Laura Chapman's Blog, page 21
September 24, 2015
the story of my life
Throughout adulthood (i.e. in the years since I've graduated college), I've often considered what I would one day title my memoirs.
(As I've mentioned before, I've always had a healthy case of vanity. I'm one of those people who can't pass a mirror without gaping at her reflection and thinking, "My what pretty eyes you have" or "Maybe you should lay off the candy, sweetie.")
Vanity aside, I guess I've always assumed I would one day do something or be someone so important, other people would want to read a whole book about my life and how I came to be my brilliant self. I'm not there yet--I'm still filing the paperwork and figuring out what exactly my mark will be--but damn it if I won't keep trying. In the meantime, I'm keeping the idea fresh in my mind by mulling over potential titles and blurbs (while also acknowledging while that concept just won't do).
Title: Make Lemonade: Or How I Stopped Worrying About What Sucks and Figured It Out Already
Blurb: There are few stories more inspiring than that of Laura Chapman's own rise to fame and acclaim. But life wasn't always that easy for the best-selling novelist. In her new memoirs, Chapman details how she learned to look on the bright side of life and make the most from what she was given. The juice was definitely worth the squeeze.
Why it Won't Work: Aside from the fact that I'm still working on that rise to fame and acclaim, I'll admit, I still haven't quite figured out how to be an optimist. (I'm not a total pessimist either--more of a real house--the glass is a glass with something I may or may not drink.)
Title: Pizza for Breakfast: And Other Struggles with Adulting
Blurb: Growing up isn't easy. And learning how to adjust to the responsibility (and burdens) of adulthood is even harder. Best-selling author Laura Chapman shares hilarious misadventures and mishaps from her twenties and how they shaped her into the successful grownup she is today. She's come a long ways from eating pizza for breakfast.
Why it Won't Work: I came up with this title while I was living in that crappy motel room the summer I interned at a newspaper in Illinois. I didn't have a fridge or microwave, so I frequently ate crappy food--like leftover pizza for breakfast. (Incidentally, I gained even more wait after packing it on during college.) "Pizza for breakfast," I thought to myself, "wouldn't that make a great name for a book or memoir?" And it does, right? Only, I think I would actually have to get past this point of my life to write a story about the good old days when I ate pizza for breakfast. Spoiler alert: I haven't yet. (I actually had leftover pizza for breakfast on Tuesday, so there you go.)
Title: The Gypsy Years: Tales From a Former Traveling Journalist
Blurb: When Laura Chapman packed up her Mazda Protege with suitcases of clothes and books for a ten-hour drive to Southern Illinois, she never could have imagined the life she was about to lead. After spending a summer living in a dive motel for a newspaper internship, she went on to become a traveling journalist, visiting more than 22 states and meeting hundreds of interesting characters. While each of these people had a story to tell, perhaps the most powerful and compelling was her own.
Why it Won't Work: Dudes, I knew I was forgetting to do something back in my travel days. I totally didn't take notes or keep track of everywhere I went or any of the interesting anecdotes from my time on the road. (Incidentally, I also led a pretty boring life out on the road. The most exciting things I did usually involved where I ate dinner once or twice a week.)
Title: Unpopular: How I Stopped Trying to Fit In and Embraced Being a Big Old Weirdo
Blurb: From an early age, Laura Chapman struggled to fit in with her peers. Never quite able to shed the invisible nerdy cloak drape over her shoulders, it wasn't until Chapman's twenties when she realized the gift she had been given. Now a best-selling novelist, Chapman shares why there is more to life than popularity and the importance of being happy with who you are rather than the person you aren't.
Why it Won't Work: I could maybe write a short essay about this, but even then I'd be a fraud. I am still totally obsessed with wanting people to like me. I need to have more happen to me, or something, if this concept is going to work. No one wants to read a book about the cats and I sitting in front of the TV for four hours watching couples argue about open concepts and paint colors on HGTV. That's hardly must-read drama.
Title: What It Is
Blurb: Novelist and philanthropist Laura Chapman shares the harrowing story of her rise from obscurity to finding a home at the top of the best-seller charts. After securing professional success, she achieved full self-actualization as a leading human rights supporter and found true love at last with her husband, Michael Fassbender. Along the way, she meets a cast of quirky characters who help her embrace the world we live in while striving to make it a better place for future generations. A true Cinderella story, this is one you won't want to miss.
Why it Won't Work: Do we even need to break this one down? I didn't think so. It is "what it is," and crazy is as crazy does--or at least thinks.
And because I used it as the title of the blog post, I can't resist closing it out with this jam from One Direction.
Your Turn! If you were writing a memoir about your life,
what would you call it? What would it be about?
Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.
