Laura Chapman's Blog, page 13
April 14, 2016
finding my center out west
Alliance, Nebraska, home of Carhenge.I went on a little adventure this week.
When I'm not working on a novel, binge-watching Netflix, reading a new book, or re-reading a favorite, I am a communications coordinator at a museum. For the past few years, I have managed the museum's social and website presence, along with press releases, advertising, promotional materials, and so on. For that reason (at least I'm assuming), I was asked to present on best practices for social media and websites at a statewide museum conference earlier this week. Not only was I honored to be asked, I was excited about the journey I'd make to and from.
They held the conference in Alliance, which is located in the Nebraska panhandle. I'm a pretty terrible Nebraskan in that I've spent most of my life living in the southeast corner of the state, never venturing far from I-80. This would be my first chance to explore a whole other part of the state, traveling through the legendary Sandhills along the way. Once I gained permission from my boss, I happily agreed to attend.
That was a few months ago.
I'll admit, by the time the trip rolled around on Monday, I wasn't particularly excited anymore. I've been in an off mood the past couple of months. A lot of the anxiety issues—and the reactionary lows—I've dealt with in the past have resurfaced lately. More often than not, I feel like there's a pile of bricks on my chest and a haze of fog around my brain. Like I can't draw a proper breath or a thought. It's a claustrophobia of sorts. Add in the troubles I've had sleeping, exacerbated by seasonal allergies, and I'm always tired and drained.
The once exciting prospect of driving back and forth across the wide openness of my state in a compact car by myself had lost some of its appeal.
I'd worked myself up into a pretty good state over the weekend worrying about it. I tossed and turned Sunday night. What if I had car troubles? What if my motel was a huge dive with bed bugs? What if I forgot something? What if I bombed my presentation? What if something happened to the cats while I was away? What if? What if? What if?
The once virtually fearless traveler inside of me was gone. In her place I found a pessimistic worrier, who I don't particularly like, but can't seem to shake.
With a night of those worries turning over and over in my mind, I didn't exactly bounce out of bed ready to go. In fact I dragged my heels as I checked my overnight bag, washed my hair, and picked up the vehicle I was taking for the drive. I hugged the kittens good-bye, plugged my iPhone into the charger and speakers, and eventually pulled out of the driveway.
I hadn't been on the interstate more than fifteen minutes when my mood shifted. With every mile that passed by, the worries slipped away. It was like brick after brick of pressure crumbled from my chest. The beauty of the farmland turning green after winter rejuvenated me. My inner adventurer woke up. Maybe it was the purple wildflowers coming into bloom. Maybe it was the empty openness of my surroundings. Maybe it was the freedom of the road. Whatever it was, after shifting between high-strung and depletion, I found some balance.
We live in a beautiful, interesting world. It can also be ugly, scary, unkind, and a lot of other bad things. Unfortunately, all too often, I get hung up on those elements. But while I drove across Nebraska, I was able to ignore those parts. I could focus on the good, the simple. The scenery that could have been brushstrokes on a canvas if I wasn't living in it.
During my drive, I saw landmarks, like part of the Nebraska National Forest. (Yeah, we have one. In two districts, actually. This one is the Bessey Ranger District. Don't let the fact that it was created in the middle of the Great Plains make you think any less of it.)
And as the Smokey Bear sign nearby reminded us,only we can prevent forest fires.
I was able to make observations about my surroundings, which resulted in witty, charming, and on-the-nose responses from my little sister.
We are always up for a Dumb & Dumber reference.Always.
And I even made it to Carhenge, a true Nebraska treasure.
Though I'd planned to listen to an audiobook during my 12-plus hours on the road, I ended up rocking out to my playlists for Hard Hats and Doormats and Queen of the League Book Three (which will be published this upcoming football season, I hope). Back in my true road warrior days, I made a regular practice of playing American Idol and singing along to whatever I had playing on the radio. I gave my vocal chords a workout—and likely would have scared anyone who witnessed my in-car karaoke spectacle had there been anyone around.
As a nod to my railroad background, I paid attention to the trains I saw on the mainline track that follows Highway 2. Of the six I saw while I was heading west, five were full east-bound coal cars (which wasn't unexpected, given that coal from Wyoming heads east along that route) and one was an manifest train with several international cars on it. I saw even more trains on the way back. All but two were westbound empty coal trains. (Again, no surprise.) The two heading east were full coal trains. This maybe doesn't make sense to you—I've maybe even lost a few who didn't sign up for this post to learn about trains. But there was something kind of comforting about looking at those trains rolling past—or alongside—me, and understanding them. It was like catching up with an old acquaintance. Though times have changed, we are still a lot the same.
I also played a rousing session of windmill. If you aren't familiar, it's pretty easy. Whenever you spot a windmill, you stop whatever you're doing and shout "windmill." It's best when played in pairs or groups—because you always want to be the first one to say it. Even though I was on my own, I still cracked up whenever I interrupted my concert to shout and point "windmill!"
On the drive home, I conducted a bit of a social experiment, or rather an observation. It started when, a few miles out of Alliance, I passed an oncoming truck. The driver, a gentleman in a cowboy hat, gave me the rancher hello. Again, if you aren't familiar, it's where you lift one or two fingers on the steering wheel in greeting to the vehicles you cross. Living in a city like Lincoln—and being years removed from these regular sightings when I drove all over Texas—I found myself charmed by the gesture. When the next vehicle I crossed—an SUV with a young man in a ball cap—gave me the rancher wave too, I was intrigued. So I kept a running tally of who I passed between Alliance and Mullen, located about 90 minutes away. During that time, I met about 20 vehicles. None of the sedans, and none of the women waved. Of the remaining—which accounted for the majority—all but two men driving trucks or SUVs gave the wave. And all of them were wearing cowboy hats and ball caps. (The two no waves were bare-headed, and one was bald.)
The waving stopped around Mullen, and that was okay. I was too distracted by the rolling hills and the beautiful male pheasant that chose to step in front of my car at last-minute, which left me a little devastated.
While playing my games and workshopping future karaoke numbers, I had a lot of time to think. Rather than focus on the issues that have been plaguing my mind the past couple of months, I thought about future stories I'd like to tell. I thought about scenes I could write into Queen of the League Book Three. I thought about other adventures I'd like to take, places I'd like to see, life I'd like to experience. I dreamed and I schemed, and I took a lot of deep breaths. While thinking about what I might do in the future, I somehow managed to stay fully engaged in my present.
By the time I pulled back into Lincoln late Tuesday night, I was even more tired than when I left. I also felt more like myself than I have in a long time. I didn't come out of the experience with any answers or solutions. My fears and pressures were waiting for me. At least I had that brief reprieve. I could remember that those often scary waves of anxiety and depression don't last forever. That has to count for something.
But I made a few memories. They might not be particularly newsworthy or notable to anyone else. Still, they belong to me. They're part of me. That counts for everything.
***Let's keep in touch. Connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.***
April 13, 2016
interview with 'love, alabama' author susan sands
Blogger's Note: Today Susan Sands, author of Love, Alabama, is stopping for an interview as part of her Chick Lit Plus blog tour. Be sure to check out the other stops and enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter below.
Change the Word: Please give us the elevator pitch on your book:
Susan Sands: Emma Laroux’s a fallen Southern beauty queen whose past is barely whispered about in her small town. But the secrets and lies surrounding her scandal still haunt her, and something about Matthew Pope may hold the answers...if only she could put her finger on it.
Matthew Pope wonders what awful karmic thing he’s done to land him in Podunk, Alabama. But when he sees Emma Laroux again after all this time, he knows he’s still the only one who holds the key to unlocking the truth of her past…
Will a shared moment in time ten years ago threaten the best thing that’s every happened to them – each other?
CTW: What inspired you to tell this story?
SS: I told Emma’s younger sister, Cammie’s story in my first book, Again, Alabama. I received lots of reader interest in Emma. They wanted to know what awful thing had happened to her that was so bad no one dared whisper about it in a small town. When I began the first book and wrote that statement, I’d had no idea what it could have been, I just knew it would have to be something really bad.
CTW: What is your favorite part about this book?
SS: I appreciate Emma’s desire to protect everyone around her. She runs a successful business, jumps in when anyone in the family needs a hand, and doesn’t sit around feeling sorry for herself. I love it when her family decides it’s time they do what’s necessary to help her find true happiness.
