Laura Chapman's Blog, page 20
October 16, 2015
friday night eats: wing dip by samantha march (and mitch!)
Continuing our celebration of football watch party dips, this week I invited my publisher and fellow Packers fan Samantha March (and her husband, Mitch) to share a favorite recipe.
Buffalo Wing Dip by Samantha March (and Mitch!)
So... I am not a domestic goddess. I don’t know what it is, but that just is not me. I can’t decorate my house for the seasons, I don’t get excited to light fresh candles and whip out my dust rag, and I don’t want to be in the kitchen. Really for any reason. You know what I would rather be doing on a Sunday afternoon? Watching some NFL action. Monday night? Same thing. Thursday night? You betcha.
Luckily, I not only found a man who was not turned off by my undomestic goddess status, but in some respects, he prefers it. Sure, my husband would probably like to see me tidy the house more than once every two weeks or occasionally bust out the mop, but there is one aspect that he is more than happy I stay away from, and that is cooking.
Whew! I’m not going to lie, I’ve had about every cliché kitchen mishap you will read about in a chick lit novel. I’m twenty-eight but ready to call it quits on trying to find that domestic goddess switch. It’s honestly embarrassing, but crazy frustrating at the same time. Enter...Husband. He not loves cooking and creating in the kitchen, but he’s darn good at it. I would probably either starve or live off fast food if it weren’t for him!
So as we celebrate the release of one of my new favorites read, First & Goal, I asked him to share his favorite recipe with me so I could share it with the rest of you. I give you...Buffalo Chicken Dip!
Ingredients
1 Package (8 ounces) of cream cheese, softened
1 can (10 oz) of chunk white chicken, drained
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
1/2 cup blue cheese (he insists, blue cheese NOT ranch!)
2 cups (8 oz) of shredded cheese – he prefers Colby- Monterrey Jack
Directions
Throw everything in a crockpot and turn on high :) My kind of cooking!
He usually starts this about an hour to two hours before we want to eat and voila! So easy you would think I could do it but...I would find a way to mess it up, so it stays with him!
*Quick confession/disclaimer: When I recreated this dish to take this photo
I actually used a soy-based faux chicken. And it was amazing.
About Samantha March
Samantha March is an author, editor, publisher, blogger, and all around book lover. She runs the popular book/women's lifestyle blog ChickLitPlus, which keeps her bookshelf stocked with the latest reads and up to date on all things health, fitness, fashion, and celebrity related. In 2011 she launched her independent publishing company Marching Ink and has three published novels - Destined to Fail, The Green Ticket and A Questionable Friendship. When she isn't reading, writing, or blogging, you can find her cheering for the Green Bay Packers. Samantha lives in Iowa with her husband and Vizsla puppy.
Connect with SamanthaFacebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
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.
Buffalo Wing Dip by Samantha March (and Mitch!)
So... I am not a domestic goddess. I don’t know what it is, but that just is not me. I can’t decorate my house for the seasons, I don’t get excited to light fresh candles and whip out my dust rag, and I don’t want to be in the kitchen. Really for any reason. You know what I would rather be doing on a Sunday afternoon? Watching some NFL action. Monday night? Same thing. Thursday night? You betcha.
Luckily, I not only found a man who was not turned off by my undomestic goddess status, but in some respects, he prefers it. Sure, my husband would probably like to see me tidy the house more than once every two weeks or occasionally bust out the mop, but there is one aspect that he is more than happy I stay away from, and that is cooking.
Whew! I’m not going to lie, I’ve had about every cliché kitchen mishap you will read about in a chick lit novel. I’m twenty-eight but ready to call it quits on trying to find that domestic goddess switch. It’s honestly embarrassing, but crazy frustrating at the same time. Enter...Husband. He not loves cooking and creating in the kitchen, but he’s darn good at it. I would probably either starve or live off fast food if it weren’t for him!
So as we celebrate the release of one of my new favorites read, First & Goal, I asked him to share his favorite recipe with me so I could share it with the rest of you. I give you...Buffalo Chicken Dip!
Ingredients
1 Package (8 ounces) of cream cheese, softened
1 can (10 oz) of chunk white chicken, drained
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
1/2 cup blue cheese (he insists, blue cheese NOT ranch!)
2 cups (8 oz) of shredded cheese – he prefers Colby- Monterrey Jack
Directions
Throw everything in a crockpot and turn on high :) My kind of cooking!
He usually starts this about an hour to two hours before we want to eat and voila! So easy you would think I could do it but...I would find a way to mess it up, so it stays with him!
*Quick confession/disclaimer: When I recreated this dish to take this photoI actually used a soy-based faux chicken. And it was amazing.
About Samantha March
Samantha March is an author, editor, publisher, blogger, and all around book lover. She runs the popular book/women's lifestyle blog ChickLitPlus, which keeps her bookshelf stocked with the latest reads and up to date on all things health, fitness, fashion, and celebrity related. In 2011 she launched her independent publishing company Marching Ink and has three published novels - Destined to Fail, The Green Ticket and A Questionable Friendship. When she isn't reading, writing, or blogging, you can find her cheering for the Green Bay Packers. Samantha lives in Iowa with her husband and Vizsla puppy.
Connect with SamanthaFacebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
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.
October 14, 2015
'plan bea' release day
Happy Release Day to Hilary Grossman and her latest novel,
Plan Bea
. This looks like a great one, which I'll be adding to my to-read list. As part of the celebration, Hilary is offering her debut novel, Dangled Carat, for only 99 cents and she's gifting a Bath & Body Works gift card to one lucky reader and she's hosting a giveaway on Goodreads. Read through the post for the details on how to enter to win. Enjoy!
About the Book
How well do you really know the people in your life?
Annabel O’Conner has the perfect husband, two adorable children, an amazing job, and the mother from hell! Annabel doesn’t like it but has come to terms with the fact that her relationship with her mother, Bea, deteriorated to the point of forced and strained communications. However, an unscheduled call from Bea turns her world around and makes Annabel question everything she believed about her life.
Despite the fact secrets, lies, and misplaced blame have destroyed the women’s relationship; Annabel reluctantly agrees to help Bea plan her wedding. Little does Annabel know the impact of her decision.
In this Women’s Contemporary Fiction novel, Hilary Grossman explores the complex relationship that exists between mothers and daughters in a light-hearted and relatable manner.
Now AvailableAmazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble Add it to Goodreads
About the Author
Hilary Grossman loves to find humor in everyday life. She has an unhealthy addiction to denim and high heel shoes. She likens life to a game of dodge ball - she tries to keep as many balls in the air before they smack her in the face. When she isn't writing, blogging, or shoe shopping she is the CFO of a beverage alcohol importer. She lives on the beach in Long Island.