(As I've mentioned before, I've always had a healthy case of vanity. I'm one of those people who can't pass a mirror without gaping at her reflection and thinking, "My what pretty eyes you have" or "Maybe you should lay off the candy, sweetie.")
Vanity aside, I guess I've always assumed I would one day do something or be someone so important, other people would want to read a whole book about my life and how I came to be my brilliant self. I'm not there yet--I'm still filing the paperwork and figuring out what exactly my mark will be--but damn it if I won't keep trying. In the meantime, I'm keeping the idea fresh in my mind by mulling over potential titles and blurbs (while also acknowledging while that concept just won't do).
Title: Make Lemonade: Or How I Stopped Worrying About What Sucks and Figured It Out Already
Blurb: There are few stories more inspiring than that of Laura Chapman's own rise to fame and acclaim. But life wasn't always that easy for the best-selling novelist. In her new memoirs, Chapman details how she learned to look on the bright side of life and make the most from what she was given. The juice was definitely worth the squeeze.
Why it Won't Work: Aside from the fact that I'm still working on that rise to fame and acclaim, I'll admit, I still haven't quite figured out how to be an optimist. (I'm not a total pessimist either--more of a real house--the glass is a glass with something I may or may not drink.)
Title: Pizza for Breakfast: And Other Struggles with Adulting
Blurb: Growing up isn't easy. And learning how to adjust to the responsibility (and burdens) of adulthood is even harder. Best-selling author Laura Chapman shares hilarious misadventures and mishaps from her twenties and how they shaped her into the successful grownup she is today. She's come a long ways from eating pizza for breakfast.
Why it Won't Work: I came up with this title while I was living in that crappy motel room the summer I interned at a newspaper in Illinois. I didn't have a fridge or microwave, so I frequently ate crappy food--like leftover pizza for breakfast. (Incidentally, I gained even more wait after packing it on during college.) "Pizza for breakfast," I thought to myself, "wouldn't that make a great name for a book or memoir?" And it does, right? Only, I think I would actually have to get past this point of my life to write a story about the good old days when I ate pizza for breakfast. Spoiler alert: I haven't yet. (I actually had leftover pizza for breakfast on Tuesday, so there you go.)
Title: The Gypsy Years: Tales From a Former Traveling Journalist
Blurb: When Laura Chapman packed up her Mazda Protege with suitcases of clothes and books for a ten-hour drive to Southern Illinois, she never could have imagined the life she was about to lead. After spending a summer living in a dive motel for a newspaper internship, she went on to become a traveling journalist, visiting more than 22 states and meeting hundreds of interesting characters. While each of these people had a story to tell, perhaps the most powerful and compelling was her own.
Why it Won't Work: Dudes, I knew I was forgetting to do something back in my travel days. I totally didn't take notes or keep track of everywhere I went or any of the interesting anecdotes from my time on the road. (Incidentally, I also led a pretty boring life out on the road. The most exciting things I did usually involved where I ate dinner once or twice a week.)
Title: Unpopular: How I Stopped Trying to Fit In and Embraced Being a Big Old Weirdo
Blurb: From an early age, Laura Chapman struggled to fit in with her peers. Never quite able to shed the invisible nerdy cloak drape over her shoulders, it wasn't until Chapman's twenties when she realized the gift she had been given. Now a best-selling novelist, Chapman shares why there is more to life than popularity and the importance of being happy with who you are rather than the person you aren't.
Why it Won't Work: I could maybe write a short essay about this, but even then I'd be a fraud. I am still totally obsessed with wanting people to like me. I need to have more happen to me, or something, if this concept is going to work. No one wants to read a book about the cats and I sitting in front of the TV for four hours watching couples argue about open concepts and paint colors on HGTV. That's hardly must-read drama.
Title: What It Is
Blurb: Novelist and philanthropist Laura Chapman shares the harrowing story of her rise from obscurity to finding a home at the top of the best-seller charts. After securing professional success, she achieved full self-actualization as a leading human rights supporter and found true love at last with her husband, Michael Fassbender. Along the way, she meets a cast of quirky characters who help her embrace the world we live in while striving to make it a better place for future generations. A true Cinderella story, this is one you won't want to miss.
Why it Won't Work: Do we even need to break this one down? I didn't think so. It is "what it is," and crazy is as crazy does--or at least thinks.
And because I used it as the title of the blog post, I can't resist closing it out with this jam from One Direction.
Your Turn! If you were writing a memoir about your life,
what would you call it? What would it be about?
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 23, 2015
wcw - meet harper duquaine
Now that it's Woman Crush Wednesday, I'm sharing the story behind your future BFF Harper Duquaine, the fun, (sometimes) fearless woman who is out to show the men in her fantasy football league a thing or two in First & Goal.Let’s enter the truth zone: I admit I’ve rolled my eyes on more than one occasion when I hear stories about other authors saying an idea came to them in a dream. (Yeah, it’s super wenchy, and I’m a total jerk for scoffing at another person’s process.) I’ve always had to do a fair amount of planning, brainstorming, and soul-searching before, during, and after my own writing adventures.
