Laura Chapman's Blog, page 18

book spotlight 'losing eva'

Today we're featuring Jennifer Sivec's book Losing Eva as part of her Chick Lit Plus blog tour. Enjoy!


About the Book
Tragedy often seeks us out at the very moment we least expect it.

Brynn and Adam Michaels are rebuilding their lives after Brynn's painful and cruel past threatened to tear them apart. Just when Brynn lets her guard down and imagines that she and Adam can have a happy life, a stranger arrives, threatening everything.

And when the one thing holding them together is ripped cruelly from their lives, they are irreparably changed, their fragile life together, teetering dangerously on the edge.

Losing Eva is the deeply complex, emotional sequel to Leaving Eva, and the second novel in the Eva Series. Caution: Eva’s story contains graphic violence, strong language, drug abuse, domestic abuse, and child abuse.

Jennifer Sivec, author of women’s fiction, once again creates a deeply beautiful story of hope and promise, while exploring the dark edges of the human spirit and questioning how much suffering one can endure, until they are finally lost forever.


Find the BookAmazon | Goodreads

About the Author
Women’s fiction writer, Jennifer Sivec, has always found an escape in books and beautiful stories. In writing, she has discovered refuge and sanctity her entire life, which quiets the chaos while giving her perspective and peace of mind. She finds inspiration in the balance of beauty and tragedy, which is something she has experienced personally.

Jennifer was born in Seoul, Korea and then abandoned at a very young age. At the age of three, she was adopted and has lived in Ohio for most of her life. She is married to her best friend, Jeff, and together they share two incredible, funny boys.

Jennifer is the author of The Eva Series and the standalone novel, I Run to You. Leaving Eva is her first complete work and was originally released in April of 2013. Losing Eva is the sequel and continuation of Eva's heartbreakingly beautiful story. The Eva series is an intense journey into abandonment, abuse, alcoholism, and cutting, with numerous twists and turns that will keep the reader holding their breath until the very end.

You can stay up to date with Jennifer by visiting and signing into her website.

Connect with LisaWebsite | Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Profile | Street Team | Twitter
Instagram | LinkedIn | Google | TSU | Pinterest | Spotify

Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.

now available: 'all i want for christmas' now available

Three, no make that, FOUR cheers for All I Want For Christmas, which is now available on your e-readers. (We'll have print copies soon!) Can I get a Hip-Hip-Hip-HIP-Hooray?

This collection features four new holiday novellas, including Nine Ladies Dancing by Cat Lavoie and The Christmas Surprise by Samantha March along with Making Christmas and What Happens at Midnight by me.

Here are a few more details about what you can expect to read in these stories...

Making Christmas by Laura Chapman
While settling into a new career in a new community, Ivy is determined not to let the holiday season pass her by. Enter the grownup advent calendar: twenty-four days of festivities to celebrate Christmas. What begins as a bit of fun turns into a mission to spread cheer when she meets Everett. After learning about his bad Christmas attitude, she invites him to join her quest. Despite his initial reservations, Everett quickly gets caught up in the spirit of the calendar. But when new feelings surface and are impossible to ignore, Everett’s inner curmudgeon threatens to put a damper on the whole experience.

Nine Ladies Dancing by Cat Lavoie
Casey Ellis is the last person who should be planning her office’s holiday party. Convinced she’s plagued with chronic Christmas bad luck, Casey isn’t interested in tempting fate. But when putting on a party planner hat seems like a good way to get closer to her longtime crush, Casey takes charge—and braces for impact.
When things start to fall apart—just like Casey knew they would—will she run and hide, or will she learn that bad luck can sometimes turn out to be Christmas magic in disguise?

The Christmas Surprise by Samantha March
Juliette Mabry is a happily married stay-at-home wife and mother...until there appears to be trouble brewing in her nearly ten-year marriage. Juliette takes it upon herself to find out if her husband is up to no good, but does she want to know the truth? Everything is revealed on Christmas, and Juliette is in for her biggest Christmas surprise.

What Happens at Midnight by Laura Chapman
Romantic comedy junkie Natalie lives out those fantasies in real life three New Year's Eves in a row when fate throws her together with the same handsome stranger. A heartbreaking turn of events leaves her swearing off of love, forevers, and the holidays (bah humbug). That is until the mystery man from her past reappears years later. Over a holiday season, Natalie struggles to reconcile the whimsical notions of her past with the practical sensibilities she has worked so hard to develop. With the countdown to a new year looming, she must decide whether or not she is willing to give happily ever after another shot.