CTW: If you could swap places with one of your characters for one day, who would it be, and what would be the first thing you do?
SS: I think it would be Cammie Laroux because she is a television chef. I would have her mad cooking skills and be on television for a day. I would also be married to her hot husband, Grey Harrison. The first thing I would do is whip up her prize-winning pecan pie—because I could.
CTW: Where would you most like to go for a week-long writing retreat?
SS: I often head up to Lake Burton in the North Georgia mountains. It’s only about an hour and a half away but so beautiful and peaceful. I get so much accomplished and it renews my motivation and gives my creativity a much-needed boost.
CTW: What is the best piece of writing advice you've ever received?
SS: It’s the same advice that I pass on to all struggling writers who feel like it’s never going to happen. I know it sounds cliché, but don’t give up. Keep learning, keep writing, keep networking and meeting other writers. The balance of timing, talent and luck will fall your way eventually. Don’t take rejection personally because it isn’t meant to hurt you, it’s meant to better your work.
CTW: What are your top three all-time favorite books that you've read?
SS: That’s the toughest question so far. Hmm…I remember reading Great Expectations in high school and it really stuck with me. So tragic. Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is one of my all-time faves. I’ve read so many over the years. My latest favorite story is The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, mainly because I was so cold and hungry, and my feet were killing me by the end. She really took me on her journey. It was powerful and I felt the pain of the characters. But if I have to be honest, I adore women’s fiction and romance of all sub-genres. Eloisa James, Kristan Higgins, Karen White, Luanne Rice. That’s where it’s at for me.
CTW: What's up next for you and your writing career?
SS: Well, I’m working on the third Alabama book, of course. It will be Ben and Sabine’s story. And I’m writing the first in a new series set in Louisiana, which is actually a complete scratch re-write of my very fist novel that was never published. I loved the setting and characters in that story so much, I had to dig them and give them their shot.
Thanks so much for hosting me today! I’m so thrilled to be here!I love to connect with readers on social media!
About the Book
Emma Laroux’s a fallen Southern beauty queen whose past is barely whispered about in her small town. But the secrets and lies surrounding her scandal still haunt her, and something about Matthew Pope may hold the answers...if only she could put her finger on it.
Matthew Pope wonders what awful karmic thing he’s done to land him in Podunk, Alabama. But when he sees Emma Laroux again after all this time, he knows he’s still the only one who holds the key to unlocking the truth of her past…
Will a shared moment in time ten years ago threaten the best thing that’s ever happened to them – each other?
Buy Love, AlabamaAmazon | Barnes & Noble
About the Author
Susan Sands grew up in a tiny Southern town in Northwest Louisiana near the Texas border. She graduated from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, during the filming of Steel Magnolias on her campus. There’s no more Southern, small town claim to fame than that.
Her characters and setting are pulled from those very Southern, small towns and open spaces, where the air is clean and the words are often spoken with more syllables than necessary, y’all.
Her lifelong love of reading and the realization that her children were growing up and would eventually move on spurred her to try her hand at writing. Susan’s two novels, Again, Alabama, and Love, Alabama, are currently available both in digital format and in print from all online retailers.
Susan lives with her dentist husband and three nearly grown children in Johns Creek, GA. She is a member of the Georgia Romance Writers and the Romance Writers of America.
She loves connecting with readers and can be found at all the fun places:
Facebook | Twitter | Blog
a Rafflecopter giveaway
***Let's keep in touch. Connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.***
Change the Word: Please give us the elevator pitch on your book:
Susan Sands: Emma Laroux’s a fallen Southern beauty queen whose past is barely whispered about in her small town. But the secrets and lies surrounding her scandal still haunt her, and something about Matthew Pope may hold the answers...if only she could put her finger on it.
Matthew Pope wonders what awful karmic thing he’s done to land him in Podunk, Alabama. But when he sees Emma Laroux again after all this time, he knows he’s still the only one who holds the key to unlocking the truth of her past…
Will a shared moment in time ten years ago threaten the best thing that’s every happened to them – each other?
CTW: What inspired you to tell this story?SS: I told Emma’s younger sister, Cammie’s story in my first book, Again, Alabama. I received lots of reader interest in Emma. They wanted to know what awful thing had happened to her that was so bad no one dared whisper about it in a small town. When I began the first book and wrote that statement, I’d had no idea what it could have been, I just knew it would have to be something really bad.
CTW: What is your favorite part about this book?
SS: I appreciate Emma’s desire to protect everyone around her. She runs a successful business, jumps in when anyone in the family needs a hand, and doesn’t sit around feeling sorry for herself. I love it when her family decides it’s time they do what’s necessary to help her find true happiness.
CTW: If you could swap places with one of your characters for one day, who would it be, and what would be the first thing you do?
SS: I think it would be Cammie Laroux because she is a television chef. I would have her mad cooking skills and be on television for a day. I would also be married to her hot husband, Grey Harrison. The first thing I would do is whip up her prize-winning pecan pie—because I could.
CTW: Where would you most like to go for a week-long writing retreat?
SS: I often head up to Lake Burton in the North Georgia mountains. It’s only about an hour and a half away but so beautiful and peaceful. I get so much accomplished and it renews my motivation and gives my creativity a much-needed boost.
CTW: What is the best piece of writing advice you've ever received?
SS: It’s the same advice that I pass on to all struggling writers who feel like it’s never going to happen. I know it sounds cliché, but don’t give up. Keep learning, keep writing, keep networking and meeting other writers. The balance of timing, talent and luck will fall your way eventually. Don’t take rejection personally because it isn’t meant to hurt you, it’s meant to better your work.
CTW: What are your top three all-time favorite books that you've read?
SS: That’s the toughest question so far. Hmm…I remember reading Great Expectations in high school and it really stuck with me. So tragic. Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is one of my all-time faves. I’ve read so many over the years. My latest favorite story is The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, mainly because I was so cold and hungry, and my feet were killing me by the end. She really took me on her journey. It was powerful and I felt the pain of the characters. But if I have to be honest, I adore women’s fiction and romance of all sub-genres. Eloisa James, Kristan Higgins, Karen White, Luanne Rice. That’s where it’s at for me.
CTW: What's up next for you and your writing career?
SS: Well, I’m working on the third Alabama book, of course. It will be Ben and Sabine’s story. And I’m writing the first in a new series set in Louisiana, which is actually a complete scratch re-write of my very fist novel that was never published. I loved the setting and characters in that story so much, I had to dig them and give them their shot.
Thanks so much for hosting me today! I’m so thrilled to be here!I love to connect with readers on social media!
About the Book
Emma Laroux’s a fallen Southern beauty queen whose past is barely whispered about in her small town. But the secrets and lies surrounding her scandal still haunt her, and something about Matthew Pope may hold the answers...if only she could put her finger on it.
Matthew Pope wonders what awful karmic thing he’s done to land him in Podunk, Alabama. But when he sees Emma Laroux again after all this time, he knows he’s still the only one who holds the key to unlocking the truth of her past…
Will a shared moment in time ten years ago threaten the best thing that’s ever happened to them – each other?
Buy Love, AlabamaAmazon | Barnes & Noble
About the Author
Susan Sands grew up in a tiny Southern town in Northwest Louisiana near the Texas border. She graduated from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, during the filming of Steel Magnolias on her campus. There’s no more Southern, small town claim to fame than that.Her characters and setting are pulled from those very Southern, small towns and open spaces, where the air is clean and the words are often spoken with more syllables than necessary, y’all.
Her lifelong love of reading and the realization that her children were growing up and would eventually move on spurred her to try her hand at writing. Susan’s two novels, Again, Alabama, and Love, Alabama, are currently available both in digital format and in print from all online retailers.
Susan lives with her dentist husband and three nearly grown children in Johns Creek, GA. She is a member of the Georgia Romance Writers and the Romance Writers of America.
She loves connecting with readers and can be found at all the fun places:
Facebook | Twitter | Blog
a Rafflecopter giveaway
***Let's keep in touch. Connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.***
April 12, 2016
interview with 'stilettos & scoundrels' author laina turner
Blogger's Note: Today Laina Turner stops by for an interview as part of her Chick Lit Plus blog tour for Stilettos & Scoundrels. Be sure to check out the other posts on the tour for more on this read.
Change the Word: What inspired you to write this story?