I’ll also admit I’ve had dreams so vivid and seemingly compelling, I’ll wake up and think, “That would make an amazing book” only to realize a) I was actually dreaming about something I already read or watched or b) I lose interest before the story takes off.
Maybe that’s the real source of my eye-roll: jealousy, because I lack the follow-through or brilliancy to make a dream turned story happen for myself.
I’d been struggling to finish a first draft of First & Goal for about eight or nine months when I had a breakthrough—the one I needed to light a fire within me to figure out the best way to tell the story and do it. And… it originated with a dream.
Yes, I became the source of my own eye-roll.
Here’s the gist of the dream… It was one of those recurring ones where I’m pregnant. (Everyone has those, right?) This one was a little different than previous ones, because instead of trying to figure out how I didn’t know I was pregnant (I’ve never even seen that show), who the father was (I guess it was a non-issue, because I’d achieved a new level of independence in this REM cycle), or how I planned to be a good parent (I was going to channel that new bad-assery and be the perfect mom), I was fixated on one issue: What to name her. (It’s a girl btdubs.) I’ve never actually named any of my dream pregnancy babies, so I was pretty interested to see how it played out.
I struggled and listened to input from family and friends without really hearing them. Then suddenly, on my way out of the hospital, I turned to the person doing the paperwork and said, “Her name is Harper Elena.”
I woke up shortly after with a kind of, “well that was weird” feeling. Harper Elena. Id’ never considered either of those names for a baby and neither had appeared in any of my recent TV viewing or reading. While I tried to fall back to sleep, the name played over and over in my mind. By breakfast it all snapped together. I needed to change my character’s name to Harper. And I needed her personality to reflect the independent, Type-A, yet still overly worried about a few minute details version of myself from the dream. (I later thought about the middle name and how it sounded as a last name and chose Duquaine because a) it fit Harper’s heritage and b) it had a similar sound.)
Within a few days of making that big character breakthrough and making some executive decisions, I had my outline revised and I was writing again. This time everything clicked and it took a matter of weeks to complete the previously unfinishable first draft.
Now, if you're curious about who I imagined playing her role in the big screen adaptation, it's not quite so definitive as who would play Brook. I've considered several actresses, but today I'm leaning toward
SourceA few other fun facts about Harper:
I made her a pescetarian like me, because it seemed about time to have one of my characters eat my way.She crochets to relax herself. I chose this pastime, because I remember watching football games with my grandmother while she was knitting. (My grandma could spout off sport statistics better than anyone I've ever known, and I wanted to pay tribute to her.)She works at a car dealership. I chose this profession as a nod to my sister who worked at a couple of car dealerships while she was in school. I interviewed her and one of her former co-workers to capture day-in-the-life info about working at a dealership.All in all, I hope she's someone people will read about and want to be friends with--because we still have more adventures together.
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!
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 22, 2015
interview with samantha march
Today I am thrilled to welcome Samantha March as part of her Chick Lit Plus blog tour. Not only does Samantha run CLP blog tours, the CLP blog, and a publishing house, but she is also an author. She recently released Up To I Do , her fourth novel, which is what she is here to discuss today. She is also generously giving away a $25 Amazon gift certificate as part of her tour, so be sure to check out the details below.
Change the Word: How did your own wedding shape the telling of this story?Samantha March: It actually... really didn’t. When I first got the idea to write Up To I Do , I thought I would add in the funny (and stressful) moments that happened during my wedding planning process. The bridesmaid dresses not being ordered, the hotel we blocked out giving rooms away, my...interesting bachelorette party. But then, Emerson had a completely different wedding than I did, so the story became 100% her!
CTW: What is the funniest thing that happened at your own wedding?
SM: Oh boy – we had some great moments. From the maid of honor and best man switching outfits for their introduction at the reception to the maid of honor rapping her speech to everyone on the dance floor signing along to “What Does the Fox Say?” which had just been released that week...it was a good time!
CTW: What is your favorite song to dance to at a wedding?
SM: I love “Shout!” Just love it!
CTW: What is your favorite wedding-themed movie and why?
SM: The Wedding Crashers is one of my favorite movies because I find it hysterical. I mean...not maybe the typical wedding movie for a chick lit writer to say, but when Isla Fisher says “I find you” – Die. Every. Time.
CTW: If you could have dinner with one of your characters from this book, who would you dine with and why?SM: Ooh. Good one. Probably Grams. Because she reminds me of my own grandmother ;)
CTW: What was the biggest lesson you learned while writing this book?