Connect with HilaryTwitter | Facebook | Instagram
And now for a limited time, get her debut novel,
Dangled Carat, for 99 Cents on Amazon!
Enter the Plan Bea Goodreads Giveaway
and Enter to win a $25 Bath & Body Works Gift Card.
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.
About the Book
How well do you really know the people in your life?
Annabel O’Conner has the perfect husband, two adorable children, an amazing job, and the mother from hell! Annabel doesn’t like it but has come to terms with the fact that her relationship with her mother, Bea, deteriorated to the point of forced and strained communications. However, an unscheduled call from Bea turns her world around and makes Annabel question everything she believed about her life.
Despite the fact secrets, lies, and misplaced blame have destroyed the women’s relationship; Annabel reluctantly agrees to help Bea plan her wedding. Little does Annabel know the impact of her decision.
In this Women’s Contemporary Fiction novel, Hilary Grossman explores the complex relationship that exists between mothers and daughters in a light-hearted and relatable manner.
Now AvailableAmazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble Add it to GoodreadsAbout the Author
Hilary Grossman loves to find humor in everyday life. She has an unhealthy addiction to denim and high heel shoes. She likens life to a game of dodge ball - she tries to keep as many balls in the air before they smack her in the face. When she isn't writing, blogging, or shoe shopping she is the CFO of a beverage alcohol importer. She lives on the beach in Long Island.
Connect with HilaryTwitter | Facebook | Instagram
And now for a limited time, get her debut novel,
Dangled Carat, for 99 Cents on Amazon!
Enter the Plan Bea Goodreads Giveaway
and Enter to win a $25 Bath & Body Works Gift Card.
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.
October 13, 2015
interview with brea brown
Happy publication day to Brea Brown and Out of My League, her newest chick lit novel. I was fortunate to read an early draft of this story, and if you're a fan of work-in-progress heroines, quirky friends, and a hunky love interest you want to cheer for on and off of the field, you'll enjoy this fast-paced and laugh-out-loud read.
In honor of her new release, I am pleased to have Brea on the blog to share a little more information about Out of My League along with more about her writing practices. I hope you enjoy getting to know Brea better in this interview.
Change the Word: Can you please tell us a little about Out of My League?
Brea Brown: First, thanks for having me and helping to spread the word about Out of My League, the first book in the Underdog Trilogy. I'm excited--and frankly, surprised--it's finally going public. It's one of those books I wrote, then shelved, then would take out every once in a while to remind myself how awful it was, then shelve again. I changed the point of view from third to first, the tense from past to present, and I even switched the entire plot. Then someone wise got me thinking about it again in a whole new way, and the project was reborn. About the only thing that's the same now as it was in the original is the core cast of characters: Maura, Jet, Rae, and Colin. In a way, it's a coming-of-age story (although Maura's a little old for that) about discovering yourself and your place in the world and valuing your self-worth. Which makes it sound really touchy-feely and full of belly button staring, but placed against the backdrop of professional sports and including some fun secondary characters, it's a lot lighter than that.
CTW: How did you develop the character Jet Knox?
BB: *cue blushing* Jet Knox is based on a real NFL quarterback. Well, sort of. Considering I've never met the guy, I guess it's more accurate to say Jet Knox is based on how I imagine a certain real NFL player to be. Of course, after a while, the character took on a personality of his own, and we left the original guy behind. But I still love the inspiration guy (I'll 'fess up now and say it's Matt Cassel, because I'm sure inquiring minds want to know), and I follow his career like we're besties, even though he's long since left my favorite team, the Chiefs.
CTW: When and how did you become a fan of professional football?
BB: I've enjoyed pro football since I was a teenager, and I'd watch the games with my dad, but it hasn't been until recent years that I've become an avid fan. It's more than just about the game, too. Sure, I watch every game my team plays, but the NFL season is also a social affair in our house. We have friends over to watch games, and my slow cooker sees a lot of action. It's fun to cheer with friends. And as long as the Chiefs aren't playing the Cowboys (my husband's team), it's always a lighthearted, good time.
CTW: What does a typical day of watching football look like for you?
BB: Come home from church, get the crock pot going, settle in front of the TV for the first game of the day (usually noon, in my time zone), crack open a beer, and that's pretty much it until there's a break between the afternoon and evening games. Put the littlest kid to bed, then watch about half of the night game. I have to go to bed early, since I get up at 4:30 a.m., so I rarely stay up for the whole prime time game, if my team's not playing. (I'm old.) If my team's playing, I stick with it until the end, consequences--and exhaustion--be damned.
CTW: What's your favorite real life football story? (Can be your own or one you've read/seen.)
BB: I'm actually terrible at remembering this stuff. I love the game and really get into it while I'm watching, but I don't remember big plays or big games after they're over. I do enjoy a great human interest story, though. One of my favorites is Kurt Warner's. The dude lived in his in-laws' basement and worked as a stocker at a local grocery store. Then he played arena football, and drew the attention of the NFL with his impressive performances there. He was signed to the St. Louis Rams, where he was part of "The Greatest Show on Turf," and subsequently also played for the Arizona Cardinals. He's an All-Pro Superbowl champ, a Superbowl MVP, and a Hall of Famer, among other awards and accolades. From stock boy to superstar QB? That's a Hollywood story, for sure!
CTW: This is the first installment of a trilogy. You're no stranger to series--this is your third--how do you keep track of characters/plot continuity/etc. from book to book?
BB: I re-read my own books before writing the next one in the series. It feels narcissistic, but... you do what you have to do. I have a pretty bad memory about most things, so I need frequent refreshers. I also use a writing program that makes it easy to keep my research and background information organized and accessible.
CTW: You written chick lit and lad lit, what other genres might you like to try writing?
BB: I don't plan to write any other genres, but if someone told me I had to try something else, I'd probably choose cozy mysteries. I enjoy reading them, and every time I finish one I like, I think, "I wish I could write something like that!"
CTW: What's the best piece of writing advice you have ever received?
BB: I've received so much! (That's kind of the nature of the business.) But I'd have to say the advice that's stuck with me the longest and that has seen me through many self doubts and bouts of block is to embrace my own voice and deliver the story I'd like to read in a way that only I could deliver it.
CTW: What three fictional characters would you most like to have dinner with and why?
BB: Oh, geez. Only three? I'd love to go all literary and feminist here, but I must stay true to myself and be honest (and shallow). I'd want to have dinner with Mr. Darcy, Atticus Finch, and Mark Darcy. But not all at once. Separately. Like a serial dater. And in modern times, mostly so Mr. Darcy would have to rely on me to help him navigate modern social norms, and I could call him Fitzwilliam. And take a selfie with him. The other two are amazing legal minds (albeit fictional) and would be great conversationalists.
CTW: What's up next for you and your writing career?
