don't always get the best reviews.
(DISCLAIMER: I am NOT a poet. Frankly, I don't even understand poetry unless it rhymes. And I was probably about 16 when I wrote this. It took me 21 more years to publish a book, so keep that in mind).
Here is my untitled poem:
"To be or not to be" Shakespeare once said.But now, who cares? Shakespeare is dead.The literary giants, so widely acclaimed,yet I can see no reason for their great fame.Crane had "Courage," Golding had "Flies."But I couldn't wait to see their demise.Dickinson, Twain and Bronte too--I can't find where credit is due.These giant messes, they couldn't mend.The only thing that saved them was,"THE END!"
I'm not gonna lie--cleaning this stuff is hard for me as well. When push came to shove, I was not able to get rid of three of my dolls/stuffed animals. The rest I tossed, shedding a tear for my Cabbage Patch Preemie (Linette Elisa) and my Koosa (Sunshine), as well as the Raggedy Ann and Strawberry Shortcake dolls my mom made for me.
I can see how hard it is on my mom throwing this stuff out, especially some of the things that were my grandmother's. But she/we made progress with large piles of things for donations and garbage. I did find some board games that I know my kids will play when they are over there, including this 1980 Star Wars game (check out the price!!!). My brother cleaned out some of his books and gave a bag to my son, who is all excited to read the original Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark series, in addition to Back to the Future.
I found a necklace that my dad gave me when I was sick as a get well present. I was probably five or six.
I also found a bunch of my old school work. While I don't really remember ever wanting to be a writer, I certainly did a lot of writing when I was in elementary and high school. Here is a book review I did for the 7th and 8th grade newspaper:
This was also in that newspaper, which was the November 1989 edition (frankly, I don't remember it at all).
The two other articles are by the girls who were among my closest friends in grade school (Mari-ann, you had an add for a scooter for sale right under my book review).
I found some notes from friends (Kelly, they are hysterical. We have to get together and read through them some day). But then I also found a poem that I wrote, probably in high school. I was apparently disenchanted with some of the classics we had been reading. Ironic, considering I loved high school English (with the exception of Emily Dickinson, who I thought was a freak. I have since matured). I was such a nerd that I probably thought trashing these authors was a huge act of rebellion. I guess it just goes to show that even the literary greats don't always get the best reviews.
(DISCLAIMER: I am NOT a poet. Frankly, I don't even understand poetry unless it rhymes. And I was probably about 16 when I wrote this. It took me 21 more years to publish a book, so keep that in mind).
Here is my untitled poem:
"To be or not to be" Shakespeare once said.But now, who cares? Shakespeare is dead.The literary giants, so widely acclaimed,yet I can see no reason for their great fame.Crane had "Courage," Golding had "Flies."But I couldn't wait to see their demise.Dickinson, Twain and Bronte too--I can't find where credit is due.These giant messes, they couldn't mend.The only thing that saved them was,"THE END!"
May 21, 2014
Stop #2
As I've previously mentioned, I'm doing a blog tour for Hold Her Down. I know many (ok, the four of you who read the blog) are asking, what the heck is a blog tour?
I'm going around and am being featured on a series of blogs. Some blogs feature a book review. Others will feature a guest post that I've written. Some will have an excerpt of Hold Her Down. I did an interview for another.
Today, I'm being featured on Chick Lit Goddess. It is a guest post where I talk about why I write women's fiction. Head over there to check it out.
Also, if you head to the Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours page and leave a comment, you could win a free paperback copy of Hold Her Down (US only)!
I'm going around and am being featured on a series of blogs. Some blogs feature a book review. Others will feature a guest post that I've written. Some will have an excerpt of Hold Her Down. I did an interview for another.
Today, I'm being featured on Chick Lit Goddess. It is a guest post where I talk about why I write women's fiction. Head over there to check it out.
Also, if you head to the Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours page and leave a comment, you could win a free paperback copy of Hold Her Down (US only)!
May 19, 2014
7 Quick Takes for Monday
Ok, so I'm ripping a page out of my dear friend's book and doing this blog entry as a Quick Take's blog. Check out Our Little Nuthouse to see how this should be done.
1. Started the day with a computer that wouldn't turn on. Ominous black screen, but at least no tell tale beeping that signaled death. I learned about that last August when my last laptop died. But do the math here...this laptop is only 8 months old. Too young to die. I took the battery out, put it back in and all seems well. Will be backing up, regardless.
2. Getting a call at the end of a very difficult meeting that your son has a tick embedded in his leg is no way to end the work day. Finding out that the doctor has left for the day, the urgent care I like doesn't open until 5 pm and that the next urgent care will keep us waiting over 90 minutes did not help. However, the very kind woman also waiting a ridiculous amount of time (also with a tick bite) who went out to her car and brought in her cache of kids' books to entertain Sophia did make all the difference.
3. My blog tour kicked off today! I received my first review (4.5 stars!) on Tabby's Tantalizing Reviews. Look for more tour stops with original blog posts and interviews coming up over the next two weeks.
4. When the doctor asked if my ten-year-old could swallow pills, I bit back my urge to comment sarcastically, "As long as they're not horse pills." Perhaps I should have. The antibiotics that he is on, three times a day for the next ten days are, you guessed it, horse pills. Poor kid.
5. My daughter had her last dance lesson the year tonight. She got a ribbon for four years of dance. How can that be? A mental inventory of her costumes (because that is how I remember things) confirmed that this is, in fact, her fourth dance recital.