Find the BookAmazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads

Be sure to enter the giveaway for a chance to win three $10 gift cards from Cat, Samantha, and me. Entering is easy--just complete the Rafflecopter below. Just in time for the holidays, the winner will get the chance to pick out three gift cards from the following stores:

Cat: Lush, Amazon, and Best BuySamantha: Sephora, Victoria’s Secret and Bath and Body WorksMoi: Starbucks, Barnes & Noble, and Target
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.

interview with the author of 'lowcountry bordello'

Today Susan M. Boyer stops by to talk about writing and her new novel Lowcountry Bordello as part of her Chick Lit Plus blog tour. Also, check out the super slammin' giveaway of a $50 Amazon gift card with the Rafflecopter at the end of the post.


Change the Word: Can you please tell us a little bit about Lowcountry Bordello? 
Susan M. Boyer: Sure… It’s almost Christmas, and Liz Talbot’s wedding is fast approaching. The last thing she needs is a new case. But when one of her closest friends—one of her bridesmaids—discovers a body in a historic Charleston home, Liz has to help.

CTW: What has been your favorite part about writing this series?  
SMB: I love revisiting these characters. They’re like old friends. Also, I love Charleston and the area. We lived there once, and I love the excuse to visit often for research.

CTW: What has been the biggest challenge and how do you overcome it? 
SMB: Finding the time to do everything. I’m having trouble finding my balance between my writing, promotion, and my family. I can’t say I’ve overcome it. Each day is a new challenge. I just do the best I can every day and try not to stress too much.

CTW: How do you create and solve the mysteries in your series? 
SMB: Wow. I have no idea. The ideas come to me bits at a time. I start with a single idea, mull it a while, and it starts to blossom. I usually start with the crime—who did what to who and why. Then I work through to see how my detective could solve the case.

CTW: What kind of research went into telling this story? 
SMB: Ha! Well, I didn’t visit any bordellos, I promise! Mostly this one involved research on specific places in Charleston—inns, restaurants, etc.

CTW: This story takes place during the holidays--what is your favorite holiday tradition? 
SMB: I love everything about Christmas. My favorite part is time spent with family. We have a very large family, so this involves several parties. I love them all.

CTW: If you could have dinner with any three authors (living or departed), who would you invite and why? 
SMB: This is so hard! I can think of a hundred. I only get three? I’m going fudge a bit and say I love having dinner with the other Henery Press authors, and would do this any day  had the chance. It’s a fun group, and also it’s great to share ideas.

CTW: What is the best piece of writing advice you have ever received? 
SMB: Keep the other cooks out of your soup. For a while I was a bit of a feedback junkie, taking to heart everything anyone said. While I do think critique groups are great, you have to learn to filter. If you hear something once, you have to really weigh it to see if it resonates with you. If you hear something ten times, that’s a whole nother story.

CTW: What are three of your favorite mysteries from other authors? 
SMB: I love Sue Grafton’s Kinsey Millhone series. I’m reading X right now. I love everything Charlaine Harris writes. My favorite of hers…that’s tough. I love her new Midnight, Texas series. And I’m a big Harlan Coben fan. My favorite is the one I’m reading at any given moment, but I did particularly like Tell No One.

CTW: What's up next for you and Liz Talbot? 
SMB: Lowcountry Book Club comes out in April of 2016.


About the Book
The Charleston streets are dressed for the holidays in sophisticated Southern style: topiaries adorned with red ribbons, garland entwined with white lights, and poinsettias potted in gold planters. The high class bordello in a stately historic home is certainly no exception. When Private Investigator Liz Talbot’s dear friend Olivia swears she saw a dead body in the parlor of this bordello, one Olivia accidentally co-owns, Liz promptly comes to her aid.

With her wedding back home on Stella Maris less than a week away, Liz must juggle one elderly madam, two ex and future in-laws, three ghosts in the bordello, four giddy bridesmaids, five lovely courtesans, six suspicious patrons…and a partridge in a pear tree as she tries to keep her bridesmaid out of jail and live to walk down the aisle.

Related subjects include: women sleuths, private investigator mystery series, murder mysteries, whodunit mysteries (whodunnit), book club recommendations, Southern fiction, Southern humor, Southern living.

Buy the BookAmazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo | Fiction Addiction
About the Author
Susan M. Boyer is the author of the USA TODAY bestselling Liz Talbot mystery series. Her debut novel, Lowcountry Boil, won the 2012 Agatha Award for Best First Novel, the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense, and garnered several other award nominations, including the Macavity. Lowcountry Boneyard, the third Liz Talbot mystery, was a Spring 2015 Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance Okra Pick. Lowcountry Bordello, the fourth book in the series, was released November 3, 2015. Susan loves beaches, Southern food, and small towns where everyone knows everyone, and everyone has crazy relatives. You’ll find all of the above in her novels.