BB: Now that I've released Out of My League, I'll move forward in the publishing process with my third and final book of the Nurse Nate Trilogy, Let's Be Friends. Nurse Nate is a reader fave (and I like him, too). I hope to bring the final chapter of his story to readers in Spring 2016.
I'm also in the process of writing a completely new story (a standalone... I think), set in a small New England town. I have no idea when I'll publish that one, but it's been fun to write and meet some new characters.
By this time next year I hope to have the second installment of the Underdog Trilogy ready, although I have only a vague idea of what it will be about.
And... whatever else pops up between now and then. I always have more ideas than time.
Thanks, again, for hosting me. I hope everyone loves Out of My League as much as I loved writing it (eventually... when I finally figured out how to make it work). People can get caught up on all of my other published books, to date, at my website.
About the Book
Maura Richards has a plan for her life—it involves not having a plan. From biding her time at a long-term temp job to ending relationships before they get too serious, Maura’s only commitment is to being noncommittal.
When she meets Jet Knox, the starting quarterback of her beloved hometown football team, she dismisses their encounter as a thrilling brush with celebrity she can drag out at parties for a few years, and nothing more. Jet has other ideas. He’s someone who’s made a living setting—and scoring—goals. Wooing Maura is his latest objective.
Everyone in Maura’s life seems to have an opinion on her relationship with the All-Pro QB, but with so many swirling opinions, rumors, and doubts, Maura must rely on the judgment of the very last person she feels she can trust: herself.
Available on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo
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 BreaWebsite | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Blog
Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.
In honor of her new release, I am pleased to have Brea on the blog to share a little more information about Out of My League along with more about her writing practices. I hope you enjoy getting to know Brea better in this interview.
Change the Word: Can you please tell us a little about Out of My League?Brea Brown: First, thanks for having me and helping to spread the word about Out of My League, the first book in the Underdog Trilogy. I'm excited--and frankly, surprised--it's finally going public. It's one of those books I wrote, then shelved, then would take out every once in a while to remind myself how awful it was, then shelve again. I changed the point of view from third to first, the tense from past to present, and I even switched the entire plot. Then someone wise got me thinking about it again in a whole new way, and the project was reborn. About the only thing that's the same now as it was in the original is the core cast of characters: Maura, Jet, Rae, and Colin. In a way, it's a coming-of-age story (although Maura's a little old for that) about discovering yourself and your place in the world and valuing your self-worth. Which makes it sound really touchy-feely and full of belly button staring, but placed against the backdrop of professional sports and including some fun secondary characters, it's a lot lighter than that.
CTW: How did you develop the character Jet Knox?
BB: *cue blushing* Jet Knox is based on a real NFL quarterback. Well, sort of. Considering I've never met the guy, I guess it's more accurate to say Jet Knox is based on how I imagine a certain real NFL player to be. Of course, after a while, the character took on a personality of his own, and we left the original guy behind. But I still love the inspiration guy (I'll 'fess up now and say it's Matt Cassel, because I'm sure inquiring minds want to know), and I follow his career like we're besties, even though he's long since left my favorite team, the Chiefs.
CTW: When and how did you become a fan of professional football?
BB: I've enjoyed pro football since I was a teenager, and I'd watch the games with my dad, but it hasn't been until recent years that I've become an avid fan. It's more than just about the game, too. Sure, I watch every game my team plays, but the NFL season is also a social affair in our house. We have friends over to watch games, and my slow cooker sees a lot of action. It's fun to cheer with friends. And as long as the Chiefs aren't playing the Cowboys (my husband's team), it's always a lighthearted, good time.
CTW: What does a typical day of watching football look like for you?
BB: Come home from church, get the crock pot going, settle in front of the TV for the first game of the day (usually noon, in my time zone), crack open a beer, and that's pretty much it until there's a break between the afternoon and evening games. Put the littlest kid to bed, then watch about half of the night game. I have to go to bed early, since I get up at 4:30 a.m., so I rarely stay up for the whole prime time game, if my team's not playing. (I'm old.) If my team's playing, I stick with it until the end, consequences--and exhaustion--be damned.
CTW: What's your favorite real life football story? (Can be your own or one you've read/seen.)BB: I'm actually terrible at remembering this stuff. I love the game and really get into it while I'm watching, but I don't remember big plays or big games after they're over. I do enjoy a great human interest story, though. One of my favorites is Kurt Warner's. The dude lived in his in-laws' basement and worked as a stocker at a local grocery store. Then he played arena football, and drew the attention of the NFL with his impressive performances there. He was signed to the St. Louis Rams, where he was part of "The Greatest Show on Turf," and subsequently also played for the Arizona Cardinals. He's an All-Pro Superbowl champ, a Superbowl MVP, and a Hall of Famer, among other awards and accolades. From stock boy to superstar QB? That's a Hollywood story, for sure!
CTW: This is the first installment of a trilogy. You're no stranger to series--this is your third--how do you keep track of characters/plot continuity/etc. from book to book?
BB: I re-read my own books before writing the next one in the series. It feels narcissistic, but... you do what you have to do. I have a pretty bad memory about most things, so I need frequent refreshers. I also use a writing program that makes it easy to keep my research and background information organized and accessible.
CTW: You written chick lit and lad lit, what other genres might you like to try writing?
BB: I don't plan to write any other genres, but if someone told me I had to try something else, I'd probably choose cozy mysteries. I enjoy reading them, and every time I finish one I like, I think, "I wish I could write something like that!"
CTW: What's the best piece of writing advice you have ever received?
BB: I've received so much! (That's kind of the nature of the business.) But I'd have to say the advice that's stuck with me the longest and that has seen me through many self doubts and bouts of block is to embrace my own voice and deliver the story I'd like to read in a way that only I could deliver it.
CTW: What three fictional characters would you most like to have dinner with and why?
BB: Oh, geez. Only three? I'd love to go all literary and feminist here, but I must stay true to myself and be honest (and shallow). I'd want to have dinner with Mr. Darcy, Atticus Finch, and Mark Darcy. But not all at once. Separately. Like a serial dater. And in modern times, mostly so Mr. Darcy would have to rely on me to help him navigate modern social norms, and I could call him Fitzwilliam. And take a selfie with him. The other two are amazing legal minds (albeit fictional) and would be great conversationalists.
CTW: What's up next for you and your writing career?
BB: Now that I've released Out of My League, I'll move forward in the publishing process with my third and final book of the Nurse Nate Trilogy, Let's Be Friends. Nurse Nate is a reader fave (and I like him, too). I hope to bring the final chapter of his story to readers in Spring 2016.
I'm also in the process of writing a completely new story (a standalone... I think), set in a small New England town. I have no idea when I'll publish that one, but it's been fun to write and meet some new characters.