6. We have a free trial of HBO right now. This is not a good thing. I've been staying up way too late watching movies that I don't even care about. In a related note, very little reading and/or writing is getting done.
7. Watching Dancing With The Stars tonight, they revealed that Meryl Davis has dyslexia. My son asked what that was, and I explained it to him. He asked if that is what he has. I told him that he has ADD, Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder and a Processing Delay. He seemed unphased and went to bed. I went in and told him that despite this laundry list of diagnoses, none of these were WHO he was, simply they described some aspects of his personality or the way he learns. He asked WHO he was. I told him, "You are smart. You are funny. You appreciate a good sense of humor. You are honest, and you are the best son anyone could ask for." He smiled and said, "But it's ok. You know who has Dyslexia too? Percy Jackson. And he has ADHD." And he is totally fine with it all.
1. Started the day with a computer that wouldn't turn on. Ominous black screen, but at least no tell tale beeping that signaled death. I learned about that last August when my last laptop died. But do the math here...this laptop is only 8 months old. Too young to die. I took the battery out, put it back in and all seems well. Will be backing up, regardless.
2. Getting a call at the end of a very difficult meeting that your son has a tick embedded in his leg is no way to end the work day. Finding out that the doctor has left for the day, the urgent care I like doesn't open until 5 pm and that the next urgent care will keep us waiting over 90 minutes did not help. However, the very kind woman also waiting a ridiculous amount of time (also with a tick bite) who went out to her car and brought in her cache of kids' books to entertain Sophia did make all the difference.
3. My blog tour kicked off today! I received my first review (4.5 stars!) on Tabby's Tantalizing Reviews. Look for more tour stops with original blog posts and interviews coming up over the next two weeks.
4. When the doctor asked if my ten-year-old could swallow pills, I bit back my urge to comment sarcastically, "As long as they're not horse pills." Perhaps I should have. The antibiotics that he is on, three times a day for the next ten days are, you guessed it, horse pills. Poor kid.
5. My daughter had her last dance lesson the year tonight. She got a ribbon for four years of dance. How can that be? A mental inventory of her costumes (because that is how I remember things) confirmed that this is, in fact, her fourth dance recital.
6. We have a free trial of HBO right now. This is not a good thing. I've been staying up way too late watching movies that I don't even care about. In a related note, very little reading and/or writing is getting done.
7. Watching Dancing With The Stars tonight, they revealed that Meryl Davis has dyslexia. My son asked what that was, and I explained it to him. He asked if that is what he has. I told him that he has ADD, Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder and a Processing Delay. He seemed unphased and went to bed. I went in and told him that despite this laundry list of diagnoses, none of these were WHO he was, simply they described some aspects of his personality or the way he learns. He asked WHO he was. I told him, "You are smart. You are funny. You appreciate a good sense of humor. You are honest, and you are the best son anyone could ask for." He smiled and said, "But it's ok. You know who has Dyslexia too? Percy Jackson. And he has ADHD." And he is totally fine with it all.
May 15, 2014
Keeping It Real and National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day
I had a conversation with a high school classmate the other day. She, like many people, expressed an amazement that I have found time to write novels, in addition to being a mother and working close to full time. To which, I responded glibly, "Yeah, but my house is never clean." People think I'm being funny. I'm not. I'm being real. I clean something everyday. I pick up something, I fold something, I wipe up/down something, I put something away. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.
But the house is never all clean at the same time. And, that is alright with me. I wish I lived in a spotless house. I wish it were clean. I wish there was no clutter (the clutter is my true enemy, to be honest). But it's not. Because, here I am, at 6:30 pm on Thursday. I have my pajamas on already. I'm waiting for my Twitter chat at 8 pm when I will crack open an adult beverage and chat with some great ladies during the fastest 60 minutes of the week. I could be folding laundry. I could be cleaning a toilet or mopping a floor, but I'm not. I'm writing.
This is me. Cluttered, messy me.
In HOLD HER DOWN, I touched on the pressure that the main character, Elizabeth, faces in trying to live up to the standards of perfection that her peers have established. That was kind of a true thing. I cringe whenever I hear another mother talk about Pinterest. Not to say I don't use it, I do. I find it very helpful for building my story boards for my books. But when I hear about finding recipes and crafts, I cringe. That is so not me, and I don't want to play that game. I don't need to play that game. That game is not healthy for me.
I think we need to be a little more real to ourselves a little more often. We are not those perfect moms that we strive to be. We have our faults. A lot of us keep a lot together a lot of the time. Most of the time. But we need to allow ourselves the space and forgiveness not to be perfect.
I'm going to make another reveal that will certainly lower your opinion of me. It is related to the second part of the title. Today is National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day. I know that every day is some day, but a day for cookies--sounds good to me. But then comes the pressure. Friend after friend has posted and pinned recipes for the cookies they are going to make. Yeah, I don't really like to bake. I read through recipes, and mentally inventoried my pantry. Yep, I could make them. But, nope, I won't. I didn't and I'm not going to. I'm beat. I made my husband pick up Chinese food, just so I didn't have to cook (he wasn't supposed to be home, so we were going to have sandwiches or leftovers). I did the next best thing--I whipped out the ready-to-bake cookies and popped them in the oven.
I got two thumbs up from my son and daughter (who is a very tough critic). Yeah, that's enough for me.