Susan lives in Greenville, SC, with her husband and an inordinate number of houseplants.

Connect with SusanWebsite | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Henery Press
a Rafflecopter giveaway




Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.

my tips for a successful write-in

We've officially made it through the first week of National Novel Writing Month. If you're participating this year, go ahead and give yourself a round of applause.

Source
This marks my sixth consecutive year of participating in NaNoWriMo. It's how I started all of my novels, including Hard Hats and Doormats, The Marrying Type, First & Goal, and the soon-to-be released Going for Two. This year I'm working on a new standalone, but I also have the privilege of being one of the Lincoln, Nebraska, municipal liaisons. Basically a ML is a local volunteer who serves as a resource to other writers in the area, and we help coordinate write-ins. And if you don't know, a write-in is a planned time for writing at a location other than home. While NaNoWriMo write-ins are officially a group endeavor, I maintain that you can have a write-in for just yourself.

Today I wanted to share a few of my tips for holding a successful write-in whether it is for yourself or a group. I'd also love to hear any of your tips, so please feel free to leave them in the comments below.

My Tips for a Successful Write-In
1. Location, location, location
It's the number one rule of real estate, and the number one rule for a good write-in. It's also totally subjective. I write best at coffee shops, libraries, bookstores, and cafes, which is where I scheduled our official write-ins. (I also like writing at bars, but that's more of a personal thing.) But your special writing place can be anything. The other good factor to keep in mind for your location is to select a place that has electrical outlets for your computer and preferably comfortable chairs, because you're going to be sitting a lot. I also prefer a place that is a little busy or quiet so I can get lost in a story. But really, I wrote almost half of Hard Hats and Doormats in airports, so you can make it work anywhere.

2. Stay hydrated
I'm talking water. I'm talking coffee or tea. I'm talking beer (though I'd encourage moderation). Whatever it takes. Regularly drinking some sort of liquid has the added benefit of making you feel replenished and full, which means you can concentrate on your story without those nagging hunger or thirst pangs. It also has the added benefit of forcing you to get up every once in a while to relieve yourself. I'm not being gross here, but making a point. I can't tell you how many times I've stood up, walked to the restroom and walked back to have resolved a tricky issue I was dealing with in my story.

3. Bring some headphones
I've found that if you have a pair of headphones and some music, you can escape into your story that much better. Actually, forget the music. Sometimes just having the headphones in will help you feel like you're getting serious about your story. It also will help you drown out the noise if your selected location has a bit too much hustle and bustle for your liking. It also also keeps you from chatting with your other writers too much. (Guilty here.)

4. Set and track goals
I'm a bit of a nerd about this, but I like to set word count goals for myself each time I sit down to write. It usually involves making a chart and/or list that I can check off as I accomplish my goals. There's something pretty rewarding about seeing that you're making progress. And speaking of rewards...

5. Give yourself rewards
I give myself a sparkly sticker every time I write another 1,000 words. I also made treat bags for my fellow writers, which is their reward for showing up to a write-in. Just because some of us are almost thirty doesn't mean the thrill of getting treats has gone away.

So those are my write-in tips. Do you have any others to add to the list?


Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.

friday night eats: chili by brea brown

For this week's Friday Night Eats post, I invited Out of My League author Brea Brown to share one of her favorite football watch party dishes.


Chili by Brea Brown
Hey, all! I'm a dump-and-go kind of girl when it comes to a lot of things in life (hahaha), but most especially when it comes to cooking during football season. There are games to watch, people!!! My slow-cooker gets a ton of use during the season, but this is one dish I actually make on the stove. It's "my" chili. Bit of a misnomer there, because I basically use the recipe on the back of the McCormick's Original Chili Seasoning Packet, but... whatevs. My maiden name is McCormick. Does that count? Plus, I modify the recipe a bit and always make a double batch. Here it is:

Ingredients2 packets McCormick's Original Chili Seasoning
2 lbs lean ground beef
2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce AND
2 (14.5 oz.) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
2 (15 oz) cans chili or kidney beans, undrained
2 cups jalapeno slices (optional)
1/2 cup jalapeno juice (from the jar the slices come in) (optional)

Suggested Toppings: Shredded cheddar, sour cream, mustard, finely chopped onions

DirectionsBrown ground beef in large skillet. Drain. Mix drained beef, tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, beans, jalapenos and jalapeno juice in large stock pot. Cover and heat on medium-low, stirring often, until heated through (usually about 40 minutes). Simmer on low for all-day grazing (just make sure you stir occasionally, so it doesn't burn to the bottom of the pan... that's gross). Serve over Fritos, tortilla chips, corn bread (I use a boxed mix), or hot dogs, if you're feeling really frisky.