By this time next year I hope to have the second installment of the Underdog Trilogy ready, although I have only a vague idea of what it will be about.
And... whatever else pops up between now and then. I always have more ideas than time.
Thanks, again, for hosting me. I hope everyone loves Out of My League as much as I loved writing it (eventually... when I finally figured out how to make it work). People can get caught up on all of my other published books, to date, at my website.
About the Book
Maura Richards has a plan for her life—it involves not having a plan. From biding her time at a long-term temp job to ending relationships before they get too serious, Maura’s only commitment is to being noncommittal.
When she meets Jet Knox, the starting quarterback of her beloved hometown football team, she dismisses their encounter as a thrilling brush with celebrity she can drag out at parties for a few years, and nothing more. Jet has other ideas. He’s someone who’s made a living setting—and scoring—goals. Wooing Maura is his latest objective.
Everyone in Maura’s life seems to have an opinion on her relationship with the All-Pro QB, but with so many swirling opinions, rumors, and doubts, Maura must rely on the judgment of the very last person she feels she can trust: herself.
Available on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo
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 BreaWebsite | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Blog
Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.
October 12, 2015
cover reveals for two new marching ink titles
Today I'm excited to tell you about two new titles from Marching Ink. All I Want For Christmas is a holiday collection featuring four novellas--including two from me. These stories were a lot of fun to write, and I can't wait to share them with you. The other new novel is Peri in Progress, from my good friend and label-mate Cat Lavoie. I had a chance to beta-read this one and you won't want to miss it. It's clever and fun, and I couldn't put it down.
All I Want For Christmas (A Holiday Novella Collection)
Authors: Samantha March, Laura Chapman, Cat Lavoie
Release Date: November 11
About the Book
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 it on Goodreads
Tweet about it: #MarchingInk reveals the cover for ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS, a holiday novella collection! #CoverReveal http://bit.ly/1G70jRG
Peri in Progress
Author: Cat Lavoie
Genre: Chick Lit
Release Date: October 28
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 it on Goodreads
Tweet about it: COVER REVEAL! @Catenabi reveals the cover of book 3, PERI IN PROGRESS, on sale 10/28! #chicklit http://bit.ly/1L6nCdy
Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.
All I Want For Christmas (A Holiday Novella Collection)
Authors: Samantha March, Laura Chapman, Cat Lavoie
Release Date: November 11
About the BookMaking 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 it on Goodreads
Tweet about it: #MarchingInk reveals the cover for ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS, a holiday novella collection! #CoverReveal http://bit.ly/1G70jRG
Peri in Progress
Author: Cat Lavoie
Genre: Chick Lit
Release Date: October 28
About the BookYou 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 it on Goodreads
Tweet about it: COVER REVEAL! @Catenabi reveals the cover of book 3, PERI IN PROGRESS, on sale 10/28! #chicklit http://bit.ly/1L6nCdy
Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.
October 9, 2015
friday night eats: seven-layer dip
We're continuing my game day love affair with dips. They're a convenient and tasty addition to any watch party menu. They're typically pretty easy. You can usually do the prep work in advance, or the recipe only requires you to know how to open cans and pour out the contents. Dips also typically hold up well for several hours, which is important when you have a full afternoon and evening of games to watch.There are few things I love more than a yummy seven-layer dip. As a concession to the pescetarian diet First & Goal 's Harper Duquaine and I follow, I made this seven-layer dip without refried beans, which often contains lard or other meat-based fats. I also used some lighter ingredients, which means you can load up your plate without experiencing too much guilt.
Seven-Layer Dip
Ingredients
2 cups shredded romaine
2 avocados (mashed with juice from one lime)
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup salsa (of your choice)
1 can drained and rinsed salt-free black beans
1 cup shredded colby jack cheese
1 can sliced (and strained) black olives
chopped green onions
tortilla chips
Directions
Layer ingredients on a dish in the order listed. It's really that simple. We're using fresh avocados, so I encourage you not to make this dip too far in advance to keep the dip fresh.
If you'll noticed, I only piled green onions on half of this plate. I grew up with two siblings who hate onions (it's weird--my other sibling and I love them), so we always tried to modify our recipes accordingly.
With the large pile of lettuce, this dip is actually delicious and filling on its own as a taco salad of sorts, but it pairs well with tortilla chips.
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.
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October 6, 2015
interview with randi m. sherman
Today I am pleased to welcome Randi M. Sherman back to Change the Word as part of the Chick Lit Plus Blog Tour for The Truth About Caroline. Before reading this new interview, be sure to check out the guest post she previously shared about getting around writers' block and my review of her debut novel, Paula Takes a Risk. Thank you, Randi, for returning to CTW.
Change the Word: Can you please tell us a little about the inspiration behind The Truth About Caroline?
Randi M. Sherman: The Truth About Caroline picks up where my second novel Caroline Starts Over ends. Caroline has a terrible problem with honesty, she simply doesn’t see the upside to it. I am absolutely fascinated with people and their lies, why they do it and how they attempt to manage every one and every outcome. It seems exhausting.
CTW: If you could have dinner with any of your characters in this story, who would it be and why?
RMS: I'd have dinner with a minor character named Dreama Phelps because she knows her worth and how to teach people about the way she wants to be treated. She is a little rough and tough, but she has a good spirit.
CTW: What was your favorite part about writing this story?
RMS: I love that I get to live as my alter ego in my stories. I can be bold and daring and take risks that I might not in real life. In The Truth About Caroline I experienced how difficult it is to be chronically dishonest.
CTW: What was the biggest difference between writing this and your first novel?
RMS: The Truth About Caroline is my third novel. The first, Paula Takes a Risk was fun a breezy, a quick beach read. As I worked on my second book, Caroline Starts Over and now The Truth About Caroline, I focused more on plot an character development - they are both much richer novels.
CTW: What has been the best piece of advice you've received as a writer?
RMS: Write every day.
CTW: Where do you spend most of your time writing?
RMS: I have a bright, fabulous office. However, I always have a pad of paper to write down ideas, no matter where I am.
CTW: What is your writing beverage of choice?
RMS: Coffee in the morning, then usually water. If I pour a glass of wine, I'm done writing for the day. Cocktails and writing don't mix well for me.
CTW: What's another genre you might like to try writing?
RMS: Mystery, intrigue - but I don't think I could keep humor out of it.
CTW: If you had a theme song, what would it be and why?
RMS: "Come Fly with Me" - because I feel inspired and fabulous, like I'm about to take off on an incredible adventure. I want everyone I know, my readers to come with me.
CTW: What can you tell us about your next writing project?
RMS: I currently have one book at the publisher, due our Spring-ish 2016 – It's a contemporary, humorous, character-driven novel made up of over fifty intertwined stories, with more than 200 characters and it all occurs in one location. It was a labor of love and... math. AND –I am currently about 75 percent done with a humorous but inspirational character that is bawdy, bold and an unusually kind of hero. I hope to send it off to the publisher by the end of 2015.