Laina Turner: I’ve wanted to be a writer since the 2nd grade and wrote stories but never seriously. While I had big dreams and aspirations, I never felt I could be a “real” writer. When I reached my mid 30’s, I realized there was nothing keeping me from being a “real” writer but myself and I took the plunge. It took two years of effort before I got to the end.
CTW: What was the biggest challenge you faced working on this book at how did you overcome it?
LT: Spending too much time thinking and not enough time writing. I would sit and try to think about how exactly I wanted the chapter or plot as a whole to progress, and I spent a lot of time doing nothing. I’ve learned just to write. Even if it doesn’t make sense. More often than not the ideas flow as I put words on the page.
CTW: What character was your favorite to write?
Because Stilettos & Scoundrels was my first book and Presley Thurman is the main character of this successful series I would have to say it’s her. I’ve tried to evolve her over the years as a person women can identify with enough to enjoy experiencing her journeys through her eyes.
I want readers to enjoy reading about her as much as I enjoy writing about her.
CTW: How did you go about developing the setting?
I live in Indiana, so I wanted to the setting to be in the Midwest because it’s what I know. Chicago is such an exciting city, and I thought it would be a good contrast for her to leave this place she now called home to go back to a smaller, more rural setting. I knew I wanted it to be a place where people knew each other, and there was history.
CTW: What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
I recently was on a flight and downloaded Love Handles by Gretchen Galway and loved it. I read Life Rewritten by Andrea Johnston on the flight back and enjoyed it just as much. They were both fun and entertaining and gave me the escape I needed.
CTW: If you could spend the day hanging out with any fictional character, who would you chose and what would you do?
My father read Tom Clancy when I was growing up, and I picked up a book of his one time when I had nothing else to read. Clancy’s books are action packed and have plot twists that are amazing and the main character Dirk Pitt is a man’s man and a man women, love. I think it's awesome to go on an adventure with him.
It didn’t hurt my fantasy that Matthew McConaughey played Dirk Pitt in a movie.
CTW: What is one piece of advice you would go back and give your 15-year-old self?
To be confident and realize you can do anything you want to. I waited to start my writing career for years because I lacked confidence. It’s brought me, and readers, such joy, and happiness that I wish I would’ve started sooner.
CTW: What’s up next for you and your writing career?
I spent most of 2015 updating and re-edited my early works to get them as perfect as possible. I am working on the last 2 and also a new Presley Thurman mystery coming out this summer. I have an outline for a straight chick lit book I am hoping to have out late fall.
Want to stay up to date on upcoming books, author news, and opportunities for contests and swag? Sign up for my mailing list here. https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pa...
About the Book
Presley tells her boss what he can do with her job in HR and embarks on a new career as a freelance journalist. What seems like a simple interview with a Senator turns to murder when the day after her interview the Senator turns up dead. Does the fact that Presley was one of the last people to see him alive make her a suspect? Her ex-boyfriend Cooper, who was in charge of the Senators security, might think so. Presley is determined to clear her name but can she do it and resist Cooper’s charms?
Find the Book on Amazon | Goodreads
About the Author
As a child Laina thought she would either be a truck driver (thanks to Jerry Reed in Smokey and the Bandit) or work at Taco Bell (her favorite restaurant as a child).
As she grew older she realized her talents lay in academics and business and for the last several years has been a business consultant and college professor where she uses the analytical side of her brain and not the side that makes up stories.
Through all her career choices she has continued to have a passion for writing. This stemmed from childhood whereas an only child she developed a vivid imagination spending most of her time making things up and thinking the Incredible Hulk lived in her closet.
Proud of her vast experiences in life from barrel racing to being on the dance team for a semi pro basketball team to being a mom of 2 amazing kids, she tells her family and friends that no one is safe from their escapades slipping in to her books.
Taking the plunge to write books (cozy mysteries and chick lit) that she actually let people read in 2010, she has worked her way up to being a real author, having 5 fans (maybe 6 now). Her blog, Writing is a Lifestyle, was launched to share the daily fun in the life of a Real Housewife of the Midwest along with the musing of other fabulous ladies.
Connect with LainaFacebook | Twitter | Website
***Let's keep in touch. Connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.***
Change the Word: What inspired you to write this story?
Laina Turner: I’ve wanted to be a writer since the 2nd grade and wrote stories but never seriously. While I had big dreams and aspirations, I never felt I could be a “real” writer. When I reached my mid 30’s, I realized there was nothing keeping me from being a “real” writer but myself and I took the plunge. It took two years of effort before I got to the end.
CTW: What was the biggest challenge you faced working on this book at how did you overcome it?
LT: Spending too much time thinking and not enough time writing. I would sit and try to think about how exactly I wanted the chapter or plot as a whole to progress, and I spent a lot of time doing nothing. I’ve learned just to write. Even if it doesn’t make sense. More often than not the ideas flow as I put words on the page.
CTW: What character was your favorite to write?Because Stilettos & Scoundrels was my first book and Presley Thurman is the main character of this successful series I would have to say it’s her. I’ve tried to evolve her over the years as a person women can identify with enough to enjoy experiencing her journeys through her eyes.
I want readers to enjoy reading about her as much as I enjoy writing about her.
CTW: How did you go about developing the setting?
I live in Indiana, so I wanted to the setting to be in the Midwest because it’s what I know. Chicago is such an exciting city, and I thought it would be a good contrast for her to leave this place she now called home to go back to a smaller, more rural setting. I knew I wanted it to be a place where people knew each other, and there was history.
CTW: What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
I recently was on a flight and downloaded Love Handles by Gretchen Galway and loved it. I read Life Rewritten by Andrea Johnston on the flight back and enjoyed it just as much. They were both fun and entertaining and gave me the escape I needed.
CTW: If you could spend the day hanging out with any fictional character, who would you chose and what would you do?
My father read Tom Clancy when I was growing up, and I picked up a book of his one time when I had nothing else to read. Clancy’s books are action packed and have plot twists that are amazing and the main character Dirk Pitt is a man’s man and a man women, love. I think it's awesome to go on an adventure with him.
It didn’t hurt my fantasy that Matthew McConaughey played Dirk Pitt in a movie.
CTW: What is one piece of advice you would go back and give your 15-year-old self?
To be confident and realize you can do anything you want to. I waited to start my writing career for years because I lacked confidence. It’s brought me, and readers, such joy, and happiness that I wish I would’ve started sooner.
CTW: What’s up next for you and your writing career?
I spent most of 2015 updating and re-edited my early works to get them as perfect as possible. I am working on the last 2 and also a new Presley Thurman mystery coming out this summer. I have an outline for a straight chick lit book I am hoping to have out late fall.
Want to stay up to date on upcoming books, author news, and opportunities for contests and swag? Sign up for my mailing list here. https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pa...
About the Book
Presley tells her boss what he can do with her job in HR and embarks on a new career as a freelance journalist. What seems like a simple interview with a Senator turns to murder when the day after her interview the Senator turns up dead. Does the fact that Presley was one of the last people to see him alive make her a suspect? Her ex-boyfriend Cooper, who was in charge of the Senators security, might think so. Presley is determined to clear her name but can she do it and resist Cooper’s charms?
Find the Book on Amazon | Goodreads
About the Author
As a child Laina thought she would either be a truck driver (thanks to Jerry Reed in Smokey and the Bandit) or work at Taco Bell (her favorite restaurant as a child).As she grew older she realized her talents lay in academics and business and for the last several years has been a business consultant and college professor where she uses the analytical side of her brain and not the side that makes up stories.
Through all her career choices she has continued to have a passion for writing. This stemmed from childhood whereas an only child she developed a vivid imagination spending most of her time making things up and thinking the Incredible Hulk lived in her closet.
Proud of her vast experiences in life from barrel racing to being on the dance team for a semi pro basketball team to being a mom of 2 amazing kids, she tells her family and friends that no one is safe from their escapades slipping in to her books.
Taking the plunge to write books (cozy mysteries and chick lit) that she actually let people read in 2010, she has worked her way up to being a real author, having 5 fans (maybe 6 now). Her blog, Writing is a Lifestyle, was launched to share the daily fun in the life of a Real Housewife of the Midwest along with the musing of other fabulous ladies.
Connect with LainaFacebook | Twitter | Website
***Let's keep in touch. Connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.***
April 7, 2016
critter concerns
I’m a little obsessed when it comes to the notion of rodents in my house. I spend minutes—hours even—analyzing noises, trying to decipher whether it’s the wind, the house settling, or some unwanted critter moving in without asking. How presumptuous! How rude!