Sit back and enjoy the game... and the food! Go team!


About the Author
Brea Brown is an internationally acclaimed journalist-turned-novelist. She splits her residency between Cayman and London, occasionally vacationing in Australia with family. Her hobbies include counting her stacks of cash, praying for those less fortunate than she is, and drinking fair trade coffees and teas. She’s a hermit, so don’t contact her.

Just kidding! (That person sounds hideous.) The real Brea Brown is the humble Indie author of Out of My League, The Secret Keeper, The Secret Keeper Confined, The Secret Keeper Up All Night, The Secret Keeper Lets Go, The Secret Keeper Fulfilled, Daydreamer, Plain Jayne, Quiet, Please!, Let’s Be Frank, and Let’s Be Real. She lives in Springfield, Missouri, with her three hilarious sons and her amazing husband. Her passions include writing, football, daydreaming, laughing, and not taking anything too seriously. When she’s not doing those things, she hangs out on Facebook and Twitter or blogging as “The Reluctant Blogger.” She loves to hear from readers, so please, take a minute to visit her website, where you can get in touch with her in a variety of ways and view and purchase her entire catalog of books.

Connect with Brea
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Blog
Follow the Pinterest Board for more recipes.
About the Book
When Harper Duquaine’s no-nonsense approach to work unintentionally ruffles the wrong feathers at her new job, she joins her co-workers’ fantasy football league to prove she can hang with the guys. Only problem: she doesn’t know a sleeper from a keeper (or any of the other lingo thrown her way). 

Embroiled in a world of lineups, stats, and trades, Harper’s quest to make nice topples when her competitive streak emerges. And her promise to herself that she’ll be a strong, independent woman and leave the drama and heartache behind is seriously tested when she catches the attention of her two biggest competitors: J.J., a local celebrity determined to win a fantasy championship, and Brook, the mild-mannered coach who seems too good to be true. Both threaten her resolve to remain single… and, more importantly, her chances at winning the prize pool.

With a slew of conflicting advice in her real and fantasy worlds, Harper must figure out how to play the game and come out a winner.

Now Available on Amazon , Barnes & Noble, and Kobo.

Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.

interview with the author of 'clutch'

I'm thrilled to welcome Lisa Becker back to the blog to talk about her latest novel, Clutch: a novel, as part of her Chick Lit Plus Blog Tour. This sounds like a fantastic read, and I couldn't wait to ask her for the scoop on the story and her writing process. Also, be sure to enter the Rafflecopter at the end of the post for your chance to win a fabulous prize!


Change the Word: What was your inspiration for writing Clutch?
Lisa Becker: When I was writing the Click Trilogy, (Click: An Online Love Story, Double Click, Right Click) I was obsessed with NCIS reruns and would have the show on in the background as I wrote. There was an episode when one of the characters mentioned that men were like purses – something useless to hang on a woman’s arm. I started thinking about how men are like handbags and the idea grew from there.

CTW: What was the biggest challenge you faced during the writing process and how did you overcome it? 
LB: The book actually started out as a screenplay that was optioned by a production company housed at one of the major movie studios summer 2014. Unfortunately, it fell out of development. I was eager to have this fun story with some of my favorite characters told, so I turned it into a short novel earlier this year. The biggest challenge was taking the dialogue-heavy screenplay and figuring out a way to bring the characters to life through a standard book-writing narrative.

CTW: What are three songs you would include on the official soundtrack for Clutch?
LB: Because of the quirky nature of the story and the humor involved, I imagine a fun and jazzy score similar to “When Harry Met Sally.” But since I’m not familiar with specific songs that will work, I’ll instead offer some suggestions based on song titles only. I think the book would start with “Love is a Battlefield” and continue on to “I Will Survive.” The happily ever after, when Caroline finds her clutch, would culminate with “It Had to be You.”

CTW: How do you go about developing your characters prior to writing the story?
LB: Unlike my previous series, which was loosely based on how I met my husband online and had characters based on friends of mine, this book is entirely fictitious. Because this started as a movie, I needed to be sure there was a specific story arc, so that the characters and their journey had to be mapped out in advance. Although, I do feel like Caroline and Mike are now my friends and would love to hand out with them in real life.