Thank you for the interview.
About the Book
Honesty has always presented a problem for Caroline.
Manipulating situations and navigating around blunders and deceptions have become second nature to Caroline. She could justify every lie she has ever told, and any truth she ever stretched. Honesty and revealing secrets would only keep her from moving forward with her life. What good would it do anyhow?
Even all of those bad financial decisions, flawed relationships and questionable life choices seem like child’s play compared to being arrested for the solicitation of her husband’s murder, and what follows. Could someone figure out Caroline? And what would happen if someone did?
Find the Book on Amazon and Goodreads
About the Author
With an eye for detail, an ear for well-tuned dialogue and an incredible grasp of the obvious, all honed while performing stand-up comedy in Los Angeles and improvisational theater in San Francisco, Sherman adds just enough bawdiness to delivercharacter-driven contemporary novels that will have the reader laughing, thinking and even connecting with the characters in her books
Writing has been a part of Randi’s life since she was a teenager, one hundred and fifty thousand years ago. But being pragmatic and realizing that she preferred having an income, living indoors and eating regularly, she reluctantly put her dreams on hold and entered the corporate world, yet never left behind her sense of humor and creative storytelling ability, skills which were not always appreciated during budget and strategy meetings.
Now, after living indoors for a while and eating regularly, albeit too much, Randi has picked up her pen again and her third novel, THE TRUTH ABOUT CAROLINE is here. It is the continuation to her second novel CAROLINE STARTS OVER (2014). Randi's first book PAULA TAKES A RISK was released in 2012. Look for Randi's next novel THE LOBBY, Spring-ish 2016.
Randi lives in the California wine country. She would never claim to have a genius IQ, the body of a super model. However, she can spell “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” Randi maintains a trim, well-toned body that is cleverly concealed beneath twenty pounds of soft protective layering and she has the appetite of a bird (vulture).
Things that Randi cannot live without: people to laugh with, her car horn, a gym membership where there are chubby women who break into a sweat while putting on a jog bra, wine, waist capes, and her wife, Carol.
Randi can live without: mean-spirited people, liver, left-overs, communal dressing rooms, tight underwear, and people who point.
Randi is five-foot-seven.
Connect with RandiWebsite | Twitter
Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.
Change the Word: Can you please tell us a little about the inspiration behind The Truth About Caroline?
Randi M. Sherman: The Truth About Caroline picks up where my second novel Caroline Starts Over ends. Caroline has a terrible problem with honesty, she simply doesn’t see the upside to it. I am absolutely fascinated with people and their lies, why they do it and how they attempt to manage every one and every outcome. It seems exhausting.
CTW: If you could have dinner with any of your characters in this story, who would it be and why?RMS: I'd have dinner with a minor character named Dreama Phelps because she knows her worth and how to teach people about the way she wants to be treated. She is a little rough and tough, but she has a good spirit.
CTW: What was your favorite part about writing this story?
RMS: I love that I get to live as my alter ego in my stories. I can be bold and daring and take risks that I might not in real life. In The Truth About Caroline I experienced how difficult it is to be chronically dishonest.
CTW: What was the biggest difference between writing this and your first novel?
RMS: The Truth About Caroline is my third novel. The first, Paula Takes a Risk was fun a breezy, a quick beach read. As I worked on my second book, Caroline Starts Over and now The Truth About Caroline, I focused more on plot an character development - they are both much richer novels.
CTW: What has been the best piece of advice you've received as a writer?
RMS: Write every day.
CTW: Where do you spend most of your time writing?
RMS: I have a bright, fabulous office. However, I always have a pad of paper to write down ideas, no matter where I am.
CTW: What is your writing beverage of choice?RMS: Coffee in the morning, then usually water. If I pour a glass of wine, I'm done writing for the day. Cocktails and writing don't mix well for me.
CTW: What's another genre you might like to try writing?
RMS: Mystery, intrigue - but I don't think I could keep humor out of it.
CTW: If you had a theme song, what would it be and why?
RMS: "Come Fly with Me" - because I feel inspired and fabulous, like I'm about to take off on an incredible adventure. I want everyone I know, my readers to come with me.
CTW: What can you tell us about your next writing project?
RMS: I currently have one book at the publisher, due our Spring-ish 2016 – It's a contemporary, humorous, character-driven novel made up of over fifty intertwined stories, with more than 200 characters and it all occurs in one location. It was a labor of love and... math. AND –I am currently about 75 percent done with a humorous but inspirational character that is bawdy, bold and an unusually kind of hero. I hope to send it off to the publisher by the end of 2015.
Thank you for the interview.
About the Book
Honesty has always presented a problem for Caroline.
Manipulating situations and navigating around blunders and deceptions have become second nature to Caroline. She could justify every lie she has ever told, and any truth she ever stretched. Honesty and revealing secrets would only keep her from moving forward with her life. What good would it do anyhow?
Even all of those bad financial decisions, flawed relationships and questionable life choices seem like child’s play compared to being arrested for the solicitation of her husband’s murder, and what follows. Could someone figure out Caroline? And what would happen if someone did?
Find the Book on Amazon and Goodreads
About the Author
With an eye for detail, an ear for well-tuned dialogue and an incredible grasp of the obvious, all honed while performing stand-up comedy in Los Angeles and improvisational theater in San Francisco, Sherman adds just enough bawdiness to delivercharacter-driven contemporary novels that will have the reader laughing, thinking and even connecting with the characters in her books
Writing has been a part of Randi’s life since she was a teenager, one hundred and fifty thousand years ago. But being pragmatic and realizing that she preferred having an income, living indoors and eating regularly, she reluctantly put her dreams on hold and entered the corporate world, yet never left behind her sense of humor and creative storytelling ability, skills which were not always appreciated during budget and strategy meetings.
Now, after living indoors for a while and eating regularly, albeit too much, Randi has picked up her pen again and her third novel, THE TRUTH ABOUT CAROLINE is here. It is the continuation to her second novel CAROLINE STARTS OVER (2014). Randi's first book PAULA TAKES A RISK was released in 2012. Look for Randi's next novel THE LOBBY, Spring-ish 2016.
Randi lives in the California wine country. She would never claim to have a genius IQ, the body of a super model. However, she can spell “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” Randi maintains a trim, well-toned body that is cleverly concealed beneath twenty pounds of soft protective layering and she has the appetite of a bird (vulture).
Things that Randi cannot live without: people to laugh with, her car horn, a gym membership where there are chubby women who break into a sweat while putting on a jog bra, wine, waist capes, and her wife, Carol.
Randi can live without: mean-spirited people, liver, left-overs, communal dressing rooms, tight underwear, and people who point.