SM: Honestly, how important family is. That was a strong lesson in the book, especially with Emerson and her grandmother.
CTW: What are three things you need for a good writing session?
SM: A ponytail holder so I don’t rip my hair out, something to drink, and my puppy!
CTW: Many of your more recent works connect with each other--how do you keep everything straight?
SM: Lots of notes :) And Google Docs. And highlighters. And Post-Its.
CTW: How do you keep yourself motivated to keep writing?
SM: My mortgage payment! No really...just the ideas keep coming! I’m writing book 5 but already have the next, gulp, 7 in my head. I hope the ideas never stop!
CTW: What's up next for you writing-wise?
SM: Right now I’m currently writing my fifth novel. It’s in the very early stages so I don’t have much to report yet :)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
About the Book
Emerson Sinclair, twenty-seven year old hotel heiress, has said yes. With just over a year to plan her extravagant, over the top nuptials to Logan Worthington, it’s all hands on deck with the wedding plans. A Sinclair marrying into the Worthington family is the talk of their small New Hampshire town, and ideas include filming the wedding for a TV segment. But as the items get checked off the list, plans start to go... not as planned. From not getting a designer dress to a selfish bridesmaid and unaccountable best man, Emerson is afraid her wedding will be more a joke than anything.
When both her mother and sister seemingly begin to lose interest in her wedding plans in favor of their own personal lives, Emerson fears her big day will turn into the forgotten wedding. With the pressure to pull off a beautiful and elegant event that everyone expects from their respectable families, Emerson starts to forget the reason why she is saying I Do in the first place.
But her spirited Grams is there to make sure neither happens. With her help and guidance, Emerson not only has her wedding plans back on track, but she remembers the reason why they are going through the stress of wedding planning – because at the end of it all she gets to marry her true love, and marriage is defined by more than a wedding.
Buy the Book
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
About the Author
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
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September 21, 2015
mcm - meet brook maclaughlin
In honor of Man Crush Monday, I'd like to share the story behind your new book boyfriend, Brook MacLaughlin, the mild-mannered coach who catches Harper's eye in First & Goal.When I set out to write First & Goal, I knew Harper Duquaine needed a pretty special love interest. With a cast of potential suitors to choose from in her fantasy football league, there had to be one man who stood out from the rest.
But who would he be? After mulling over the possibility of having him be a car salesman (this was when I still planned on having Harper work in an actuary’s office) or financial planner, I quickly realized I need someone dedicated and compassionate for this feisty girl who seriously needed some stability in her life. Enter the former college football star turned high school teacher and assistant coach. A man who, aside from being buff and energetic, would ooze humility, patience and understanding.
He needed a name. And, I wanted it to mean something.
I realized early on it would be Brook -- either as a first or last name. I come from a long line of Husker football fans. I grew up watching Nebraska win conference championships, three National titles and a legendary place in football history.
Amidst the glory of these victories, one man stood out, not only for his command on the field, but for his actions off. Brook Berringer was Nebraska’s back-up quarterback who led the team through a season when its star quarterback was injured. In the locker room and practice field, he was seen as a leader and team player by his peers. In the community, he was the young man who visited patients in the hospital, read to children at schools and offered motivation and inspiration as a role model. He stole my 9-year-old heart and became my first football player crush. Not because he was a great player -- though that helped -- or because he was super cute -- and he was -- but because I saw what a great person he was.
In April 1996, weeks before the NFL draft, Brook and his girlfriend’s brother were killed when the single-engine plane he was piloting crashed in a field southwest of Lincoln. As a community we mourned him. It’s been almost 20 years, and I’m a grown woman, but I still tear up whenever I think about him. (I'm not someone who cries while she writes, but there are a few tears in my eyes right now. You can watch the following video, but if you're like me, you might dry sob your way through it.)
So when I needed a name for a young man filled with so much goodness his was the one that came to mind and never left. I think I always knew I’d name a character for him one day to honor his memory.
I struggled with what the rest of his name should be. Would he be Blake Brook(s) or Brook Rodgers as a nod to my beloved Green Bay Packers? I discussed the dilemma with my mom after a football game last fall. She agreed his first name should be Brook and that the last name should mean something. That’s when she suggested McLaughlin. Of course. It was perfect. Not only did Brook McLaughlin sound good, as my dad pointed out, but it honored another person with football ties. My high school football coach.
You wouldn’t think a band geek would’ve given much thought to her high school’s football coach, but Mr. McLaughlin was my homeroom teacher my first three years of high school. He was a nice man who helped me plan out my class schedule. He was the guy who joked with us about silly pop culture trends. He was the person who helped a group of confused students deal with the confusion and pain that came from watching the September 11th attacks unfold on our TV screens. Though I didn’t know him that well, I always respected Mr. McLaughlin, and I’ve never forgotten him.