CTW: If you could go on a picnic with three fictional characters, who would you invite and why?
LB: I’m going to pick three characters from books that I’ve written – all of whom I’ve had a major crush on at one point or another while I was writing – Ethan and Mark from the Click Trilogy and Mike from clutch: a novel. I would love the opportunity to hang out with these men in real life and get to know them better. Just hope my husband wouldn’t mind. ;)

CTW: What does your writing routine include?
LB: I sit in my home office at a HP desktop computer with a really big screen. My eyes grow tired pretty easily in my old age. ;) And, I like to write with the television on in the background. When I first started writing, I was obsessed with Law & Order reruns. As mentioned, now, I can’t seem to get enough of NCIS.  I guess there’s a part of me that likes to see justice served.

CTW: What does a typical weekend look like for you?
LB: I have two daughters, ages 8 and 10, who both play soccer. Our weekends are usually consumers with soccer games, watching movies, playing board games and eating at some of our family kid-friendly restaurants. I’m fortunate that we live nearby the beach, so we try to go down to the water when the weather permits. My husband and I also try to have date nights either as a couple or with other friends as much as possible.

CTW: What is the greatest lesson you have learned since writing your first book?
LB: Writing a book is easy compared to marketing one, and my background is in public relations and marketing for a major global agency. It doesn’t matter how great of a story you’ve written if you can’t spread the word and find an audience for it. So, I’m especially appreciative to blogs like yours for helping me with that process.

CTW: With Thanksgiving upon us, what are you most thankful for this year?
LB: I’m truly thankful for my family. My husband is a wonderful person and my best friend. And I’m grateful for my two girls who bring so much love and laughter into my life. I have two healthy, supportive and generous parents who also spent their adult lives caring for me and teaching me to be a good person. Without them, I absolutely would not be the person that I am today.

CTW: What can readers expect next from you?
LB: In addition to promoting the new book, I’m looking into making connections within the motion picture industry to try and get a movie version made. As mentioned, the book started out as a screenplay that was under option at a major studio, but fell out of development. I’m eager to see if there’s interest from someone else on bringing this fun and quirky story to the big screen. So if you happen to be a well-to-do movie producer looking to make a new romantic comedy, please get in touch!


About the Book
clutch: a novel is the laugh-out-loud, chick lit romance chronicling the dating misadventures of Caroline Johnson, a single purse designer who compares her unsuccessful romantic relationships to styles of handbags – the “Hobo” starving artist, the “Diaper Bag” single dad, the “Briefcase” intense businessman, etc. With her best friend, bar owner Mike by her side, the overly-accommodating Caroline drinks a lot of Chardonnay, puts her heart on the line, endures her share of unworthy suitors and finds the courage to discover the “Clutch” or someone she wants to hold onto.

Find it on Amazon

About the Author
In addition to clutch: a novel, Lisa Becker is the author of the Click Trilogy, a contemporary romance series comprised of Click: An Online Love Story, Double Click and Right Click.  She’s written bylined articles about dating and relationships for “Cupid’s Pulse,” “The Perfect Soulmate,” “GalTime,” “Single Edition,” “Healthy B Daily” and “Chick Lit Central” among others. She lives in Manhattan Beach, California with her husband and two daughters. To learn more, visit www.lisawbecker.com.

Connect with LisaFacebook | Twitter | YouTube | Pinterest | Web

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.
rafflecopter.com/launch.jsscript>

Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.

interview with the author of 'completions and connections'

This week we're celebrating the launch of Completions and Connections by Kathryn R. Biel with her Chick Lit Plus blog tour. I normally chat with Kathryn about football (we're fellow Big 10 football supporters), but today I'm excited to have her here to talk about another favorite subject: Christmas. And don't forget to enter to win Amazon gift cards using the Rafflecopter below. Enjoy!


Change the Word: Which character from your book would you most like to take out for a festive coffee or hot cocoa?  
Kathryn R. Biel: I know I should say one of the main characters, Christine or Patrick, but I'm intrigued by Christine's best friend (with not always the best advice), Michele. I'm so intrigued that Michele may be getting her own story in the future.

CTW: What is your favorite holiday tradition?
KRB: That's a tough one for me this year. In the past we've always gone to my aunt and uncle's house. They put out an incredible spread, most of my dad's family is there, and Santa even pays a visit. My uncle passed away recently, so I'm not sure what this year will hold. But in the past, it's been my favorite part of the whole season.

CTW: What is one treat you must have every holiday season?
KRB: I have to limit it to one? I try to wait until Black Friday to get my first peppermint mocha of the season.