Randi is five-foot-seven.
Connect with RandiWebsite | Twitter
Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.
October 2, 2015
friday night eats: spinach and artichoke dip
Dips are some of my favorite game day foods. I love them so much, we'll spend the next few weeks featuring great dips. I am particularly fond of spinach and artichoke dip. While I may love it, the calorie counting app on my phone does not.Knowing that First & Goal 's Harper Duquaine is also somewhat self-conscious of her own calorie intake, I figured this lighter version of a classic dish would pass her inspection.
For this recipe, pull out your slow cooker and embrace your love of cheesy goodness and easy cooking (it's all just opening up containers!).
Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Ingredients
1 package fat free or low fat cream cheese
1 15-ounce package frozen spinach
1 15-ounce can artichoke hearts (strained)
1 cup Greek yogurt
1 cup skim mozzarella cheese
pepper to taste
fresh vegetables and tortilla chips for dipping
Directions
Turn slow cooker on high and combine all ingredients, excluding the cheese and cheese/tortillas. Stir occasionally and reduce heat to low after one hour. Stir half of the cheese into the mixture. Wait at least one more hour before serving and add the remaining cheese.
Best served with tortilla chips and fresh vegetables, including carrots, celery, sweet peppers, and cucumbers.
Out of everything I made for my First & Goal launch party, this dip was one of the biggest crowd pleasers. (I also learned that it's pretty tasty when served on top of the black and blue burger.)
This recipe is a definite keeper for me, and I'll make it again.
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.
September 30, 2015
here comes the bride blog hop
Welcome to Day Three of the Here Comes The Bride Blog Hop!
Today, I'm sharing an interview with Elliot Lynch, wedding planner extraordinaire from The Marrying Type. We'll cover everything from what it's like to plan a wedding around a reality TV show, bridezillas, and more.
Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter down below for your chance to win some fabulous prizes including e-book copies of: The Marrying Type by moi, Spinster Wedding: a novella by Nikki Mahood, Up To I Do by Samantha March, Hearts Afire by Monique McDonell, and Royal Secrets by Kathleen Irene Paterka.
Meet Elliot Lynch of The Marrying Type
Were you nervous on the first day of filming?So nervous. Even though my cousin was the producer--and the person who talked me into participating in the reality show--I was freaked out the entire time. I've never really watched reality TV, let alone had any aspirations of being on it. It's something I had to do to save my family's business, which made me all the more nervous.
Did anything go wrong?
I kept having to repeat myself, because I couldn't get the format right. When you're filming a show, you have to include context when you speak, because the viewers don't always have it. I also had a lot of trouble not staring directly into the camera, because I was so nervous. Aside from those things--which I've gotten used to in the past couple of months--it was just wedding mayhem as usual. Every wedding has its own drama. That's why people hire me--to manage the drama and make the day a hit no matter what happens.
Be honest: Do you have a Bridezilla story?
A better question might be how many bridezilla stories do you have? Though that would be hard to answer definitively--there are countless. You can read about some of my close encounters of the matrimonial kind in The Marrying Type, but here's one that isn't in the book. I once had a bride change her dress four times before she finally committed to the fifth one. An old family friend runs the bridal boutique, and I honestly was scared she'd ban me from ever bringing another bride back. Eventually it was all settled, and the bride's parents covered the expenses of all of the changes. Unfortunately, even after all of that, she still managed to trip and split the back of her dress half an hour before she was due down the aisle. Luckily my friend doesn't hold a grudge and we were able to mend the dress and send the bride down the aisle basically intact.
Bridesmaids, how many is too many?
I'll admit I'm a fan of having a small, intimate number of bridesmaids. But what matters most is having your best, closest friends--the ones who will have your back no matter what--standing up there with you. I don't care if you feel duty-bound to ask your second cousin once removed because you were in her wedding, what matters is that she--or he, I've seen men step in for the role, too--is someone you need by your side as you begin a marriage. If I can make one more suggestion, I'd highly encourage you to pick someone who can hold her--or his--liquor, and who won't add more drama to an already challenging process.
You can’t have a wedding without family – what is the strangest family involvement you've experienced?
Families can be a beautiful, beautiful thing. They can also threaten to destroy all of your carefully timed and orchestrated plans. I recently had the mother-of-the-bride and mother-of-the-groom nearly get into a fistfight over shoes. With a camera crew standing only a few feet away. You can read more about this in the book, but it's a good example of how complicated family dynamics can be.
Are you still a believer in the happily ever after?
I'm in the business of sending people off as they begin their happily ever afters. But I'm realistic enough to know that no one is guaranteed a happily ever after. I've read all of the articles about divorce rates. I watched my mom--one of the best people I have ever known--fight for her life, even when the odds weren't good. I had a great love that stopped. The world can be a hard place. There are no guarantees. Still, I have to believe that we all have a shot at it. Otherwise what's the point? And maybe even if it isn't like something out of a fairy tale. Maybe it's as simple as sneaking a champagne toast with an old friend in the gardens. Maybe it's grabbing dinner with a new friend. Maybe it's holding onto the hope of second chances. We can still find our pockets of happiness, and they can be good. And wow that was a long answer.
Follow along the blog hop and enter to win:Monday - Monique McDonellTuesday - Samantha MarchWednesday - ME! (welcome)Thursday - Nikki MahoodFriday - Kathleen Irene Paterka
a Rafflecopter giveaway
About The Marrying Type
Always the wedding planner, never a bride, Elliot Lynch is famous for orchestrating the splashiest weddings in Charleston, South Carolina. When her father’s sloppy management practices leave them on the brink of bankruptcy, Elliot will do whatever it takes to save the family business. When asked to appear on “The Marrying Type,” a reality TV show about the people behind the scenes as couples exchange I dos, she says yes to the invasion of privacy (and the hefty paycheck that comes with it).
With a camera crew capturing every detail of her life, Elliot faces her most challenging contract yet: planning a wedding where her ex is involved in every part of the process. Add in a lazy assistant, liquor-loving bridesmaid, and rival planner encroaching on her turf, and Elliot’s wedding season goes from high-end to high-stress.
Forced to confront her past, Elliot must live out her troubled present on national TV if she has any hope of saving her future.
Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo.
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September 29, 2015
interview with isabelle andover
Today I am thrilled to feature an interview with Isabelle Andover, the author of Cocktails at Le Carmen. I can't wait to dig into this book, which sounds like the perfect read for fans of Chick Lit. I enjoyed getting to know Isabelle a bit better through this interview, and I hope you will too.
Change the Word: What inspired you to write Cocktails at Le Carmen?