P.S.: If baking is your thing, here's a recipe you should try. It is featured in the novel, Thirty-Two Going on Spinster by my friend, and super-real mom, Becky Monson. Her main character, Julia, has a serious baking fixation. Becky assures me that all the recipes in the book have been tried out. If you like desserts at all (and appreciate humor and good writing), this book is for you. Without ado:
Julia's Chocolate Chip Cookies
2 sticks of butter softened to room temp (use REAL SALTED butter)
2 tsp vanilla (use REAL vanilla, no imitation junk)
½ cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
3 cups flour
Milk Chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 375º
**The key to this recipe is all in the mixing, the REAL butter, and the REAL vanilla.***
In mixer beat butter until fluffy (approx 2 minutes), add vanilla and mix for 1 more minute. Add both sugars and beat until light and fluffy (about 4-5 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each egg. Add salt and baking soda and mix again. Add flour one cup and a time, mixing after each cup. Add chocolate chips last.
Using a cookie scoop, form into balls and place on sheet at least 2 inches apart. Press down with the back of a spoon to slightly flatten cookie before baking (this will keep it from staying in a ball).
Bake for 8 minutes, until the base of the cookie is a very light brown color. Put them on a plate, grab some milk and go eat your feelings in front of the television. You have my blessing.
But the house is never all clean at the same time. And, that is alright with me. I wish I lived in a spotless house. I wish it were clean. I wish there was no clutter (the clutter is my true enemy, to be honest). But it's not. Because, here I am, at 6:30 pm on Thursday. I have my pajamas on already. I'm waiting for my Twitter chat at 8 pm when I will crack open an adult beverage and chat with some great ladies during the fastest 60 minutes of the week. I could be folding laundry. I could be cleaning a toilet or mopping a floor, but I'm not. I'm writing.
This is me. Cluttered, messy me.
In HOLD HER DOWN, I touched on the pressure that the main character, Elizabeth, faces in trying to live up to the standards of perfection that her peers have established. That was kind of a true thing. I cringe whenever I hear another mother talk about Pinterest. Not to say I don't use it, I do. I find it very helpful for building my story boards for my books. But when I hear about finding recipes and crafts, I cringe. That is so not me, and I don't want to play that game. I don't need to play that game. That game is not healthy for me.
I think we need to be a little more real to ourselves a little more often. We are not those perfect moms that we strive to be. We have our faults. A lot of us keep a lot together a lot of the time. Most of the time. But we need to allow ourselves the space and forgiveness not to be perfect.
I'm going to make another reveal that will certainly lower your opinion of me. It is related to the second part of the title. Today is National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day. I know that every day is some day, but a day for cookies--sounds good to me. But then comes the pressure. Friend after friend has posted and pinned recipes for the cookies they are going to make. Yeah, I don't really like to bake. I read through recipes, and mentally inventoried my pantry. Yep, I could make them. But, nope, I won't. I didn't and I'm not going to. I'm beat. I made my husband pick up Chinese food, just so I didn't have to cook (he wasn't supposed to be home, so we were going to have sandwiches or leftovers). I did the next best thing--I whipped out the ready-to-bake cookies and popped them in the oven.
I got two thumbs up from my son and daughter (who is a very tough critic). Yeah, that's enough for me.
P.S.: If baking is your thing, here's a recipe you should try. It is featured in the novel, Thirty-Two Going on Spinster by my friend, and super-real mom, Becky Monson. Her main character, Julia, has a serious baking fixation. Becky assures me that all the recipes in the book have been tried out. If you like desserts at all (and appreciate humor and good writing), this book is for you. Without ado:
Julia's Chocolate Chip Cookies
2 sticks of butter softened to room temp (use REAL SALTED butter)
2 tsp vanilla (use REAL vanilla, no imitation junk)
½ cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
3 cups flour
Milk Chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 375º
**The key to this recipe is all in the mixing, the REAL butter, and the REAL vanilla.***
In mixer beat butter until fluffy (approx 2 minutes), add vanilla and mix for 1 more minute. Add both sugars and beat until light and fluffy (about 4-5 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each egg. Add salt and baking soda and mix again. Add flour one cup and a time, mixing after each cup. Add chocolate chips last.
Using a cookie scoop, form into balls and place on sheet at least 2 inches apart. Press down with the back of a spoon to slightly flatten cookie before baking (this will keep it from staying in a ball).
Bake for 8 minutes, until the base of the cookie is a very light brown color. Put them on a plate, grab some milk and go eat your feelings in front of the television. You have my blessing.
May 7, 2014
Two Thumbs Up
Every night when I cook dinner (ok, the three nights a week that I actually cook), I ask the kids what they thought of dinner. My son is generally forthcoming with a thumbs up. My daughter (except on ONE occasion last week) gives me a thumbs medium (thumb sideways) or a thumbs down. She just likes being difficult.
In this case, their reviews help me know what meals they like and don't like (except for my daughter, who, as I may have mentioned, just likes being difficult). But right now, my life is being ruled by a different kind of reviews. The reviews for my book. I never ever thought about reviews and never ever realized what an impact it can make. How important it is. The book selling business is a tricky thing. Reviews get your book noticed and helps to sell your book. But in order to get reviews, you have to sell your book. See that Catch-22 there?
I look at product reviews all the time. Before booking our hotel in NYC, I read dozens and dozens of reviews, and it was the review that led me to book our hotel (and steered me away from the hotel with a roach problem). Last night, I passed over one pair of leggings for another based on their reviews. But until I started selling books, even though Barnes & Noble e-mailed me after each purchase, it never occurred to me to leave reviews for the books I've read.