CTW: Which Christmas song do you blast at full volume? 
KRB: I'm so glad you asked! This novella was inspired by "Christmas Wrapping" by The Waitresses. If you don't think you know the song, google it. You totally do.

(Blogger's note: I'm feeling the holiday spirit, so I saved you the trouble of running a Google search. You're welcome. ;) )



CTW: What's the song you turn off as fast as possible?
KRB: Christmas Shoes. Blech.

(Blogger's note: I'm with Kathryn. Blech. My fit to you is not providing you a link to the song in this post.)

CTW: What's your favorite holiday movie to watch?
KRB: Does A Charlie Brown Christmas count? Also a must is The Grinch (animated, not live action), and It's a Wonderful Life .

CTW: What is the number one item you're hoping Santa will bring you this year?
KRB: A finished basement. I've been patiently waiting for 8 years. This could be the year. I think I've been very good.

CTW: What was your greatest challenge writing this story, and how did you overcome it?
KRB: I was midway through another project when I decided to drop everything and write this. I was also back at work (I work in the schools), so it was crazy busy, and then I was up against a hard deadline since it's a holiday story. I just pushed through and made myself get it done.

CTW: In the spirit of Christmas, what is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring authors?
KRB: Write it down. Even if you think it's crap, it may not be. But you'll never know unless you write it down.

CTW: What can readers expect from you next? 
KRB: I'm working on my sixth novel, which is a bit on the dark and dramatic side. I've already decided that I'm doing comedy after that, so look for more antics from Michele.


About the Book
Christine's list of resolutions contains many clichés. Try something new. Buy a pair of heels. Get a promotion. Fall in love.

Seems simple, especially when Christine meets Patrick, the man who could be Mr. Right. He's got the right credentials: a job, a sense of humor, a love of all things Indiana Jones, and best of all, he's actually taller than Christine. But busy schedules take over and gets in the way of Patrick and Christine's budding romance.

Life interferes, as it has a way of doing, and Christine wants to throw in the towel. Is the magic of the Christmas season enough to renew Christine's faith in love?

Find the Book
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes | Smashwords
About the Author
Telling stories of resilient women, Kathryn R. Biel hails from upstate New York and is a spouse and mother of two wonderful and energetic kids. In between being Chief Home Officer and Director of Child Development of the Biel household, she works as a school-based physical therapist. She attended Boston University and received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from The Sage Colleges. After years of writing countless letters of medical necessity for wheelchairs, finding increasingly creative ways to encourage the government and insurance companies to fund her clients' needs, and writing entertaining annual Christmas letters, she decided to take a shot at writing the kind of novel that she likes to read. Her musings and rants can be found on her personal blog, Biel Blather. She is the author of Good Intentions (2013), Hold Her Down (2014), I'm Still Here (2014), Jump, Jive, and Wail (2015), and Killing Me Softly (2015).

Connect with KathrynBlog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Amazon | Newsletter

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.

interview with the author of 'peri in progress'

Today, I'm delighted to welcome my fabulous Marching Ink label-mate Cat Lavoie to Change the Word. She recently published her third novel, Peri in Progress. I had a chance to beta read an earlier draft of this story, and I loved it. I seriously couldn't put it down. (Which, btdubs is a good thing when you're beta reading. You don't forget any of the early bits, and it's a sign the story is great.) Anyway, I'm so proud of Cat on creating such a fantastic read, and I'm delighted to have her on the blog for this interview.

Change the Word: What was your inspiration for writing Peri in Progress?
Cat Lavoie: I love stories where characters decide to reinvent themselves. Most of the time, real life gets in the way of the big plans you make for yourself—it certainly does in Peri’s case. I was inspired by the frantic energy that comes with wanting to be a better version of yourself… and how hard it can be to maintain that initial enthusiasm. I might have a lot of experience on that front!

CTW: There are a lot of yummy dishes discussed in this book, how did you decide what foods to feature?
CL: I'd love to say I did a lot of hands-on research at fancy restaurants (how awesome would that be!) but lack of time and funds meant I had to rely on Pinterest and my own foodie wish-list for inspiration.

CTW: Peri has a serious junk food addiction, what is one food you wish you could quit but just can't?
CL: Peri and I have something is common… My weakness is also potato chips. I've tried to quit cold turkey, but it's a battle I keep on losing. Why must they be so delicious?