The trouble doesn’t stop once I’ve figured out the noise, usually while I’m flat on my back staring at the ceiling, long after I should have gone to sleep. Once you figure out there’s something living in your attic, you can give up any hope of getting a good night’s rest. You’re resigned to doubling up your coffee dosage in the morning an layering on concealer to mask the dark circles that make people think you were out late drinking rather than contemplating the noises in your house.
At least I’m rational enough to know it isn’t a ghost. Our attic has entirely too low of a ceiling for a ghost to live there comfortably. Besides, everyone knows ghosts prefer to be close to the action—the energy sources. They’re far more likely to be lurking in your bedroom watching you sleep once you’ve finally gotten over your sound analysis. Fact: I’ve often woken with a scream in my throat, because I knew someone was watching. It always turns out to be my cat. He gives me a pitiful, wide-eyed stare, because he can’t figure out why I’m reacting so strangely to his obvious sign of affection. It’s flattering, I’m sure, but it’s yet another reason I always keep a full supply of concealer.
But back to the animals in my attic. Realistically, I know it’s probably a mouse. Someone told me the tiny, scurrying flutter could also be bats mating. That doesn’t help. Bats are basically mice with wings. And rabies. I’ve never seen a bat in the house, though, and I pray I never do. Based on how I handle mouse sightings, I can only imagine what kind of wreck I’d be after a run-in with one of their winged associates.
Let me be perfectly clear: I hate mice. I have a long and storied history of my dealings with mice. It’s a little too dramatic to get into the specifics, so you’ll just have to take my word. While I’ve always come out the victor—so far—the journey is never pretty nor particularly flattering.
I actually wrote one of my real-life encounters with a mouse into First & Goal. People tend to assume authors use their real lives as inspiration for their novels. I’m guilty as charged, but it’s not usually in the way they’d think. For one, I pirated that mouse scene. I also once told an interview subject I’d love to catch crabs when I should have said I wanted to go crabbing. I blame that on living my life in the Midwest and never being the outdoorsy type. Regardless, I harvested that story, too, and it founds its way into Hard Hats and Doormats.
I wonder if people on the coasts ever have to worry about crabs sneaking into their houses. If you know the answer, please let me know so we can compare notes on how they stack up to mice.
I don’t really know what to do about mice in my attic, if that is what lives there. I’ve filled the entry points into the house with steel wool and caulking, which is probably enough. Out of sight, out of mind. Except when they’re running midnight relays. Then, I’m too busy imagining the whole scene to remember I’m probably safe from having them move their operations down to the main level. Even if that happens—and I’m always waiting for it to happen—I can usually rationalize that my cats will serve as a secondary defense if the steel wool and caulking fail.
The other night, I was up late reading a book. It’s one published before I was born, so I obviously needed to read it right away before I ran the risk of having it spoiled for me. I was making excellent progress when I heard the noise. This wasn’t the wind or settling. It wasn’t even the flutter of mice or maybe bats. This was heavy footsteps. I froze, and for a whole five seconds, I wondered if I had a human squatting in my attic. I waited for what might happen next, but the steps stopped in fairly short order.
This is 2016, though, so I didn’t have to leave it to my imagination for long. I Googled “animals in the attic” and a whole list of possibilities opened up to me. It’s early spring, so the Internet tells me I quite possibly have a female raccoon or possum up there giving birth. Great.
If that’s the case, one source says it’s no big deal. I should leave them in peace, and they’ll vacate on their own in a few weeks. I’ll be able to sleep well knowing I sheltered one of nature’s enduring miracles and the circle of life. Hakunah matata indeed.
Another source isn’t quite so cheerful. This nest of raccoons or possums, I’m told, is probably leaving piles of feces and puddles of urine as we speak. They’re also probably chewing on electrical wires, which will soon case a fire. They advise me to capture the babies and use them as bait to lure the mother out of the attic.
I don’t know about you guys, but that sounds awful. Call me crazy and reckless, but I’d rather take my chances with the feces and fire than actually try to confront these wild animals, let alone catch them.
Though every source assures me they’re more afraid of me than I am of them, I call bullshit. I am virtually paralyzed with the idea of coming face to face with one of these critters. A possum once crossed my path when I was little and I screamed at it, it screamed at me, and I screamed back. I still wake up in a fright remembering it. (Which again, earns me one of those confused stares from the cat.) I’m too chicken to set traps for mice let alone rig cages intended to abduct babies. And I can’t see that scenario playing out in a way that doesn’t include a raccoon or army of mice jumping out and attacking my face the second I poke my head into the attic. If the scarring and series of shots awaiting me aren’t enough, I’ll also probably lose my balance on the ladder in the fray and end up breaking my neck.
The only good news from this internet search is that if I hear those flurry of light steps during the day, it’s probably squirrels. Somehow, squirrels seem less scary to me than mice and bats and raccoons and possums, but what do I know? I’d really rather not have anything but old Christmas decorations living in the attic. That doesn’t seem to be an option at this point. Unless the old battery-operated rolling Santa is coming to life every night, I have animals. And, okay, that’s maybe actually even creepier to think about than the animals.
I wonder if it might be time to call in professionals. Or maybe I should take that first source’s advice and ride it out. See what happens. Does that make me lazy, cheap, or a wuss?
I should probably check my concealer inventory just in case. I predict a few uneasy nights in my future.
***Let's keep in touch. Connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.***
The trouble doesn’t stop once I’ve figured out the noise, usually while I’m flat on my back staring at the ceiling, long after I should have gone to sleep. Once you figure out there’s something living in your attic, you can give up any hope of getting a good night’s rest. You’re resigned to doubling up your coffee dosage in the morning an layering on concealer to mask the dark circles that make people think you were out late drinking rather than contemplating the noises in your house.
At least I’m rational enough to know it isn’t a ghost. Our attic has entirely too low of a ceiling for a ghost to live there comfortably. Besides, everyone knows ghosts prefer to be close to the action—the energy sources. They’re far more likely to be lurking in your bedroom watching you sleep once you’ve finally gotten over your sound analysis. Fact: I’ve often woken with a scream in my throat, because I knew someone was watching. It always turns out to be my cat. He gives me a pitiful, wide-eyed stare, because he can’t figure out why I’m reacting so strangely to his obvious sign of affection. It’s flattering, I’m sure, but it’s yet another reason I always keep a full supply of concealer.
But back to the animals in my attic. Realistically, I know it’s probably a mouse. Someone told me the tiny, scurrying flutter could also be bats mating. That doesn’t help. Bats are basically mice with wings. And rabies. I’ve never seen a bat in the house, though, and I pray I never do. Based on how I handle mouse sightings, I can only imagine what kind of wreck I’d be after a run-in with one of their winged associates.
Let me be perfectly clear: I hate mice. I have a long and storied history of my dealings with mice. It’s a little too dramatic to get into the specifics, so you’ll just have to take my word. While I’ve always come out the victor—so far—the journey is never pretty nor particularly flattering.
I actually wrote one of my real-life encounters with a mouse into First & Goal. People tend to assume authors use their real lives as inspiration for their novels. I’m guilty as charged, but it’s not usually in the way they’d think. For one, I pirated that mouse scene. I also once told an interview subject I’d love to catch crabs when I should have said I wanted to go crabbing. I blame that on living my life in the Midwest and never being the outdoorsy type. Regardless, I harvested that story, too, and it founds its way into Hard Hats and Doormats.
I wonder if people on the coasts ever have to worry about crabs sneaking into their houses. If you know the answer, please let me know so we can compare notes on how they stack up to mice.
I don’t really know what to do about mice in my attic, if that is what lives there. I’ve filled the entry points into the house with steel wool and caulking, which is probably enough. Out of sight, out of mind. Except when they’re running midnight relays. Then, I’m too busy imagining the whole scene to remember I’m probably safe from having them move their operations down to the main level. Even if that happens—and I’m always waiting for it to happen—I can usually rationalize that my cats will serve as a secondary defense if the steel wool and caulking fail.