Leaving reviews seems daunting. Believe me, it is not. Now it is my regular practice to leave reviews for books I've read. I write the review once and copy and paste it to other sites (I post on Amazon, Goodreads and Barnes & Noble). I takes about three minutes. I don't write much, just a few sentences or two. Here are some reviews that I've written:
This is for A QUESTIONABLE FRIENDSHIP by Samantha March
This book blew me out of the water. I was not prepared, nor did I expect this book to unfold the way it did. In that respect, it is very true to life. We often take for granted our friendships and assume they will always endure the tests of life. I related strongly to both main characters in this book. If you've ever had a friend, lost a friend or been a friend, then this book is for you.
Here is another review for DANGLED CARAT by Hilary Grossman.
I jumped into reading this book without realizing that it was a memoir. I was several chapters in before I realized the main character's name was Hilary and said, "Hey--wait a minute!" This book is well written and draws you right in. Your heart breaks along with Hilary's and you (well, at least I did) will want to slap some sense into this commitment-phobic man who can't see the gem he has in front of him. And because it is real-life, it is not predictable. A pleasant read that I recommend!
Pretty short and sweet, and very painless as well. But each one of those made a big difference to the authors who are either independent authors (as I am) or who are with small publishing houses. So please, when you read a book, please leave a review. Even if it is not the most favorable, feedback is appreciated. (Of course, consider that saying, "Wow, those pants make your ass look huge!" may not be received as well as, "While kelly green is a great color on you, perhaps it would be more flattering in a shirt." Just food for thought.) If you tell an author what you did not like about the story, he or she can make changes for next time around. If you liked or even loved the book and would consider telling another living soul about it, then write a review. Please. You have no idea how much it means.
Oh, and don't forget #ChickLitMay:
Click here for the Pinterest board that will show you and link you to all of these great books.
In case anyone was wondering, both books above are on this list!
In this case, their reviews help me know what meals they like and don't like (except for my daughter, who, as I may have mentioned, just likes being difficult). But right now, my life is being ruled by a different kind of reviews. The reviews for my book. I never ever thought about reviews and never ever realized what an impact it can make. How important it is. The book selling business is a tricky thing. Reviews get your book noticed and helps to sell your book. But in order to get reviews, you have to sell your book. See that Catch-22 there?
I look at product reviews all the time. Before booking our hotel in NYC, I read dozens and dozens of reviews, and it was the review that led me to book our hotel (and steered me away from the hotel with a roach problem). Last night, I passed over one pair of leggings for another based on their reviews. But until I started selling books, even though Barnes & Noble e-mailed me after each purchase, it never occurred to me to leave reviews for the books I've read.
Leaving reviews seems daunting. Believe me, it is not. Now it is my regular practice to leave reviews for books I've read. I write the review once and copy and paste it to other sites (I post on Amazon, Goodreads and Barnes & Noble). I takes about three minutes. I don't write much, just a few sentences or two. Here are some reviews that I've written:
This is for A QUESTIONABLE FRIENDSHIP by Samantha March
This book blew me out of the water. I was not prepared, nor did I expect this book to unfold the way it did. In that respect, it is very true to life. We often take for granted our friendships and assume they will always endure the tests of life. I related strongly to both main characters in this book. If you've ever had a friend, lost a friend or been a friend, then this book is for you.
Here is another review for DANGLED CARAT by Hilary Grossman.
I jumped into reading this book without realizing that it was a memoir. I was several chapters in before I realized the main character's name was Hilary and said, "Hey--wait a minute!" This book is well written and draws you right in. Your heart breaks along with Hilary's and you (well, at least I did) will want to slap some sense into this commitment-phobic man who can't see the gem he has in front of him. And because it is real-life, it is not predictable. A pleasant read that I recommend!
Pretty short and sweet, and very painless as well. But each one of those made a big difference to the authors who are either independent authors (as I am) or who are with small publishing houses. So please, when you read a book, please leave a review. Even if it is not the most favorable, feedback is appreciated. (Of course, consider that saying, "Wow, those pants make your ass look huge!" may not be received as well as, "While kelly green is a great color on you, perhaps it would be more flattering in a shirt." Just food for thought.) If you tell an author what you did not like about the story, he or she can make changes for next time around. If you liked or even loved the book and would consider telling another living soul about it, then write a review. Please. You have no idea how much it means.
Oh, and don't forget #ChickLitMay:
Click here for the Pinterest board that will show you and link you to all of these great books.
In case anyone was wondering, both books above are on this list!
May 5, 2014
#ChickLitMay 99 Cent Sale!
Hey all--did you know that May is International Chick Lit Month? Probably not a coincidence that it is also the month of Mother's Day. In order to celebrate (and perhaps help you hook Mom up, showing her what an awesome kid she raised), 26 chick lit authors are celebrating by putting their books on sale for just $0.99! That means you can get 26 books for less than $26. Think about that--26 books for less than $26. That's an unbelievable deal if I've ever seen one.
Not convinced? Check them all out on this Pinterest board:
Pinterest board where all books on sale are listed:
http://www.pinterest.com/opheliawrites/99centchicklit/
Okay, I know you wanna start one-clicking. Here ya go, click away!