CTW: Peri's professional life is in a little bit of trouble in this book--what's the toughest job you've ever had?
CL: Maybe not tough, but definitely tedious…

I know it’s going to seem odd, but working in a library turned out to be the most boring job I’ve ever had. I’d just graduated from University and I thought I’d found my dream job. But I ended up stuck in the basement (far away from the books) where I had to go through every magazine and newspaper lent out to users and keep a log of any damage (small tear on page 3, page 10 is missing…) And then I’d have to do it all again when the person gave it back to make sure they hadn’t added any extra damage. I can laugh at it now but, at the time, I thought I was going to literally die from boredom.

CTW: Milo is a super sexy and dreamy chef, what real-life celebrity chef is your favorite?
CL: My first celebrity chef crush was Jamie Oliver, and I still have a soft spot for him. Eating at one of his London restaurants is definitely on my bucket list.

CTW: What is your favorite thing about Milo?
CL: His confidence. I'm not a naturally confident person, so I loved writing for a character who doesn't seem to second-guess himself and who has complete faith in his abilities.

CTW: If you could travel the world with any of your characters from any of your books, who would you pick and where would you travel?
CL: That's a really tough question—it's like choosing a favorite child! But I think I'd pick Roxy from Breaking the Rules because I'm sure we'd have a great time eating our way through Paris. I have a feeling she'd be a fabulous tour guide and she’d take me to some pretty awesome bakeries!

CTW: If you could spend one day living in any fictional book, which one would you want to live in and what character would you like to be?
CL: I'd love to spend a day in Bridget Jones' London… and be Bridget Jones, of course! Only the first book, though. (I'm not a fan of what happens in the most recent sequel.)

CTW: What is the best lesson you have learned so far as an author? 
CL: I feel like I learn something new every day. But the best lesson I've learned so far is that every writer is on his or her own journey and it's completely useless to compare yourself to someone else. It's a lesson that's easily forgotten, though—and I have to keep reminding myself of it when it feels like all the good stuff is happening to other authors. I think it's a good life lesson too—not just one for writers.

CTW: What can readers expect from you next on your writing adventure?
CL: I don’t think I'm ready to leave the fictional town of Messina behind just yet. My holiday novella, Nine Ladies Dancing, is going to be part of All I Want For Christmas, a Marching Ink collection being released later this month. Some familiar faces and places from Peri in Progress make an appearance.

Also, I'm in the very early stages of planning/outlining my fourth novel—which will also take place in Messina. I'm having a lot of fun getting to know these new characters.


About the Book
You know what they say about best-laid plans…

After a disastrous thirty-first birthday party where she gets stood-up by a man she isn’t supposed to be dating, Peri McKenna decides it’s time to change what hasn’t been working—which is pretty much everything. Her love life is going nowhere fast, she’s bored to tears by a job that makes her the office pariah, and the lifelong junk food addiction that used to be somewhat quirky is now positively problematic. To top it all off, her newly-purchased home is falling apart and wishful thinking hasn’t done much to fix the leaky roof.

It’s time be an adult now that she’s officially ‘thirty-something.’

But when the first step of Peri’s self-improvement plan backfires, she starts to wonder if change might be overrated.

Enter Milo Preston, an up-and-coming chef who’s in town to take over a local restaurant. When Peri and Milo begin working together, she finds it hard to ignore his easy charm and captivating emerald-green eyes. Since Milo is her best friend’s estranged brother, Peri has to keep reminding herself that he is completely off-limits. As they grow closer, Milo introduces Peri to new foods, the joy (and pain) of jogging, and makes her think her luck might finally be turning.

But when the past catches up with them, Peri finds herself back at square one. Will she be able to sort herself out—or will the roof cave in on her once and for all?

Find the Book on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads

About the Author
Cat Lavoie lives in Montreal, Canada with her tempestuous cat, Abbie. She is the author of Breaking the Rules, Zoey & the Moment of Zen, and Peri in Progress.

If Cat isn’t reading or writing, she’s most likely watching too much TV or daydreaming about her next trip to London.

To find out more about Cat and her books, please visit www.CatLavoie.com and follow @Catenabi on Twitter.

Connect with CatFacebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Website

Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.

show your team spirit!

Greetings, sports fans! In honor of First & Goal beginning it's Chick Lit Plus blog tour, let’s play a game. It’s called “Show Your Team Spirit.”

To play along, share a photo of yourself showing your Team Spirit on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for your chance to win one a prize package that includes Brea Brown’s Out of My League and Ophelia London’s Playing at Love in your preferred ebook format (Amazon or Barnes & Noble), and a $5 gift card to Amazon or Barnes & Noble to pick more stories. Just find a picture of yourself wearing your team’s colors and share it on social media.