The other night, I was up late reading a book. It’s one published before I was born, so I obviously needed to read it right away before I ran the risk of having it spoiled for me. I was making excellent progress when I heard the noise. This wasn’t the wind or settling. It wasn’t even the flutter of mice or maybe bats. This was heavy footsteps. I froze, and for a whole five seconds, I wondered if I had a human squatting in my attic. I waited for what might happen next, but the steps stopped in fairly short order.
This is 2016, though, so I didn’t have to leave it to my imagination for long. I Googled “animals in the attic” and a whole list of possibilities opened up to me. It’s early spring, so the Internet tells me I quite possibly have a female raccoon or possum up there giving birth. Great.
If that’s the case, one source says it’s no big deal. I should leave them in peace, and they’ll vacate on their own in a few weeks. I’ll be able to sleep well knowing I sheltered one of nature’s enduring miracles and the circle of life. Hakunah matata indeed.
Another source isn’t quite so cheerful. This nest of raccoons or possums, I’m told, is probably leaving piles of feces and puddles of urine as we speak. They’re also probably chewing on electrical wires, which will soon case a fire. They advise me to capture the babies and use them as bait to lure the mother out of the attic.
I don’t know about you guys, but that sounds awful. Call me crazy and reckless, but I’d rather take my chances with the feces and fire than actually try to confront these wild animals, let alone catch them.
Though every source assures me they’re more afraid of me than I am of them, I call bullshit. I am virtually paralyzed with the idea of coming face to face with one of these critters. A possum once crossed my path when I was little and I screamed at it, it screamed at me, and I screamed back. I still wake up in a fright remembering it. (Which again, earns me one of those confused stares from the cat.) I’m too chicken to set traps for mice let alone rig cages intended to abduct babies. And I can’t see that scenario playing out in a way that doesn’t include a raccoon or army of mice jumping out and attacking my face the second I poke my head into the attic. If the scarring and series of shots awaiting me aren’t enough, I’ll also probably lose my balance on the ladder in the fray and end up breaking my neck.
The only good news from this internet search is that if I hear those flurry of light steps during the day, it’s probably squirrels. Somehow, squirrels seem less scary to me than mice and bats and raccoons and possums, but what do I know? I’d really rather not have anything but old Christmas decorations living in the attic. That doesn’t seem to be an option at this point. Unless the old battery-operated rolling Santa is coming to life every night, I have animals. And, okay, that’s maybe actually even creepier to think about than the animals.
I wonder if it might be time to call in professionals. Or maybe I should take that first source’s advice and ride it out. See what happens. Does that make me lazy, cheap, or a wuss?
I should probably check my concealer inventory just in case. I predict a few uneasy nights in my future.
***Let's keep in touch. Connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.***
April 5, 2016
interview with 'crushed' author layne gray
Blogger's Notes: Today Layne Gray is stopping by to talk about her book Crushed, which is now on tour with Chick Lit Plus. I hope you'll enjoy getting to know more about her and her story. Don't forget to enter to win a fabulous prize with the Rafflecopter below. Happy reading!
Change the Word: How did you get the idea for this story?
Layne Gray: I got the idea for the story because so many friends sent their friends going through divorce to me since I had been through it and came out on the other side in a good place and looking forward to new adventures. It made me realize that not everyone is quite as happy about having to open up a new chapter especially if it was not their choosing.
Secondarily I wanted to write a book for women over forty that was empowering.
CTW: What was your greatest challenge during the writing process and how did you overcome it?
LG: Crushed was my first novel so I guess the biggest challenge was to create a fun, compelling story that still addressed some pretty big morals.
CTW: Which character would you want to meet for drinks? What would you talk about?
LG: I would love to have drinks with Gigi. Besides Grace, the main character, Gigi is so much fun. We’d talk about dogs, fashion and our favorite places to eat in New York and Paris.
CTW: Where do you find inspiration as a writer?
LG: For me inspiration comes from life, in general. Although the novel is not auto-biographical there are some snippets that found their way into the story that have some level of truth. It was funny, I had a reader say that a couple passages seemed unrealistic; ironically those happened in real life.
CTW: What is your favorite recent read?
LG: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah.
CTW: Which authors do you most admire?
LG: So many. Kristin Hannah, Jojo Moyes, Liane Moriarty, to name just a few.
CTW: What is one piece of advice you'd offer aspiring authors?
LG: Find people who are willing to read for you and provide objective feedback. I asked my readers to fill out surveys at the end of each of the three parts and then an overall survey.
CTW: What's up next for you and your writing career?
LG: I’m working on the sequel to Crushed right now! Although I would like to believe the ending is satisfying it does lend itself to a follow-on book. Lots of readers have asked for it so that’s exciting!
About the Book
After a decade of dialing it in on her marriage – subsisting mostly on school fundraisers and designer trunk shows – Grace, on a whim, surprises her husband at the airport, picking him up in nothing more than scant lingerie and a fur coat. But that backfires spectacularly. Hoping to help, Grace’s best friend tells her of a secret retreat for discarded wives—Finedale, where Grace just may be able to get back her confidence, build her self-esteem, learn a rewarding career, or even rediscover that hot sex needn't be a thing of the past.
Before long, Grace is orchestrating a new, fabulous life. Everything seems to be going brilliantly. But as cracks begin to appear the possibility of another, darker, truth behind Finedale catapults Grace into a role she never anticipated.
Buy the BookAmazon | Website
About the Author
Layne Gray is an author, entrepreneur and experienced marketing strategist. Layne’s background is in technology marketing and she has worked for large companies, including as Director of UNIX Product Line Marketing at Oracle Corporation and Director of UNIX Application Marketing at Altos Computer Systems. She was the founder of LKE Productions, a global technology conference production company that ramped to over $20M in annual revenues.
Layne is a seasoned charitable fundraiser who has helped raise millions of dollars for local and national charities through events she has chaired and campaigns she has spearheaded. Bay Area beneficiaries have included the San Francisco Ballet, Junior League of San Francisco, San Francisco Zoological Society. National organizations include buildOn, UN Foundation Girl Up and Mocha Moms.
Born and raised in Oregon, Layne received a B.A. in Marketing and Statistics from the University of Oregon. She has taken the WSET Level 3 Certification and teaches wine classes around the country. Layne is an Emeritus Board member of the San Francisco Zoological Society and a sustaining member of the Junior League of San Francisco and the San Ballet Auxiliary. She lives in San Francisco and enjoys cycling, snow skiing and walking her dogs at Crissy Field.
Connect with Layne on Facebook
a Rafflecopter giveaway
***Let's keep in touch. Connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.***
Change the Word: How did you get the idea for this story?
Layne Gray: I got the idea for the story because so many friends sent their friends going through divorce to me since I had been through it and came out on the other side in a good place and looking forward to new adventures. It made me realize that not everyone is quite as happy about having to open up a new chapter especially if it was not their choosing.
Secondarily I wanted to write a book for women over forty that was empowering.
CTW: What was your greatest challenge during the writing process and how did you overcome it?LG: Crushed was my first novel so I guess the biggest challenge was to create a fun, compelling story that still addressed some pretty big morals.
CTW: Which character would you want to meet for drinks? What would you talk about?
LG: I would love to have drinks with Gigi. Besides Grace, the main character, Gigi is so much fun. We’d talk about dogs, fashion and our favorite places to eat in New York and Paris.
CTW: Where do you find inspiration as a writer?
LG: For me inspiration comes from life, in general. Although the novel is not auto-biographical there are some snippets that found their way into the story that have some level of truth. It was funny, I had a reader say that a couple passages seemed unrealistic; ironically those happened in real life.
CTW: What is your favorite recent read?
LG: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah.
CTW: Which authors do you most admire?
LG: So many. Kristin Hannah, Jojo Moyes, Liane Moriarty, to name just a few.
CTW: What is one piece of advice you'd offer aspiring authors?
LG: Find people who are willing to read for you and provide objective feedback. I asked my readers to fill out surveys at the end of each of the three parts and then an overall survey.
CTW: What's up next for you and your writing career?
LG: I’m working on the sequel to Crushed right now! Although I would like to believe the ending is satisfying it does lend itself to a follow-on book. Lots of readers have asked for it so that’s exciting!
About the Book
After a decade of dialing it in on her marriage – subsisting mostly on school fundraisers and designer trunk shows – Grace, on a whim, surprises her husband at the airport, picking him up in nothing more than scant lingerie and a fur coat. But that backfires spectacularly. Hoping to help, Grace’s best friend tells her of a secret retreat for discarded wives—Finedale, where Grace just may be able to get back her confidence, build her self-esteem, learn a rewarding career, or even rediscover that hot sex needn't be a thing of the past.