A Heat of the Moment Thing by Maggie Le Pagehttp://www.amazon.com/Heat-Moment-Thing-Maggie-Page-ebook/dp/B00BUCJV70 A Questionable Friendship by Samantha Marchhttp://www.amazon.com/Questionable-Friendship-Samantha-March-ebook/dp/B00II9EDR6 Another Saturday Night and I Ain't Got No Body by Jennie Martshttp://www.amazon.com/Another-Saturday-Night-Turners-Novel-ebook/dp/B00AQPJ924 Blogger Girl by Meredith Schorrhttp://www.amazon.com/Blogger-Girl-Meredith-Schorr-ebook/dp/B00EDTLDSW Breaking the Rules by Cat Lavoiehttp://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Rules-Cat-Lavoie-ebook/dp/B008UZYPLW Dangled Carat by Hilary Grossmanhttp://www.amazon.com/Dangled-Carat-Hilary-Grossman-ebook/dp/B00F55HITQ Divine Moves by Ellyn Oaksmithhttp://www.amazon.com/Divine-Moves-Ellyn-Oaksmith-ebook/dp/B00H1ZC8UW Exactly Where They'd Fall by Laura Rae Amoshttp://www.amazon.com/Exactly-Where-Theyd-Fall-Laura-ebook/dp/B008OWGPI2 For the Love of Cupcakes by Anita Kushwahahttp://www.amazon.com/Love-Cupcakes-Anita-Kushwaha-ebook/dp/B00DW7WGTG French Twist by Glynis Astiehttp://www.amazon.com/French-Twist-Glynis-Astie-ebook/dp/B00EUF203Q Good Intentions by Kathryn Bielhttp://www.amazon.com/Good-Intentions-Kathryn-R-Biel-ebook/dp/B00D4KMJ8O Hard Hats and Doormats by Laura Chapmanhttp://www.amazon.com/Hard-Hats-Doormats-Laura-Chapman-ebook/dp/B00H7OME88 Here, Home, Hope by Kaira Roudahttp://www.amazon.com/Here-Home-Hope-Womens-Fiction-ebook/dp/B004YKTEHC In Need of Therapy by Tracie Banisterhttp://www.amazon.com/In-Need-of-Therapy-ebook/dp/B008N6Z36Y Let's Be Frank by Brea Brownhttp://www.amazon.com/Lets-Be-Frank-Brea-Brown-ebook/dp/B00IE7LW12 Lila's Choice by Laura Brownhttp://www.amazon.com/Lilas-Choice-Laura-Brown-ebook/dp/B00IA6IKV2 Mail-Order Groom by Cindy Flores Martinezhttp://www.amazon.com/Mail-Order-Groom-Cindy-Flores-Martinez-ebook/dp/B00IBD5THC Mr Right and Other Mongrels by Monique McDonellhttp://www.amazon.com/Right-Other-Mongrels-Monique-McDonell-ebook/dp/B0086L8NBS Open My Eyes by Jennifer Collinhttp://www.amazon.com/Open-My-Eyes-Jennifer-Collin-ebook/dp/B00JJNWIV8 Reframing Emma by Missy Kiersteadhttp://www.amazon.com/Reframing-Emma-Missy-Kierstead-ebook/dp/B00J0B7V7K Speaking of Love by Ophelia Londonhttp://www.amazon.com/Speaking-Love-Perfect-Kisses-Entangled-ebook/dp/B00BFQDFZA Tear Stained Beaches by Courtney Giardinahttp://www.amazon.com/Tear-Stained-Beaches-Courtney-Giardina-ebook/dp/B00BIP6CQW The Accidental Prophetess by Michelle Lamhttp://www.amazon.com/Accidental-Prophetess-Michelle-Lam-ebook/dp/B00IMRDZJG The Bad Girls' Club by Kathryn O'Halloranhttp://www.amazon.com/Bad-Girls-Club-Kathryn-OHalloran-ebook/dp/B00ASACHNU When Girlfriends Collection (Books 1-3) by Savannah Pagehttp://www.amazon.com/When-Girlfriends-Collection-Books-1-3-ebook/dp/B00D3LX456 Whiskey and Gumdrops by Jean Oramhttp://www.amazon.com/Whiskey-Gumdrops-Blueberry-Springs-Contemporary-ebook/dp/B00GCDODSE
April 30, 2014
Face Time by S.J. Pajonas: A Book That CANNOT Be Missed
Never have I been so happy to write about someone else's incredible work. Sometimes I sign up for these things on a whim, figuring, "Yeah, sure, I'll help out." This was one of the most rewarding whims I've ever had. So, without further ado, let me tell you about Face Time (Love in the Digital Age #1) by S.J. Pajonas.
Book Blitz: Face Time (Love in the Digital Age #1) by SJ Pajonas
Today is my stop during the book blitz for Face Time (Love in the Digital Age #1) by SJ Pajonas. This book blitz is organized by Lola's Blog Tours. This blitz takes place on 25, 28 and 30 April, you can view the whole blitz schedule here: http://lolasblogtours.net/book-blitz-face-time-by-sj-pajonas/
Face Time (Love in the Digital Age #1)
By SJ PajonasGenre: Contemporary RomanceAge category: AdultRelease Date: April 25, 2014
Blurb:After the best first date ever, Lee thought Laura was funny, intelligent, and impulsive; a whirlwind of bright laughter and happiness. Laura loved Lee's sweet smile and the way he expertly filled in every awkward pause. He held her hand and then pulled her in for the most perfect kiss she’s had in years. What could possibly be wrong? Just the 7000 miles that separates them the next day.
Even though Lee has gone home to Seoul, Laura can't stop thinking about him. What starts as an innocent text thanking him for their dinner date becomes something much more: someone either of them can't live without. But Laura's got a live-in mother going through a midlife crisis, and Lee's stressful traveling schedule means they'll be apart for some time. Life, family, and a complicated past also get in the way, and they're both going to need actual face time to figure it out.
Does that sound enticing enough? Want more? I bet you do! So, here is an excerpt. You know, just a taste to wet the whistle but leave you wanting more...