But… I have to admit, there was something a little weird to me about having the love interest in the book be known as the same name as my homeroom teacher from high school. So I added an extra “a” to the name, and I had a name: Brook MacLaughlin. It sounded nice. It fit a former football player and a current coach. And it meant something to me.
For you visual people, I did have a model in mind while I wrote:
(Source)
(Source)That's
So we had a name, we had looks, now Brook needed an amazing personality. When preparing to write Hard Hats and Doormats and The Marrying Type , I spent most of my time building the leading ladies. Oh, I gave plenty of thought and consideration to creating Jason Beaumont and Eric Warner, but Lexi Burke and Elliot Lynch required the most attention.
It’s strange that when planning First & Goal, I ended up spending substantially more time developing Brook than I did on Harper . Actually, I did more research in general on this book than I ever had before, but that’s because I had a seemingly endless list of questions I wanted to get right.
I had a fairly good idea of what Harper’s life and world would be like from the get-go. Imagining it was what inspired me to write the story. As previously mentioned I knew her name the second I started jotting down notes, but deciding Brook’s took additional effort.
Even after I had his name down, I realized I was making too many assumptions about him. Sure, I could guess what life for a high school teacher and coach would be like based on years of watching Boy Meets World and Friday Night Lights. But I would be guessing, when a little extra effort could solidify the character more.
On a whim, I texted one of my best friends from high school, who does an amazing job balancing careers as a teacher and mom. I asked if she had any leads on a teacher who would be willing to answer some questions, and preferably they would be male, work in a high school and coach. Football if it wasn’t too much trouble. Within hours, I had emails for two men who fit each of my requests.
I sent each of my interviewees the same list of questions:
What does your typical day look like schedule-wise?How about on a game day?Did you play this sport yourself? At what level? How did that experience shape your coaching?How does coaching factor into your regularly scheduled activities as a teacher?What sort of things do you have to do in the off-season?When do you do most of your homework/grading? Do you have to take it home with you? Weeknights? Weekends?What is the biggest challenge of being a high school teacher today?What is your favorite part?What’s the biggest difference you see in high school now compared to when you were a student?What is the dynamic like between newer teachers/coaches like compared to ones with more experience?What’s something that might surprise people about what high school is like today?Both men impressed me with their answers. Not just because of how quickly they responded, but because of how much thought and context they provided me (and it was during football season).
While I had a fairly good idea what some of their responses might be, I was surprised by others. Namely how much time and commitment it takes to be a coach and how much work it takes to balance the rest of the job and a life at home. I knew it had to be pretty time-consuming, but both men described days that began at 5:30 a.m. and ended well after I usually eat dinner. It involved lost weekends and extra hours even after the whistle blows at the end of the last game of the season.
Naturally, this shifted my story quite a bit. I couldn’t realistically have Harper and Brook developing a friendship or romance over candlelit dinners or Saturday mornings in bed. Brook’s time would be committed elsewhere throughout most of the season, and he wouldn’t be able to drop everything. While this created some challenges in plotting the story, it also presented new opportunities I hadn’t considered. It also meant the scenes when Harper and Brook were together had to be special, because each second together would be tough to come by.
Their answers made me think more about what kind of a man Brook MacLaughlin would truly be. The more I thought about him, the more I considered how his presence would shape Harper’s life. At this point, he became more than a love interest. I realized he was an inspiration and a catalyst for change.
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!
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 18, 2015
friday night eats: black & blue veggie burger
This week’s Friday Night Eats recipe doesn’t come from First & Goal, but it is definitely one I could imagine our friend Harper Duquaine making for a football watch party. This Black & Blue Veggie Burger is a simple, but delicious, way to create a vegetarian-friendly dish for a hot dogs and hamburgers kind of day.
Plus, it has blue cheese crumbles in it, which automatically gives you a sophisticated air. And when you’re sitting in front of a TV swearing at refs, dropped passes, and bad blocks, it never hurts to add a little class to your day.
Black & Blue Veggie BurgerIngredients
2 cups sliced portobello mushrooms
1 can black beans (washed and dried)
½ cup quick oats
1 egg
3 garlic cloves (minced)
½ cup blue cheese crumbles
Season to taste
Directions
Combine mushrooms and black beans in a food processor and run until the mixture is thick, but still chunky. Mix in quick oats, egg, and garlic cloves. Stir in blue cheese crumbles and season to taste. (I’m a simple girl, so I use fresh black pepper.) Separate into six equal-sized portions and form into patties. Cook in skillet over medium heat on both sizes. Serve as desired.
Serves 6
According to MyFitnessPal, this recipe comes in at about 150 calories per burger, which is comparable to what you’ll find from store-bought veggie burgers in the frozen foods aisle.