If you’re like me, then your phone’s photo album is full of them.

Hanging out at the Spring Game with my bro and sis.
Showing off my game-ready nails.
Lady Jane watches her 'skers.
Pretending to be CU fans for a day.
Mom and I supporting dad during alumni band day.
Me with one of my Husker loves.
See. It’s that easy. ;) And hey, no pressure, but bonus points for anyone who shares a Team Spirit photo while holding a copy (ebook or print) of First & Goal.

To make sure your entry gets seen, share it on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. If you share it on Facebook, be sure to tag my author page for your entry to count (you'll have to like the page for it to count). Tag me in your post on Instagram (@lmchap614) or Twitter (@lmchap). Be sure to include a caption telling us about your photo and use #FirstandGoal. And you can enter as many times as you like. The more photos you share, the more chances you'll have at winning that top prize.

Submit your entries now through November 23. The winner will be announced on my blog and social media accounts on November 24.

Now get to snapping! I can’t wait to see your Team Spirit pics.


About the Book
When Harper Duquaine’s no-nonsense approach to work unintentionally ruffles the wrong feathers at her new job, she joins her co-workers’ fantasy football league to prove she can hang with the guys. Only problem: she doesn’t know a sleeper from a keeper (or any of the other lingo thrown her way). 

Embroiled in a world of lineups, stats, and trades, Harper’s quest to make nice topples when her competitive streak emerges. And her promise to herself that she’ll be a strong, independent woman and leave the drama and heartache behind is seriously tested when she catches the attention of her two biggest competitors: J.J., a local celebrity determined to win a fantasy championship, and Brook, the mild-mannered coach who seems too good to be true. Both threaten her resolve to remain single… and, more importantly, her chances at winning the prize pool.

With a slew of conflicting advice in her real and fantasy worlds, Harper must figure out how to play the game and come out a winner.

Now Available on Amazon , Barnes & Noble, and Kobo.Now on Tour with Chick Lit Plus!

Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.

friday night eats: pumpkin cheesecake brownies

Throughout First & Goal, Harper likes whipping up delicious treats to take to the weekly Sunday afternoon watch parties. As someone trying to win over her co-workers, Harper’s baked goods are one of the ways she quickly ingrains herself within her crew’s game day culture.

For one of those watch parties, Harper brings along Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies, which are an instant hit with her colleague Gio.

(Forgive the fugly photos--these were taken years ago, before I ever imagined I’d write First & Goal let alone use them for a blog post to support the story!)

Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies
IngredientsCream Cheese Filling1 ½ packages of plain cream cheese
6 tablespoons of brown sugar
2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
¾ cup canned/cooked pumpkin
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
¾ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour

Brownies1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 sticks unsalted butter
¼ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup flour

A crappy photo of me adding dollops of brownie batter to the top.
DirectionsGrease 13 x 9-inch pan and preheat oven to 350 degrees. To make the cream cheese filling, mix together softened cream cheese, brown sugar, and white sugar. Add canned pumpkin, egg, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and flour. Set aside. To make brownies, melt chocolate chips and butter in a sauce pan. Add salt, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and flour. Pour in a pan saving back 1 cup for later. Pour pumpkin cheesecake batter on top. Add dollops of remaining brownie batter and swirl to create a marble effect. Bake for 45-50 minutes. Allow to cool before serving.

Serves 12-24 (depending on how big of slices you like)

While I can’t promise that you’ll win over your own crew with this recipe, I did take these to a Husker watch party a few years ago and they were a hit.

But as a bonus for the low-quality photos...

Me, baking this recipe, while wearing my Husker apron.
Follow the Pinterest Board for more recipes.
About the Book
When Harper Duquaine’s no-nonsense approach to work unintentionally ruffles the wrong feathers at her new job, she joins her co-workers’ fantasy football league to prove she can hang with the guys. Only problem: she doesn’t know a sleeper from a keeper (or any of the other lingo thrown her way). 

Embroiled in a world of lineups, stats, and trades, Harper’s quest to make nice topples when her competitive streak emerges. And her promise to herself that she’ll be a strong, independent woman and leave the drama and heartache behind is seriously tested when she catches the attention of her two biggest competitors: J.J., a local celebrity determined to win a fantasy championship, and Brook, the mild-mannered coach who seems too good to be true. Both threaten her resolve to remain single… and, more importantly, her chances at winning the prize pool.

With a slew of conflicting advice in her real and fantasy worlds, Harper must figure out how to play the game and come out a winner.

Now Available on Amazon , Barnes & Noble, and Kobo.

Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.