I guess I’m sick of New York because I haven’t been away from here in five years. Most people need a break from the city. Mary, my boss, keeps pushing me to take a vacation, but I always wave her off. Shit, I would love to leave — am dying to leave — but I have been saving every spare penny so I can move out someday soon. My mother moved in saying, “Oh honey, it’s only for a few months, and then I’ll buy my own place.” That was over three years ago. When six months passed and she was on her second boyfriend and hadn’t looked at any real estate in the city, I knew she was never going to leave.Taking out my iPhone, I aim the camera at the sun setting on my street. If I tilt it around, I can catch a sun glare off the tops of the cars and another couple walking towards me holding hands. Click. I attach the photo to a text to Lee and hit send before picking up my bag and heading inside.The door creaking open to my apartment is the only noise I hear when my phone buzzes in my purse.
Lee ParkI love your street. Looks like a beautiful day.
Laura MerchantIt is. Let me get my iPad set up in the kitchen and we can talk.
Lee ParkOk. Call me when you’re ready.
I grab my iPad out of my bag and stand it up in the kitchen, but then remember what I’m about to do. Third date. I run back down the hall to the bathroom, stumbling over my shoes in the hallway, and quickly touch up my makeup and wash my hands. I should try to look good for Lee, right?He lives in Seoul.Fuck, he lives in Seoul.I pause and examine myself in the mirror. Why do I fall for the unavailable ones? He seems to like me too, but with seven thousand miles between us, we can’t be physical. What if this goes somewhere, we finally get together, and the sex is horrible? But the kiss was great. The kiss was legendary, the best I’ve ever had, and I’ve kissed at least thirty boys. The sex will be good, right? What am I thinking? I’m skipping way ahead. Screw it. If the sex is bad, I’ll figure out what to do about it later.In the kitchen, I initiate the call, and wait until Lee’s face pops up on my screen. He was handsome in a suit, heart-stopping in a sweater, but, full-on gorgeous in a t-shirt. His arms and chest stretch the tight black shirt over every curve of muscle, and I have to close my eyes and turn my head away. I may be so turned on that I’m nauseous.“Hi,” he says, and I turn my face back to the iPad. “Are you okay?”“Yes, fine. It’s nothing.” Nothing at all. Just that you’re so hot and so far away. It kills me that I can’t touch you. “I’m hungry. Just got home from Connecticut.”He nods and sits down in his chair at the table where he took the last call. I don’t think he’s done anything with his unruly hair since he woke up, but bedhead suits him.“Well, eat and tell me about your day.”
And here is a glimpse of the crazy talented author:
S. J. Pajonas loves all things Asian and has been in love with Japan and the East for as long as she can remember. Writing about Asia and Japan came naturally after studying the culture and language for over fifteen years. She studied film and screenwriting first and eventually segued into fiction once she was no longer working a full-time job.
Face Time is the first novel in the Love in the Digital Age series, and Pajonas's first foray into Korean culture and families. Along with Removed and Released in the Nogiku Series, she continues to take the cultures of Asia and weave them into stories that appeal to people from around the world. Her writing is described as unique and unpredictable. Expect the unexpected.
Stephanie lives with her husband and two children just outside of New York City. She loves reading, writing, film, J- and K-dramas, knitting, and astrology. Her favorite author is Haruki Murakami and favorite book is The Wind-up Bird Chronicle.
Learn more at www.spajonas.com
REVIEW:
This book should come with a disclaimer--WARNING: EXCELLENT BOOK AHEAD. YOU WILL NOT SLEEP UNTIL YOU FINISH READING. This story grabbed me right in and I could not put it down. It is modern and romantic and different. The writing was so captivating. I was immediately drawn into both Laura and Lee's worlds, rooting for the to succeed despite the odds. There is no predictability; no cliched love story here. It is real life. How we put others' need before our own. How family does not live up to expectations. How ancient culture can affect our modern world. Ms. Pajonas' writing is a breath of fresh air, unique and flavored with the spices of the Far East. It may be different than what is out there, but that is what sets it far ahead of other contemporary romances. I very rarely give books five-star ratings, and almost never to romances. However, this book deserves all five-stars. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series, and all the ones thereafter. Bravo, Ms. Pajonas. Bravo.
Book Blitz: Face Time (Love in the Digital Age #1) by SJ Pajonas
Today is my stop during the book blitz for Face Time (Love in the Digital Age #1) by SJ Pajonas. This book blitz is organized by Lola's Blog Tours. This blitz takes place on 25, 28 and 30 April, you can view the whole blitz schedule here: http://lolasblogtours.net/book-blitz-face-time-by-sj-pajonas/
Face Time (Love in the Digital Age #1)
By SJ PajonasGenre: Contemporary RomanceAge category: AdultRelease Date: April 25, 2014
Blurb:After the best first date ever, Lee thought Laura was funny, intelligent, and impulsive; a whirlwind of bright laughter and happiness. Laura loved Lee's sweet smile and the way he expertly filled in every awkward pause. He held her hand and then pulled her in for the most perfect kiss she’s had in years. What could possibly be wrong? Just the 7000 miles that separates them the next day.
Even though Lee has gone home to Seoul, Laura can't stop thinking about him. What starts as an innocent text thanking him for their dinner date becomes something much more: someone either of them can't live without. But Laura's got a live-in mother going through a midlife crisis, and Lee's stressful traveling schedule means they'll be apart for some time. Life, family, and a complicated past also get in the way, and they're both going to need actual face time to figure it out.
Does that sound enticing enough? Want more? I bet you do! So, here is an excerpt. You know, just a taste to wet the whistle but leave you wanting more...