You can serve these burgers however you like. For this tasting, I had the veggie burger on a whole wheat bun topped with spinach, over-easy egg, and a sprinkling of leftover blue cheese crumbles. Served this way, the dish comes in under 400 calories and contains plenty of protein and lots of flavor. While I highly encourage you to try this pairing, you can eat it any way you like it. (I’d also suggest topping it with avocado slices if you’re a fan.)
When it comes to beer pairings for this veggie burger, you really can’t go wrong with classics like Bud Lite or Michelob Ultra, but you can class it up with one of my (and Harper’s) favorite seasonal beers: Sam Adams Octoberfest.
Though I’ve attempted black bean burgers in the past, this was my first veggie burger, and it’s a recipe I’ll come back to 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.Coming Soon to paperback!
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 17, 2015
my confessions: movie book covers
I'd like to think that we've become friends here on Change the Word during the past five plus years. And because we're friends, I'd like to confide one of my deepest darkest secrets. Here it goes...
My name is Laura, and I own multiple books featuring covers inspired by the movies. And here's the really sick, twisted part: I like a lot of them just fine.
(Ducks and rolls behind couch to avoid being pelted in the head by one of said movie cover books.)
Hey, I didn't say I loved them. I just said they didn't offend me enough from including them in my book collection.
I know, I know. I'm depraved. I've had many lengthy conversations with friends and family who have explained why having a book with a movie cover is wrong. I get a lot of their points. They're usually something about how the actors don't look enough like the characters described in the pages or how they're uglier than the original. Like I said, I get it. I'm a fan of a well-designed book cover.
I have a perfectly logical explanation for why I've added movie cover books to my collection.
This might say DVD, but it's the spitting image of the book I bought more than 10 years ago while I was at Barnes & Noble (a trusted source) on a break from my job at the movie theater. Because of my job in the film industry (selling tickets and popcorn and stuff) I knew this was coming out in theaters soon, and I wanted to read the book first. This was the copy available, and I picked it up. See, my intentions were pure. I was just trying to be a good little book lover who read the story first so I could go into the movie with enough ammo to critique it!
There's a similar story for my copy of A Walk to Remember . And Shane West is adorable as hell and broody, so I won't apologize for liking the fact that he graces the cover of one of my books.
(While writing this post I had one of those "Whatever happened to Shane West" moments that sent me on a Google spree. According to
This may be the most controversial book in my collection. And I'll admit, even I am not thrilled with it. At the time I bought this book the movie was coming out soon. I hadn't read any Sophie Kinsella yet, but I wanted to give it a try, because the film looked cute. I was leaving for a business trip the next morning, and this was the copy available at the store. Isla Fisher looks adorable on the cover, but... What bothers me most about this book cover now is that it doesn't match the rest of my Sophie K collection. And that, more than it being a movie book cover, is what offends me most.
(See, I have my weird things.)
The most recent addition to my collection of movie cover books is...
Which I just bought over the summer. It was on a table of bargain books (I'm an awful person who shops sales, I know), and I decided I had to have it. Plus... I kind of like this cover. We've got the Mr. Darcy-like character, the rake, and Keri Russell looks great. I have zero problems with this cover, and it actually reminds me of how much I enjoyed the movie, which I need to add to my collection, too.
Basically this all boils down to a few things. I'm cheap. I'm lazy. I'm shallow enough to get caught up in looking at male eye candy on my book covers. But, on the positive side, I'm not someone who judges a book by its cover. While I appreciate a well-designed cover for the art that it can be, I care more about what's happening on those pages.
So there you have it, one of my deepest, darkest secrets. I hope we can still be friends.
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 name is Laura, and I own multiple books featuring covers inspired by the movies. And here's the really sick, twisted part: I like a lot of them just fine.
(Ducks and rolls behind couch to avoid being pelted in the head by one of said movie cover books.)
Hey, I didn't say I loved them. I just said they didn't offend me enough from including them in my book collection.
I know, I know. I'm depraved. I've had many lengthy conversations with friends and family who have explained why having a book with a movie cover is wrong. I get a lot of their points. They're usually something about how the actors don't look enough like the characters described in the pages or how they're uglier than the original. Like I said, I get it. I'm a fan of a well-designed book cover.
I have a perfectly logical explanation for why I've added movie cover books to my collection.
This might say DVD, but it's the spitting image of the book I bought more than 10 years ago while I was at Barnes & Noble (a trusted source) on a break from my job at the movie theater. Because of my job in the film industry (selling tickets and popcorn and stuff) I knew this was coming out in theaters soon, and I wanted to read the book first. This was the copy available, and I picked it up. See, my intentions were pure. I was just trying to be a good little book lover who read the story first so I could go into the movie with enough ammo to critique it!