Before long, Grace is orchestrating a new, fabulous life. Everything seems to be going brilliantly. But as cracks begin to appear the possibility of another, darker, truth behind Finedale catapults Grace into a role she never anticipated.
Buy the BookAmazon | Website
About the Author
Layne Gray is an author, entrepreneur and experienced marketing strategist. Layne’s background is in technology marketing and she has worked for large companies, including as Director of UNIX Product Line Marketing at Oracle Corporation and Director of UNIX Application Marketing at Altos Computer Systems. She was the founder of LKE Productions, a global technology conference production company that ramped to over $20M in annual revenues.Layne is a seasoned charitable fundraiser who has helped raise millions of dollars for local and national charities through events she has chaired and campaigns she has spearheaded. Bay Area beneficiaries have included the San Francisco Ballet, Junior League of San Francisco, San Francisco Zoological Society. National organizations include buildOn, UN Foundation Girl Up and Mocha Moms.
Born and raised in Oregon, Layne received a B.A. in Marketing and Statistics from the University of Oregon. She has taken the WSET Level 3 Certification and teaches wine classes around the country. Layne is an Emeritus Board member of the San Francisco Zoological Society and a sustaining member of the Junior League of San Francisco and the San Ballet Auxiliary. She lives in San Francisco and enjoys cycling, snow skiing and walking her dogs at Crissy Field.
Connect with Layne on Facebook
a Rafflecopter giveaway
***Let's keep in touch. Connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.***
March 29, 2016
novel spotlight: the secret life of charlotte dodd' by holly kerr
Today I'm pleased to share some information about The Secret Life of Charlotte Dodd by Holly Kerr, which is now on tour with Chick Lit Plus. Be sure to check out the other stops (click here) for more on this book. And psst... don't forget to check out the Rafflecopter below on how to enter to win a fabulous prize.
Chick lit meets spy thriller!
Charlotte Dodd is having a bad day.
After taking an experimental drug to erase her memories of saving the world (or at least the country - several times) Charlotte is given a new life - a quiet, unassuming job, a second chance at love with Luke, and no one trying to kill her.
Two years later and with no recollection of saving the world, she steps in to help a random stranger and is amazed at the ease in which she dispatches her opponents using a rolled-up magazine. But how is that possible? She has Buffy-like fight moves, fires a gun with deadly accuracy and can use the air from car tires to keep breathing underwater.
When she meets Ham - why is he so familiar? The flashes, the déjà vu, the dreams - they’re not really dreams? Blowing up a building in Mexico, being buried alive - those things really happened to her? And what is her brother doing flying a plane? Turns out those two years of quiet with Luke was really an undercover mission to help bring down a secret organization targeting her family.
Charlotte needs to remember her secret life if she wants to save the world again and the only man she’s ever loved.
Find the BookAmazon | Goodreads
About the Author
Holly Kerr writes chick-lit with a twist. No broody men, no obsessions with shoes, just fun stories about strong women going after what they want.
Her books include Coming Home, Unexpecting and Absinthe Doesn't Make the Heart Grow Fonder and her latest, The Secret Life of Charlotte Dodd.
Connect with HollyWebsite | Facebook | Twitter
a Rafflecopter giveaway
*** Let's keep in touch. Connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. ***
Chick lit meets spy thriller!
Charlotte Dodd is having a bad day.
After taking an experimental drug to erase her memories of saving the world (or at least the country - several times) Charlotte is given a new life - a quiet, unassuming job, a second chance at love with Luke, and no one trying to kill her.
Two years later and with no recollection of saving the world, she steps in to help a random stranger and is amazed at the ease in which she dispatches her opponents using a rolled-up magazine. But how is that possible? She has Buffy-like fight moves, fires a gun with deadly accuracy and can use the air from car tires to keep breathing underwater.
When she meets Ham - why is he so familiar? The flashes, the déjà vu, the dreams - they’re not really dreams? Blowing up a building in Mexico, being buried alive - those things really happened to her? And what is her brother doing flying a plane? Turns out those two years of quiet with Luke was really an undercover mission to help bring down a secret organization targeting her family.
Charlotte needs to remember her secret life if she wants to save the world again and the only man she’s ever loved.
Find the BookAmazon | Goodreads
About the Author
Holly Kerr writes chick-lit with a twist. No broody men, no obsessions with shoes, just fun stories about strong women going after what they want.Her books include Coming Home, Unexpecting and Absinthe Doesn't Make the Heart Grow Fonder and her latest, The Secret Life of Charlotte Dodd.
Connect with HollyWebsite | Facebook | Twitter
a Rafflecopter giveaway
*** Let's keep in touch. Connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. ***
March 21, 2016
girl scouts & chick lit
If you've been following my social channels the past week, you've probably noticed my books featured with a certain delicious treat.
I'm a proud former Girl Scout. I participated in Brownies and Juniors--and they were some of my favorite years growing up. As I mentioned on my Instagram and Facebook channels:
Here's what I came up with...
Hard Hats and Doormats
Pairs well with Caramel deLites/ Samoas
With Lexi Burke making a life for herself on the Gulf Coast, which includes girls' night outs complete with margaritas, we needed a sassy yet classic cookie. Look no further than the Carmel Delite or Somoa. With a crispy wafer coated in caramel, coconut and chocolate, I can't think of a cookie that tastes more like a hot, subtropical night.
"Twelve Drummers Drumming" in Merry & Bright and "Oh Baby" in A Kind of Mad Courage
Pairs well with Shortbread/ Trefoils
Shortbread is one of my favorite Christmas treats, which makes it perfect for "Twelve Drummers Drumming." And considering that Autumn is expecting in "Oh Baby," well, it seems like something that would go well under those circumstances.
The Marrying Type
Pairs well with Lemonades
Set in Charleston, South Carolina during wedding season--which coincides with the heat of summer--I can't think of a better way to read this story than to sit on a porch sipping lemonade. It's March in Nebraska, so curling up with a lemon cookie seems like a happy alternative in Nebraska.
Making Christmas in All I Want For Christmas
Pairs well with Thanks-A-Lots
Thanks-A-Lots seem like a great cookie to enjoy with a cup of coffee. And there's a lot of coffee-having in Making Christmas. Plus, shouldn't we all give plenty of thanks for all of our blessings during the holiday season?
The Cranberry Citrus Crisps would also pair well with this story--they're so festive.
First & Goal
Pairs well with Peanut Butter Patties/ Tagalongs
Harper is an accomplished baker who has probably never met a Pinterest recipe she didn't like. And Peanut Butter Patties seem like the kind of cookie you'd find a Pinterest aficionado's "to-bake" list. You'd start with some sort of crispy cookie, cover it in peanut butter, dip it in chocolate and presto. At least that's how I assume it works. I was too lazy to look up a recipe. Plus, I'm happy with how I imagined it.
What Happens at Midnight in All I Want For Christmas
Pairs well with Thin Mints
Natalie, the junk food enthusiast is What Happens at Midnight, is a sucker for mint chip ice cream. And since Thin Mints are basically mint chip in cookie form, this seems like the perfect pair to this story. Plus, there's just something about minty flavors that makes me think of the holiday seasons.
Going for Two
Pairs well with Peanut Butter Sandwiches/ Do-si-dos
Coach Brook isn't big on sweets, but if he had a favorite cookie, I'm pretty sure he'd go for the Peanut Butter Sandwich. And with more Coach Brook in Going for Two, it's a match made in book/cookie heaven.
And in case you're curious about how we paired our Girl Scout cookies with wine, here's a rundown:
Thin Mints with Pinot NoirCaramel deLites with MalbecPeanut Butter Patties with Old Vine ZinfandelPeanut Butter Sandwiches with MerlotThanks-a-lots with RieselingShortbread with ChardonnayLemonades with MoscatoCranberry Citrus Crisps with Sparkling Wine
*** Let's keep in touch. Connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. ***
I'm a proud former Girl Scout. I participated in Brownies and Juniors--and they were some of my favorite years growing up. As I mentioned on my Instagram and Facebook channels:
"Being in Girl Scouts was an important part of my childhood, though I didn't realize it at the time. It encouraged me to set goals, be creative and independent, learn to work with others, and have confidence. The cookies were just a bonus."This weekend my friends and I had a wine and Girl Scout cookies tasting. While I was getting into the spirit of things, and reminiscing, I thought, why not pair the cookies with my stories for a little fun? I mean, I'm fairly confident none of these stories would have come to fruition if I didn't have those skills and traits that being a Girl Scout instilled in me.