Isabelle Andover: I always had the idea that I would write a book someday, but I wasn’t really sure what it would be about. All I knew was that it would be chicklit, as it’s a genre I adore, and that setting would be important. It was when I moved to Paris that I realized I’d found the perfect place. I personally love books set in the city as each one shows a different side to it– the bourgeois 16th arrondissement in Sarah Long’s And What Do You Do? for example, or the working class 19th arrondissement in Catherine Sanderson’s Petite Anglaise.
The idea that you should “write what you know” and “write the book you’d want to read” really resonates with me, as I think both of these things are important in helping you find your voice and in creating an authentic story. This is why Chloe, the main character in Cocktails at Le Carmen, is a twenty-something British expat like I am (although not for much longer as the big 3-0 is fast approaching, much to my dismay).
CTW: What was your inspiration for the story?
IA: Some of the story was inspired by my own experiences of being an expat in Paris – the flat hunting, for example – and by the experiences of other expats I know. That said, the character of Jean-Luc, is, disappointingly, entirely fictional. Last year, I read a newspaper article about the best-selling novelist who reportedly left her husband after ‘falling in love’ with one of her main characters, and I found myself thinking, ‘actually, that isn’t nearly as weird as it sounds…’
CTW: What kind of planning and preparation do you do before starting a writing project?
IA: I’m always quite impatient to just start writing, so I’ll usually come up with an idea and a very vague outline, and then start writing and see what happens. I’m definitely not one of those people who plans everything out beforehand, although I kind of wish I could be that organized!
CTW: What is the most important lesson you have learned since publishing your debut novel?
IA: That other authors and writers can offer great support and advice when being a published author is completely new to you. I joined a writers’ Facebook group after interacting with an author on Twitter who is one of the admins (although I had no idea at the time), and it’s been great to be part of a community of fellow chick lit writers. I’ve discovered many great authors this way too, which has been fantastic, as I love to read.
CTW: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received in regards to writing?
IA: “Read widely in the genre you want to write in”. I’ve been a huge fan of chick lit for years and years, so I’d unwittingly been following this advice for a long time before I started to write a book myself. But it really is the best advice – you develop a deep understanding of the genre and you discover what you personally like and don’t like so much in books, which will influence your own writing – you might naturally gravitate towards writing that is dialogue heavy, for example, or you might place a lot of importance on describing setting.
CTW: What are three things you need for a productive writing session?
IA: It’s more about the things I DON’T need, rather than the things I do need. I don’t need Internet or my phone, for example, as I get easily distracted and so have to switch both of these off. It also helps if my cat, Oscar, is sleeping or visiting the neighbours. If he is insistently demanding yet more luxury cat food, that I play with him, or that I open the wardrobe so he can make a nest in my cashmere jumpers (and claw holes in them in the process), it’s rather difficult to get much work done.
CTW: Where do you do most of your writing?
IA: Either in my bed on my laptop or during the morning commute on my phone. At the weekend I often take my laptop off to a café, as I know that if I stay at home while my cat is taking a nap I’ll be tempted to have a little sleep too.
CTW: Jane and Bingley are always curious about other kittens in the world. Can you tell us a little bit about your furry associate, Oscar?
IA: Of course, I could talk about him for hours on end! Oscar’s three now, and I’ve had him since he was a tiny kitten. I’d excitedly named him Delilah and bought him a pink Hello Kitty collar, before a visit to the vet revealed that he was in fact, a boy. He’s a bilingual tabby with a leopard-print tummy, and he gets along famously with the neighbours (except for the owner of the tomato plant in which he sometimes does his business). He also blogs occasionally, writing about his life in Paris and his jealously of Choupette Lagerfeld. “Choupette has two maids,” Karl has been quoted as saying. Oscar is not happy about this, at all.
CTW: What is your favorite way to spend a weekend?
IA: I like my weekends to be a mix of productiveness and relaxation, because if I say I’m going to write all day Saturday, I know that I won’t actually do this, and then I’ll feel guilty. So instead I’ll write in the morning and maybe late in the evening, and meet up with my friends during the day. Sometimes we’ll be cultural and go to a museum; sometimes we’ll go running (there are some extremely vague plans to do a half marathon at Disneyland next year), and other times we’ll just sit and chat and stuff our faces with pizza.
CTW: What is up next for you and your writing career?
IA: I’m working on book two right now. I’ve got the gist of the story and the main characters, but I’m still undecided on a few pretty major elements – setting is one of them - so I can’t really say much at this stage unfortunately!
About the Author
Isabelle Andover is a Paris-based writer of chicklit. Her debut novel, Cocktails at Le Carmen, was published by Simon & Fig in June 2015.
Originally from England, Isabelle lives with her tabby cat Oscar, who occasionally blogs about apartment-style living in the City of Light.
In addition to fully embracing the culture of her adopted country by way of consuming plenty of French wine and cheese, Isabelle can also be found indulging in the typically British pursuits of shopping at Marks and Spencer on the Champs Elysées and drinking copious cups of Earl Grey.
Connect with IsabelleWebsite | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
About the Book
When job cuts at Chloe Saddler’s London communications firm result in an unexpected transfer to Paris, she finds herself leaving behind her friends, family, and boyfriend Scott to start a new life in the City of Light. Getting to grips with La Vie Parisienne and keeping a long-distance relationship afloat is not made any easier by the culture shock. Committing the odd French faux pas and inadvertently indulging in a few too many flirtations with her very sexy (and very taken) boss, Jean-Luc, is just the start of it. Factor in her bridezilla of a sister’s wedding (the hottest event of the year in the Saddler family’s social calendar), an unexpected session of hot, naked yoga, a slightly psychotic stalker, and one incredible kiss at an infamous Montmartre nightspot, and Chloe can say au revoir to her old, safe London life and bonjour to the romance, splendour, and glamour of Paris.
A delightful debut that harks back to the early days of Chick Lit when heroines were flawed, funny, and forever battling for love and happiness. With quirky characters and classic comedic charm, Cocktails at Le Carmen is pure fun from page one.
Now Available Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | iBooks| Kobo
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Change the Word: What inspired you to write Cocktails at Le Carmen?Isabelle Andover: I always had the idea that I would write a book someday, but I wasn’t really sure what it would be about. All I knew was that it would be chicklit, as it’s a genre I adore, and that setting would be important. It was when I moved to Paris that I realized I’d found the perfect place. I personally love books set in the city as each one shows a different side to it– the bourgeois 16th arrondissement in Sarah Long’s And What Do You Do? for example, or the working class 19th arrondissement in Catherine Sanderson’s Petite Anglaise.
The idea that you should “write what you know” and “write the book you’d want to read” really resonates with me, as I think both of these things are important in helping you find your voice and in creating an authentic story. This is why Chloe, the main character in Cocktails at Le Carmen, is a twenty-something British expat like I am (although not for much longer as the big 3-0 is fast approaching, much to my dismay).