There's a similar story for my copy of A Walk to Remember . And Shane West is adorable as hell and broody, so I won't apologize for liking the fact that he graces the cover of one of my books.
(While writing this post I had one of those "Whatever happened to Shane West" moments that sent me on a Google spree. According to
This may be the most controversial book in my collection. And I'll admit, even I am not thrilled with it. At the time I bought this book the movie was coming out soon. I hadn't read any Sophie Kinsella yet, but I wanted to give it a try, because the film looked cute. I was leaving for a business trip the next morning, and this was the copy available at the store. Isla Fisher looks adorable on the cover, but... What bothers me most about this book cover now is that it doesn't match the rest of my Sophie K collection. And that, more than it being a movie book cover, is what offends me most.
(See, I have my weird things.)
The most recent addition to my collection of movie cover books is...
Which I just bought over the summer. It was on a table of bargain books (I'm an awful person who shops sales, I know), and I decided I had to have it. Plus... I kind of like this cover. We've got the Mr. Darcy-like character, the rake, and Keri Russell looks great. I have zero problems with this cover, and it actually reminds me of how much I enjoyed the movie, which I need to add to my collection, too.
Basically this all boils down to a few things. I'm cheap. I'm lazy. I'm shallow enough to get caught up in looking at male eye candy on my book covers. But, on the positive side, I'm not someone who judges a book by its cover. While I appreciate a well-designed cover for the art that it can be, I care more about what's happening on those pages.
So there you have it, one of my deepest, darkest secrets. I hope we can still be friends.
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 16, 2015
name that player strikes back
You helped name the players in First & Goal, book one in the Queen of the League Series (now available from Marching Ink). Now it's your chance to help name some more for the final two installments of the series (due for release in Fall 2016 and Winter 2017) with a new contest: Name That Player Strikes Back.
Contest RulesTo enter, complete the form below. Each name submission counts as one entry, limit five per person. In addition to receiving name recognition in the acknowledgements of these upcoming titles, you will also be entered to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card and two winners will receive a digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of "Going for Two," the second book in the series, due out in Winter 2016.
Contest ends September 30, 2015. No purchase necessary to enter.
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I loved so many of the names submitted last time around, I can’t wait to see what you come up with next!
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!
Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.
Contest RulesTo enter, complete the form below. Each name submission counts as one entry, limit five per person. In addition to receiving name recognition in the acknowledgements of these upcoming titles, you will also be entered to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card and two winners will receive a digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of "Going for Two," the second book in the series, due out in Winter 2016.
Contest ends September 30, 2015. No purchase necessary to enter.
Loading...
I loved so many of the names submitted last time around, I can’t wait to see what you come up with next!
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!
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 15, 2015
fantasy football prince charming episode 1
Fantasy Football Prince Charming is back for a new season, and this time it's in video. Episode 1 introduces the series, takes a look at the first week of play, and names the inaugural Fantasy Football Prince Charming.
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!
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
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!
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 14, 2015
naming a team of players
I can only speak for myself, but sometimes, when I set out to write a new story, I allow myself to get hung up on details. So much so, that at some points, I’ve elected to abandon the project until I could wrap my head around it better.
That was almost the case when I wrote First & Goal. As I laboriously worked on character sketches for the main and supporting characters, created a plot outline, and planned an entire fantasy football season (yeah, that became a thing) I realized I needed football player names. Like, a bunch of football player names. For Harper Duquaine to draft a whole team, and maybe make a couple of trades throughout the season, I needed about twenty. After naming a whole cast of characters, this seemed pretty daunting.
I mean, character names are supposed to be fun. Especially football players:
But, twenty is a lot of players.
That’s when I was struck with inspiration. Instead of my devoting hours trying to create the perfect player name, why don’t I just ask my readers to do it for me? I held a “Name That Player” contest on my blog, and I was delighted with the responses I received. I had enough that I was able to fill out a roster and have some spare change.
While I don’t want to share all of the names right now (you’ll have to read the book to see them), here are a few to give you a taste:
Todd Northwood - A veteran quarterback up against the odds as pundits--and fans--wonder whether or not he has the stamina to keep going. Harper controversially drafts him, because she believes he will prove everyone wrong.
John-Paul “The Pope” Massa - A hotshot running back, The Pope is Harper’s first round pick and a constant for her to count on in an otherwise turbulent season.
Tony Moor - Another running back selected early on, this sure bet proves to be anything but in a season that keeps her guessing.
Lorenzo Rossi - A later-round pick Harper makes because she likes his name. She vaguely knows he’s a wide receiver, but she’s certain he has a name that won’t quit.
I hope you’ll enjoy getting to know the players more in First & Goal. And huge thanks to everyone who participated in the contest and help me name these boys. (Be sure to check out the acknowledgements at the back of the book to see my thanks to you in print.)