I guess I’m sick of New York because I haven’t been away from here in five years. Most people need a break from the city. Mary, my boss, keeps pushing me to take a vacation, but I always wave her off. Shit, I would love to leave — am dying to leave — but I have been saving every spare penny so I can move out someday soon. My mother moved in saying, “Oh honey, it’s only for a few months, and then I’ll buy my own place.” That was over three years ago. When six months passed and she was on her second boyfriend and hadn’t looked at any real estate in the city, I knew she was never going to leave.Taking out my iPhone, I aim the camera at the sun setting on my street. If I tilt it around, I can catch a sun glare off the tops of the cars and another couple walking towards me holding hands. Click. I attach the photo to a text to Lee and hit send before picking up my bag and heading inside.The door creaking open to my apartment is the only noise I hear when my phone buzzes in my purse.
Lee ParkI love your street. Looks like a beautiful day.
Laura MerchantIt is. Let me get my iPad set up in the kitchen and we can talk.
Lee ParkOk. Call me when you’re ready.
I grab my iPad out of my bag and stand it up in the kitchen, but then remember what I’m about to do. Third date. I run back down the hall to the bathroom, stumbling over my shoes in the hallway, and quickly touch up my makeup and wash my hands. I should try to look good for Lee, right?He lives in Seoul.Fuck, he lives in Seoul.I pause and examine myself in the mirror. Why do I fall for the unavailable ones? He seems to like me too, but with seven thousand miles between us, we can’t be physical. What if this goes somewhere, we finally get together, and the sex is horrible? But the kiss was great. The kiss was legendary, the best I’ve ever had, and I’ve kissed at least thirty boys. The sex will be good, right? What am I thinking? I’m skipping way ahead. Screw it. If the sex is bad, I’ll figure out what to do about it later.In the kitchen, I initiate the call, and wait until Lee’s face pops up on my screen. He was handsome in a suit, heart-stopping in a sweater, but, full-on gorgeous in a t-shirt. His arms and chest stretch the tight black shirt over every curve of muscle, and I have to close my eyes and turn my head away. I may be so turned on that I’m nauseous.“Hi,” he says, and I turn my face back to the iPad. “Are you okay?”“Yes, fine. It’s nothing.” Nothing at all. Just that you’re so hot and so far away. It kills me that I can’t touch you. “I’m hungry. Just got home from Connecticut.”He nods and sits down in his chair at the table where he took the last call. I don’t think he’s done anything with his unruly hair since he woke up, but bedhead suits him.“Well, eat and tell me about your day.”
And here is a glimpse of the crazy talented author:
S. J. Pajonas loves all things Asian and has been in love with Japan and the East for as long as she can remember. Writing about Asia and Japan came naturally after studying the culture and language for over fifteen years. She studied film and screenwriting first and eventually segued into fiction once she was no longer working a full-time job.
Face Time is the first novel in the Love in the Digital Age series, and Pajonas's first foray into Korean culture and families. Along with Removed and Released in the Nogiku Series, she continues to take the cultures of Asia and weave them into stories that appeal to people from around the world. Her writing is described as unique and unpredictable. Expect the unexpected.
Stephanie lives with her husband and two children just outside of New York City. She loves reading, writing, film, J- and K-dramas, knitting, and astrology. Her favorite author is Haruki Murakami and favorite book is The Wind-up Bird Chronicle.
Learn more at www.spajonas.com
REVIEW:
This book should come with a disclaimer--WARNING: EXCELLENT BOOK AHEAD. YOU WILL NOT SLEEP UNTIL YOU FINISH READING. This story grabbed me right in and I could not put it down. It is modern and romantic and different. The writing was so captivating. I was immediately drawn into both Laura and Lee's worlds, rooting for the to succeed despite the odds. There is no predictability; no cliched love story here. It is real life. How we put others' need before our own. How family does not live up to expectations. How ancient culture can affect our modern world. Ms. Pajonas' writing is a breath of fresh air, unique and flavored with the spices of the Far East. It may be different than what is out there, but that is what sets it far ahead of other contemporary romances. I very rarely give books five-star ratings, and almost never to romances. However, this book deserves all five-stars. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series, and all the ones thereafter. Bravo, Ms. Pajonas. Bravo.
April 27, 2014
Green for Genevieve
An unassuming green binder sat quietly on the shelf in the room where she died, sixteen years ago today. That was one of the things that my grandmother left behind. A binder full of her handwritten essays, the product of a creative-writing class that she took six years before cancer took her. My father hastily typed it up, had it bound and distributed it to family members. It contains stories of her childhood and marriage. There are genealogy lists and random thoughts. There is the floor plan for the house she grew up in, and the story of her first date with my grandfather. It is odds and ends of her life and it is my inspiration.
I was just becoming a person when my grandmother passed away. I dream of her often and wake up sad that she is again gone. As an adult, a mother, I so wish I could talk to her. She raised eleven children, and I just wish I could ask her how on earth she did it.
I'm sure she was a very flawed individual, as we all are. I know she yelled too much (as I do). She smoked cigarettes (the long thin brown ones) which resulted in her lung cancer and death (I stopped smoking when she died). But I'd like to think that I am like her. She was smart (graduating from high school at 15, simply because she caught on quickly). She was resourceful and had a great sense of humor. She sewed and read and apparently wrote for fun. She wanted to be a dancer, like Ginger Rogers. She had an eclectic fashion sense and style that completely and totally worked for her, with a love of fabulous shoes. Her favorite color was green, just as mine is. Her eyes were green, just as mine are.