Here's what I came up with...
Hard Hats and Doormats
Pairs well with Caramel deLites/ Samoas
With Lexi Burke making a life for herself on the Gulf Coast, which includes girls' night outs complete with margaritas, we needed a sassy yet classic cookie. Look no further than the Carmel Delite or Somoa. With a crispy wafer coated in caramel, coconut and chocolate, I can't think of a cookie that tastes more like a hot, subtropical night.
"Twelve Drummers Drumming" in Merry & Bright and "Oh Baby" in A Kind of Mad Courage
Pairs well with Shortbread/ Trefoils
Shortbread is one of my favorite Christmas treats, which makes it perfect for "Twelve Drummers Drumming." And considering that Autumn is expecting in "Oh Baby," well, it seems like something that would go well under those circumstances.
The Marrying Type
Pairs well with Lemonades
Set in Charleston, South Carolina during wedding season--which coincides with the heat of summer--I can't think of a better way to read this story than to sit on a porch sipping lemonade. It's March in Nebraska, so curling up with a lemon cookie seems like a happy alternative in Nebraska.
Making Christmas in All I Want For Christmas
Pairs well with Thanks-A-Lots
Thanks-A-Lots seem like a great cookie to enjoy with a cup of coffee. And there's a lot of coffee-having in Making Christmas. Plus, shouldn't we all give plenty of thanks for all of our blessings during the holiday season?
The Cranberry Citrus Crisps would also pair well with this story--they're so festive.
First & Goal
Pairs well with Peanut Butter Patties/ Tagalongs
Harper is an accomplished baker who has probably never met a Pinterest recipe she didn't like. And Peanut Butter Patties seem like the kind of cookie you'd find a Pinterest aficionado's "to-bake" list. You'd start with some sort of crispy cookie, cover it in peanut butter, dip it in chocolate and presto. At least that's how I assume it works. I was too lazy to look up a recipe. Plus, I'm happy with how I imagined it.
What Happens at Midnight in All I Want For Christmas
Pairs well with Thin Mints
Natalie, the junk food enthusiast is What Happens at Midnight, is a sucker for mint chip ice cream. And since Thin Mints are basically mint chip in cookie form, this seems like the perfect pair to this story. Plus, there's just something about minty flavors that makes me think of the holiday seasons.
Going for Two
Pairs well with Peanut Butter Sandwiches/ Do-si-dos
Coach Brook isn't big on sweets, but if he had a favorite cookie, I'm pretty sure he'd go for the Peanut Butter Sandwich. And with more Coach Brook in Going for Two, it's a match made in book/cookie heaven.
And in case you're curious about how we paired our Girl Scout cookies with wine, here's a rundown:
Thin Mints with Pinot NoirCaramel deLites with MalbecPeanut Butter Patties with Old Vine ZinfandelPeanut Butter Sandwiches with MerlotThanks-a-lots with RieselingShortbread with ChardonnayLemonades with MoscatoCranberry Citrus Crisps with Sparkling Wine
*** Let's keep in touch. Connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. ***
March 14, 2016
now available from rosa temple
Meet Your New Book Boyfriend - Gabriel Miller
By Rosa Temple
It's great being a writer. I get to create a world of fictional characters playing out their roles in situations I put them into, in a story that once took place in my head. But don't get me wrong. You're not reading the psychiatric notes of a dictator in the making; I just like to explore the “What If's” of life and put them in a story.
Even more exciting is when I share my story with complete strangers and have them tell me they really enjoyed it! So imagine my delight when the bunch of beta readers I sent copies of Natalie's Getting Married to, loved the book and a lot of them were totally taken with my main male character – Gabriel Miller.
One great comment from a reader regarding Gabriel was that he lit up the scenes he was in and that she missed him when he wasn't around. Two beta readers openly said they fell in love with him. And, I have to admit, I had a major crush on him myself – and I'm a married woman.
We first meet Gabriel at the start of Natalie's story. She's a fresher at university and he's a second year student who introduces himself as, “Gabriel, like the Angel but without the wings.” To let you in on a little secret, I did choose the name Gabriel because I knew that he would at some stage or other have to save Natalie from certain situations and, more importantly, from herself.
Gabriel was largely created from a combination of all the great guys I've known. From each of them I picked out their best qualities, mashed them all together, and voila! Gabriel was born. But, don't get me wrong, Gabriel isn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination. Who is?
I think what I like about his character is he does have his vulnerabilities. He's even insecure at times, despite the fact that he's a super talented writer who goes on to make quite a name for himself.
Physically, Gabriel is this tall, fair haired guy with hazel eyes and messy clothes. In all honesty he has no idea how good looking or how charming he is and that for me is a positive in people in general. If he was cast in a film I would say he'd look like a twenty-something, Alex O'Loughlin (from The Back Up Plan).
In most romantic comedies or chick lit novels, the main male character is usually the boyfriend and has a certain role to play. The boyfriend helps secure the 'happy ever after' ending we all crave. He's always the hero and we always know when we meet him that he will be 'the one.' But Gabriel is not Natalie's boyfriend. He is, actually, her best friend. He's the one she turns to when things go dramatically wrong with her boyfriend. He's the one who helps her in all her decision making, even giving her advice when her wedding dress ends up several sizes too big because she gets stressed about her wedding. And he's the one she turns to when she is broken hearted. In fact she can talk to him about anything. The only times Natalie didn't go running to Gabriel for advice was when he was dating.
You might be wondering, with so many readers of Natalie's Getting Married becoming infatuated with Gabriel, why Natalie would not fall for him too and why he isn't her boyfriend. But there are many dimensions to their relationship that come into play and I'm never one to give spoilers.
To find out if you think Gabriel really is boyfriend material – you'll have to judge for yourself.
About Natalie's Getting Married
Career minded, Natalie Spencer, had never been in love. She could never understand what all the fuss was about. But when she met Jackson Humphries during Fresher’s Week at University, that all changed.
Utterly infatuated, Natalie quickly discovers the meaning of love and, before she knows it, she's heading up the aisle – for the first time, that is.
This is a tale about four wedding dresses, a runaway groom and a girl who got so carried away, she couldn’t see true love staring her right in the face.
Buy the BookAmazon US | Amazon UK
About Rosa
Rosa Temple began writing romantic comedies and chick lit because of her passion for what she calls the 'early chick lit films', like: Sabrina, Barefoot In the Park and Breakfast at Tiffany's. She honed her skills as a ghost writer, gaining experience writing romantic novellas, both sweet and on the slightly steamy side. In her notebooks, she constantly jotted down story ideas of her own and she eventually completed her first novella Sleeping With Your Best Friend and now, the full length novel, Natalie's Getting Married.
Rosa Temple is a Londoner and is married with two sons. She is a reluctant keep fit fanatic and doer of housework and insists that writing keeps her away from such strenuous tasks. She spends her days creating characters and story lines while drinking herbal tea and eating chocolate biscuits.
To find out more about Rosa and to catch up on all her musings please join her here on Rosa Temple Writes...
Connect with Rosa TempleBlog | Twitter
*** Let's keep in touch. Connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. ***
By Rosa Temple
It's great being a writer. I get to create a world of fictional characters playing out their roles in situations I put them into, in a story that once took place in my head. But don't get me wrong. You're not reading the psychiatric notes of a dictator in the making; I just like to explore the “What If's” of life and put them in a story.Even more exciting is when I share my story with complete strangers and have them tell me they really enjoyed it! So imagine my delight when the bunch of beta readers I sent copies of Natalie's Getting Married to, loved the book and a lot of them were totally taken with my main male character – Gabriel Miller.
One great comment from a reader regarding Gabriel was that he lit up the scenes he was in and that she missed him when he wasn't around. Two beta readers openly said they fell in love with him. And, I have to admit, I had a major crush on him myself – and I'm a married woman.
We first meet Gabriel at the start of Natalie's story. She's a fresher at university and he's a second year student who introduces himself as, “Gabriel, like the Angel but without the wings.” To let you in on a little secret, I did choose the name Gabriel because I knew that he would at some stage or other have to save Natalie from certain situations and, more importantly, from herself.