CTW: What was your inspiration for the story?
IA: Some of the story was inspired by my own experiences of being an expat in Paris – the flat hunting, for example – and by the experiences of other expats I know. That said, the character of Jean-Luc, is, disappointingly, entirely fictional. Last year, I read a newspaper article about the best-selling novelist who reportedly left her husband after ‘falling in love’ with one of her main characters, and I found myself thinking, ‘actually, that isn’t nearly as weird as it sounds…’
CTW: What kind of planning and preparation do you do before starting a writing project?
IA: I’m always quite impatient to just start writing, so I’ll usually come up with an idea and a very vague outline, and then start writing and see what happens. I’m definitely not one of those people who plans everything out beforehand, although I kind of wish I could be that organized!
CTW: What is the most important lesson you have learned since publishing your debut novel?
IA: That other authors and writers can offer great support and advice when being a published author is completely new to you. I joined a writers’ Facebook group after interacting with an author on Twitter who is one of the admins (although I had no idea at the time), and it’s been great to be part of a community of fellow chick lit writers. I’ve discovered many great authors this way too, which has been fantastic, as I love to read.
CTW: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received in regards to writing?IA: “Read widely in the genre you want to write in”. I’ve been a huge fan of chick lit for years and years, so I’d unwittingly been following this advice for a long time before I started to write a book myself. But it really is the best advice – you develop a deep understanding of the genre and you discover what you personally like and don’t like so much in books, which will influence your own writing – you might naturally gravitate towards writing that is dialogue heavy, for example, or you might place a lot of importance on describing setting.
CTW: What are three things you need for a productive writing session?
IA: It’s more about the things I DON’T need, rather than the things I do need. I don’t need Internet or my phone, for example, as I get easily distracted and so have to switch both of these off. It also helps if my cat, Oscar, is sleeping or visiting the neighbours. If he is insistently demanding yet more luxury cat food, that I play with him, or that I open the wardrobe so he can make a nest in my cashmere jumpers (and claw holes in them in the process), it’s rather difficult to get much work done.
CTW: Where do you do most of your writing?
IA: Either in my bed on my laptop or during the morning commute on my phone. At the weekend I often take my laptop off to a café, as I know that if I stay at home while my cat is taking a nap I’ll be tempted to have a little sleep too.
CTW: Jane and Bingley are always curious about other kittens in the world. Can you tell us a little bit about your furry associate, Oscar?
IA: Of course, I could talk about him for hours on end! Oscar’s three now, and I’ve had him since he was a tiny kitten. I’d excitedly named him Delilah and bought him a pink Hello Kitty collar, before a visit to the vet revealed that he was in fact, a boy. He’s a bilingual tabby with a leopard-print tummy, and he gets along famously with the neighbours (except for the owner of the tomato plant in which he sometimes does his business). He also blogs occasionally, writing about his life in Paris and his jealously of Choupette Lagerfeld. “Choupette has two maids,” Karl has been quoted as saying. Oscar is not happy about this, at all.
CTW: What is your favorite way to spend a weekend?
IA: I like my weekends to be a mix of productiveness and relaxation, because if I say I’m going to write all day Saturday, I know that I won’t actually do this, and then I’ll feel guilty. So instead I’ll write in the morning and maybe late in the evening, and meet up with my friends during the day. Sometimes we’ll be cultural and go to a museum; sometimes we’ll go running (there are some extremely vague plans to do a half marathon at Disneyland next year), and other times we’ll just sit and chat and stuff our faces with pizza.
CTW: What is up next for you and your writing career?
IA: I’m working on book two right now. I’ve got the gist of the story and the main characters, but I’m still undecided on a few pretty major elements – setting is one of them - so I can’t really say much at this stage unfortunately!
About the Author
Isabelle Andover is a Paris-based writer of chicklit. Her debut novel, Cocktails at Le Carmen, was published by Simon & Fig in June 2015.
Originally from England, Isabelle lives with her tabby cat Oscar, who occasionally blogs about apartment-style living in the City of Light.
In addition to fully embracing the culture of her adopted country by way of consuming plenty of French wine and cheese, Isabelle can also be found indulging in the typically British pursuits of shopping at Marks and Spencer on the Champs Elysées and drinking copious cups of Earl Grey.
Connect with IsabelleWebsite | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
About the Book
When job cuts at Chloe Saddler’s London communications firm result in an unexpected transfer to Paris, she finds herself leaving behind her friends, family, and boyfriend Scott to start a new life in the City of Light. Getting to grips with La Vie Parisienne and keeping a long-distance relationship afloat is not made any easier by the culture shock. Committing the odd French faux pas and inadvertently indulging in a few too many flirtations with her very sexy (and very taken) boss, Jean-Luc, is just the start of it. Factor in her bridezilla of a sister’s wedding (the hottest event of the year in the Saddler family’s social calendar), an unexpected session of hot, naked yoga, a slightly psychotic stalker, and one incredible kiss at an infamous Montmartre nightspot, and Chloe can say au revoir to her old, safe London life and bonjour to the romance, splendour, and glamour of Paris.
A delightful debut that harks back to the early days of Chick Lit when heroines were flawed, funny, and forever battling for love and happiness. With quirky characters and classic comedic charm, Cocktails at Le Carmen is pure fun from page one.
Now Available Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | iBooks| 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.
September 25, 2015
friday night eats: peanut popcorn mix
I don't know about you, but when I'm eating a bunch of salty foods like chips and pizza during a day of football watching, eventually, I need a sweet treat. Puppy Chow was one of my favorite treats growing up. If you aren't familiar, this is a kid-friendly--though kind of messy--snack combining chocolate, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and Chex cereal.
This peanut popcorn mix takes some of those same components to create a sweet and salty snack to round out your game day food spread. While this is not a recipe anyone made in First & Goal, it is one I can imagine Harper making as a last-minute munch for the league's watch parties.
Peanut Popcorn Mix
Ingredients
1 100-calorie pack of popcorn (or any kind of popcorn you have on hand)
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup roasted peanuts (salted or unsalted)
1+ cup powdered sugar
Directions
Over medium heat, melt chocolate, butter, and peanut butter in a small sauce pan. Follow directions for making popcorn. Once chocolate mixture is melted, remove from heat and add vanilla. In a large bowl, combine popcorn, peanuts, and chocolate mixture until everything is evenly coated. Mix in powdered sugar. (If it's easier for you, shake the powered sugar onto the popcorn and peanuts using a large plastic bag.)
Serve at room temperature.
Though you can enjoy this dish year-round, there is something particularly fitting about having this on a crisp fall day. It is also so easy to make and serve (and uses ingredients I typically keep on hand) that it is great for a quick "oh-crap-I-need-to-make-dessert" treat.
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.Coming Soon to paperback!
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