Now that we have a team, it’s time to play ball!
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!
Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.
That was almost the case when I wrote First & Goal. As I laboriously worked on character sketches for the main and supporting characters, created a plot outline, and planned an entire fantasy football season (yeah, that became a thing) I realized I needed football player names. Like, a bunch of football player names. For Harper Duquaine to draft a whole team, and maybe make a couple of trades throughout the season, I needed about twenty. After naming a whole cast of characters, this seemed pretty daunting.
I mean, character names are supposed to be fun. Especially football players:
But, twenty is a lot of players.
That’s when I was struck with inspiration. Instead of my devoting hours trying to create the perfect player name, why don’t I just ask my readers to do it for me? I held a “Name That Player” contest on my blog, and I was delighted with the responses I received. I had enough that I was able to fill out a roster and have some spare change.
While I don’t want to share all of the names right now (you’ll have to read the book to see them), here are a few to give you a taste:
Todd Northwood - A veteran quarterback up against the odds as pundits--and fans--wonder whether or not he has the stamina to keep going. Harper controversially drafts him, because she believes he will prove everyone wrong.
John-Paul “The Pope” Massa - A hotshot running back, The Pope is Harper’s first round pick and a constant for her to count on in an otherwise turbulent season.
Tony Moor - Another running back selected early on, this sure bet proves to be anything but in a season that keeps her guessing.
Lorenzo Rossi - A later-round pick Harper makes because she likes his name. She vaguely knows he’s a wide receiver, but she’s certain he has a name that won’t quit.
I hope you’ll enjoy getting to know the players more in First & Goal. And huge thanks to everyone who participated in the contest and help me name these boys. (Be sure to check out the acknowledgements at the back of the book to see my thanks to you in print.)
Now that we have a team, it’s time to play ball!
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!
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 11, 2015
friday night eats: portobello philly
Harper Duquaine, the heroine of First & Goal, is a pescetarian. That’s not some religious faction or cult, but a dietary practice that involves abstaining from eating meat, with the exhibition of some seafood, dairy and eggs. Basically it’s like being a partial vegetarian.
I know, it sounds completely obnoxious, and it kind of is. I’ve been a practicing pescetarian since August 2011, and I gave this trait to my main character, because… well… because. For a young woman regularly hanging out with a bunch of red-blooded, beer-swigging, meat-eating men, making my main character a non-meat eater seemed like a natural way to add another layer of tension amongst the characters. Trust me, it does. I’ve done the research.
Not all of the men find Harper’s pescetarianism objectionable. The considerate, patient and basically adorable Brook MacLaughlin finds ways of accommodating her lifestyle choice without making it weird or difficult. It’s not hard to understand why she develops feelings for him, huh?
One way Brook caters to Harper is by making her a Vegetarian Philly Cheesesteak. That sounds like an oxymoron, but it’s actually quite delicious. It also makes for a cute scene, because cooking together is a pretty intimate – and sometimes humorous – experience for a new couple.
Portobello Philly Cheesesteak SandwichIngredients
2 Cups Portobello, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ large onion, sliced
1 green pepper, sliced
Pepper to taste
4 slices of provolone
4 hoagie buns
Directions
Mince two cloves of garlic and slice half a large onion and 1 green pepper with longer pieces. Spray pan with non-stick olive oil spray and heat pan over medium heat.
Add onion, pepper and garlic. After a few minutes add sliced mushrooms and as much black pepper as desired.
Cover and cook over medium heat for five minutes. Reduce to low heat and stir mixture. Cook for another five to ten minutes to create a mushroom broth.
Serve on hoagie with provolone cheese. Allow cheese to melt partially before serving.
Serves 4
If you’re making this for someone who insists on putting red meat in everything, go ahead and throw some in with this, though you don’t need it. Portobello mushrooms have a naturally beefy flavor that intensifies as it cooks. You can also make this with large mushrooms that are sliced more like beef would be. I usually go for the baby portobellos, because they’re cheap and easy, which I love. You could also substitute whatever cheese you liked, but provolone is creamy and not over-powering in its taste, which makes it a great companion to this flavorful sandwich.
Another great thing about this? Even with the bread and cheese, it comes in just under 300 calories (296 according to MyFitnessPal). It’s also a great source of protein. Here’s the other dietary info if you’re keeping track at home: 42 grams of carbs; 8 grams of fat; 16 grams of protein; 4 grams of sugar; 4 grams of fiber.
This is a great fall/winter dish and goes especially well with football and beer. I made it in time for Sunday football last fall, and I’m basically in love with this dish now. Maybe that’s why I worked it into the book…
What are you favorite dishes to eat for tailgating or football watch parties?
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!
Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.