Whenever I take out my sewing machine, I wonder if she is proud of me. When I explain to both my children why we have narrow feet with even narrower heels that make shoe shopping difficult, I know she feels my pain (afterall, I did inherit those terribly narrow heels from her). When I buy a pair of shoes with an ankle strap, I know she would approve. When I say something funny, I know it is because I got her sense of humor. When I wear yet another green outfit, I hope she would like it. When I wear her green bracelet to my book signing, I feel like she is there with me.
I'd like to think that she would have loved to read my books. That she would be proud of what I have accomplished, in my career, with writing and as a parent. Although not terribly demonstrative, I know she would be right here, supporting me, as she did with everything I did.
Grandma, today I'm wearing green and thinking about you.
I was just becoming a person when my grandmother passed away. I dream of her often and wake up sad that she is again gone. As an adult, a mother, I so wish I could talk to her. She raised eleven children, and I just wish I could ask her how on earth she did it.
I'm sure she was a very flawed individual, as we all are. I know she yelled too much (as I do). She smoked cigarettes (the long thin brown ones) which resulted in her lung cancer and death (I stopped smoking when she died). But I'd like to think that I am like her. She was smart (graduating from high school at 15, simply because she caught on quickly). She was resourceful and had a great sense of humor. She sewed and read and apparently wrote for fun. She wanted to be a dancer, like Ginger Rogers. She had an eclectic fashion sense and style that completely and totally worked for her, with a love of fabulous shoes. Her favorite color was green, just as mine is. Her eyes were green, just as mine are.
Whenever I take out my sewing machine, I wonder if she is proud of me. When I explain to both my children why we have narrow feet with even narrower heels that make shoe shopping difficult, I know she feels my pain (afterall, I did inherit those terribly narrow heels from her). When I buy a pair of shoes with an ankle strap, I know she would approve. When I say something funny, I know it is because I got her sense of humor. When I wear yet another green outfit, I hope she would like it. When I wear her green bracelet to my book signing, I feel like she is there with me.
I'd like to think that she would have loved to read my books. That she would be proud of what I have accomplished, in my career, with writing and as a parent. Although not terribly demonstrative, I know she would be right here, supporting me, as she did with everything I did.
Grandma, today I'm wearing green and thinking about you.
April 23, 2014
Now It's Time to Beg...
So, you know that dream you have where you're out in public naked and you're totally embarrassed? I keep having that. Except I'm fully clothed.
My mortification comes from the fact that, in my dream, I'm at my first ever author event and only seven people show up.
Seven.
Out of all the people I know in this world, only seven are at my book event, and three of them are library staff. Yep, this is my recurring dream right now.
Thank goodness for melatonin, or I would be getting no sleep at all this week.
My first ever author event is tomorrow. As in 26 hours from now. (Eeek, pause for momentary freak out).
I will be doing a reading, discussion and book signing at the Waterford Public Library. Yes, it is a small library. No, it is not Barnes & Noble. I'm totally okay with that. Actually, I'm more than okay. I'm really happy that my first ever author event is in Waterford. I grew up going to the Waterford Public Library on a weekly basis (back when it was in the Town Hall). I can still see it in my head, the marble floors in the foyer. The children's side, the adult side. And the books (not to mention the puppets in the back which my mother never ever let me check out). I read book after book in that library. I did the summer reading programs there. Mrs. Ronissi (sorry if I spelled that wrong) was the librarian my whole childhood. I grew to love reading in that library. It is only fitting that I start my career as a writer there. Never did I even begin to imagine that my books would be on the shelf in that library.
I am IN the library. How cool is that?
So, this is where I get all desperate and beg. Please come out and see me. Listen to me read from my book. Participate in the discussion. If you feel so inclined, purchase one (or both) of my books and let me sign it for you. Be a body in the room so that there are more than seven people there.
WHEN: Thursday, April 24, 2014 at 6:30 pm
WHERE: Waterford Public Library 117 3rd Street, Waterford, NY
My mortification comes from the fact that, in my dream, I'm at my first ever author event and only seven people show up.
Seven.
Out of all the people I know in this world, only seven are at my book event, and three of them are library staff. Yep, this is my recurring dream right now.
Thank goodness for melatonin, or I would be getting no sleep at all this week.
My first ever author event is tomorrow. As in 26 hours from now. (Eeek, pause for momentary freak out).
I will be doing a reading, discussion and book signing at the Waterford Public Library. Yes, it is a small library. No, it is not Barnes & Noble. I'm totally okay with that. Actually, I'm more than okay. I'm really happy that my first ever author event is in Waterford. I grew up going to the Waterford Public Library on a weekly basis (back when it was in the Town Hall). I can still see it in my head, the marble floors in the foyer. The children's side, the adult side. And the books (not to mention the puppets in the back which my mother never ever let me check out). I read book after book in that library. I did the summer reading programs there. Mrs. Ronissi (sorry if I spelled that wrong) was the librarian my whole childhood. I grew to love reading in that library. It is only fitting that I start my career as a writer there. Never did I even begin to imagine that my books would be on the shelf in that library.
I am IN the library. How cool is that?
So, this is where I get all desperate and beg. Please come out and see me. Listen to me read from my book. Participate in the discussion. If you feel so inclined, purchase one (or both) of my books and let me sign it for you. Be a body in the room so that there are more than seven people there.
WHEN: Thursday, April 24, 2014 at 6:30 pm
WHERE: Waterford Public Library 117 3rd Street, Waterford, NY