Gabriel was largely created from a combination of all the great guys I've known. From each of them I picked out their best qualities, mashed them all together, and voila! Gabriel was born. But, don't get me wrong, Gabriel isn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination. Who is?
I think what I like about his character is he does have his vulnerabilities. He's even insecure at times, despite the fact that he's a super talented writer who goes on to make quite a name for himself.
Physically, Gabriel is this tall, fair haired guy with hazel eyes and messy clothes. In all honesty he has no idea how good looking or how charming he is and that for me is a positive in people in general. If he was cast in a film I would say he'd look like a twenty-something, Alex O'Loughlin (from The Back Up Plan).
In most romantic comedies or chick lit novels, the main male character is usually the boyfriend and has a certain role to play. The boyfriend helps secure the 'happy ever after' ending we all crave. He's always the hero and we always know when we meet him that he will be 'the one.' But Gabriel is not Natalie's boyfriend. He is, actually, her best friend. He's the one she turns to when things go dramatically wrong with her boyfriend. He's the one who helps her in all her decision making, even giving her advice when her wedding dress ends up several sizes too big because she gets stressed about her wedding. And he's the one she turns to when she is broken hearted. In fact she can talk to him about anything. The only times Natalie didn't go running to Gabriel for advice was when he was dating.
You might be wondering, with so many readers of Natalie's Getting Married becoming infatuated with Gabriel, why Natalie would not fall for him too and why he isn't her boyfriend. But there are many dimensions to their relationship that come into play and I'm never one to give spoilers.
To find out if you think Gabriel really is boyfriend material – you'll have to judge for yourself.
About Natalie's Getting Married
Career minded, Natalie Spencer, had never been in love. She could never understand what all the fuss was about. But when she met Jackson Humphries during Fresher’s Week at University, that all changed.
Utterly infatuated, Natalie quickly discovers the meaning of love and, before she knows it, she's heading up the aisle – for the first time, that is.
This is a tale about four wedding dresses, a runaway groom and a girl who got so carried away, she couldn’t see true love staring her right in the face.
Buy the BookAmazon US | Amazon UK
About Rosa
Rosa Temple began writing romantic comedies and chick lit because of her passion for what she calls the 'early chick lit films', like: Sabrina, Barefoot In the Park and Breakfast at Tiffany's. She honed her skills as a ghost writer, gaining experience writing romantic novellas, both sweet and on the slightly steamy side. In her notebooks, she constantly jotted down story ideas of her own and she eventually completed her first novella Sleeping With Your Best Friend and now, the full length novel, Natalie's Getting Married.Rosa Temple is a Londoner and is married with two sons. She is a reluctant keep fit fanatic and doer of housework and insists that writing keeps her away from such strenuous tasks. She spends her days creating characters and story lines while drinking herbal tea and eating chocolate biscuits.
To find out more about Rosa and to catch up on all her musings please join her here on Rosa Temple Writes...
Connect with Rosa TempleBlog | Twitter
*** Let's keep in touch. Connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. ***
happy release day to 'wife for the weekend'
We are thrilled to celebrate the release of Wife for the Weekend by Ophelia London! Be sure to check out all the book info, fun posts, and giveaway!
Title: Wife for the Weekend (Sugar City #3) by Ophelia LondonAge group: AdultGenre: Sweet RomancePublisher: Entangled BlissScheduled to release: March 14, 2016Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1PNVaRe
http://bit.ly/1PNVaRehttp://bit.ly/1P...
Buy the BookAmazon: http://amzn.to/1ndgjsyiBooks: http://apple.co/1osu200Nook: bit.ly/216bX3VKobo: bit.ly/21EBFPhGoogle Play: bit.ly/1RBsIBi
http://bit.ly/1PNVaRe
When bad weather closes the airport, free-spirited Jules Bloom finds herself stuck with the admittedly hot but total suit Dexter Elliott. One night and one large pitcher of “Vegas Sunrise” later, Jules wakes up in a hotel bed with a vicious hangover…wearing nothing but a wedding ring.
Determined not to ruin his brother's wedding, Dexter strikes a deal with the frustratingly gorgeous Jules to continue their quickie marriage through the weekend. Only she keeps getting under his skin in unexpected ways.
Jules has her own reasons for staying married to Dex but they seem less important with each exaggerated touch and staged kiss. But one marriage, one major secret, and two complete opposites don’t add up to a happily ever after…
Book 3 in the Sugar City series, can be read as a stand alone.
Excerpt
“What have you been telling people?” Dexter asked as soon as they were behind the rosebushes.“Can you be more specific?” Jules said.“Things about me…what we do.”“Oh. That.” She bit her lip. “I was doing what you said, making our story embarrassing to an audience.”He crossed his arms. “By telling my mother you threw yourself at me.”“It makes a more interesting story. Everyone’s tired of hearing how you’re a big bad lady-killer. I thought you’d be grateful.”“I’m not. No wife of mine should be throwing herself at anyone.”“Not even her husband?”He frowned and pursed his lips, looking deep in thought. “I don’t like it. You doing a pole dance while covered in strategically placed Hershey’s Kisses?”“Hey, I did not add that detail.” She toyed with her bracelets. “But I like it. And I was trying to be inappropriately personal.”“Well, stop,” he growled, but then dipped his chin and laughed.
Have you visited Sugar City?
Love Bites(Sugar City #1)
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1SgRRUL
iBooks: http://apple.co/1osu200
Nook: http://bit.ly/20W19qM
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1KFXsSb
Google Play: http://bit.ly/1SgSsWs
Kissing Her Crush (Sugar City #2)
Amazon: http://amzn.to/23XoaMp
iBooks: http://apple.co/1osu200
Nook: http://bit.ly/20p5l08
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1kiN9rA
GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/1Pj8v4F
Giveaway2 - $10 Amazon gift cards
a Rafflecopter giveaway
USA Today bestselling author Ophelia London was born and raised among the redwood trees in beautiful northern California. Once she was fully educated, she decided to settle in Florida, but her car broke down in Texas and she’s lived in Dallas ever since. A cupcake and treadmill aficionado (obviously those things are connected), she spends her time watching arthouse movies and impossibly trashy TV, while living vicariously through the characters she writes. Ophelia is the author of the Sugar City series, including WIFE FOR THE WEEKEND and KISSING HER CRUSH; AIMEE & THE HEARTTHROB; CHALK LINES & LIPSTICK; DEFINITELY, MAYBE IN LOVE; the Abby Road series; and the Perfect Kisses series. Visit her at ophelialondon.com. But don’t call when The Vampire Diaries (or Dawson’s Creek) is on.Website: http://bit.ly/1WeEYJj
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1LhvZB4
Twitter: http://bit.ly/1WeF6s3
Instagram: http://bit.ly/1mt3biB
Tumblr: http://bit.ly/20LW1sG
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1PDmmid
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1PlPkVS
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1T88PUd
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March 3, 2016
now available... 'let's be friends'
Happy Release Week to my buddy, Brea Brown. She's releasing her millionth (OK, thirteenth, but still THIRTEENTH, can you believe it?) book, Let's Be Friends, which is the final installment of her Nurse Nate trio.
Here's what you need to know...
Nate and Betty’s long-distance relocation has shrunk their pesky problems like specks in a rearview mirror… or so they think. But small-town life in sultry South Carolina includes its own challenges, and the Binghams soon discover their northern hometown doesn’t have the monopoly on frustrating co-workers and dysfunctional families. Add in a bit of culture shock, and the result is a thick, hilarious pot of outsider gumbo. Plus, some people—and decisions—can follow you anywhere you go, for the rest of your life.
You can find the book online now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, iTunes and her website.
Congrats, Brea!
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Here's what you need to know...
Nate and Betty’s long-distance relocation has shrunk their pesky problems like specks in a rearview mirror… or so they think. But small-town life in sultry South Carolina includes its own challenges, and the Binghams soon discover their northern hometown doesn’t have the monopoly on frustrating co-workers and dysfunctional families. Add in a bit of culture shock, and the result is a thick, hilarious pot of outsider gumbo. Plus, some people—and decisions—can follow you anywhere you go, for the rest of your life.
You can find the book online now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, iTunes and her website.
Congrats, Brea!
*** Let's keep in touch. Connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. ***
