Laura Chapman's Blog, page 34

the writers' christmas album: 2014

It's mid-December and I'm still singing along to Christmas music at work, in the car, around the house, and just about everywhere else you'll find me. As I've shared before (in this post and this one) it's always been a dream of mine to cut a Christmas record. Don't worry. I'm not a Kardashian, the daughter of a record mogul, or a Real Housewife, so it'll never happen. Your ears are safe.

But those technicalities won't stop me from dreaming.

With that in mind... I am pleased to share that a few of my favorite writers and I are creating an imaginary Christmas album with our favorite hits.

But we need your help. Our album only has five songs on it. If this is going to be a truly great Christmas album, we'll need more songs. So after you finish reading what songs we're singing, leave a comment telling us what song you'll add and why.

Now, let's take a look at what we're working with, shall we?


Track 1: Brea Brown, author of The Secret Keeper Fulfilled and Let's Be Frank performing  "I'll Be Home for Christmas" 


There's just something about that song that sparks my imagination. I picture someone coming back to a town where they haven't been in a while, dredging up old memories... and feelings for the people (or a specific person) still there... That whole prodigal son/daughter theme is always intriguing to me, but it's particularly poignant when a story with that theme is set during the holidays. Nostalgia is a powerful thing.

Connect with Brea on Facebook and Twitter.


Track 2: Laura Chapman, author of Hard Hats and Doormats and "Twelve Drummers Drumming" performing "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"


I grew up watching old Hollywood musicals, and some of my favorite starred Judy Garland. From a young age, I'd walk around singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "The Trolley Song." One of my favorite hits was always "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" from "Meet Me in St. Louis." There's something so sweet, so sincere about pausing at the holidays to reflect on where you have been and where you hope to be the next time you put up a Christmas tree.

You know where to find me... But in case you need a reminder it's here and here.


Track 3: Cat Lavoie, author of Zoey & the Moment of Zen and Breaking the Rules performing "Christmas is All Around"


Love Actually is one of my all-time favorite movies and I need to watch it at least once during the holidays. One of the many reasons I love the movie is the awesome soundtrack... so I have decided to sing "Christmas is All Around" by Billy Mack (as portrayed by Bill Nighy) because it's such a fun song and it reminds me of some very memorable (and hilarious) scenes from the movie.

Connect with Cat on Facebook and Twitter.


Track 4: Samantha March, author of A Questionable Friendship and The Green Ticket performing "All I Want For Christmas is You"


The song I’m singing is “All I Want For Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey. This song can instantly get me in the Christmas mood like none other can, and simply lifts my spirits. And I want to think it gives me permission to act like a diva while I sing!
Connect with Samantha on Facebook and Twitter.


Track 5: Martha Reynolds author of Best Seller and Bits of Broken Glass performing "Hard Candy Christmas"


I'm going to channel my inner Dolly Parton and sing "Hard Candy Christmas." Long before I'd ever watched "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," I'd listen to Dolly sing this song. I love how she fights against what can be melancholy and difficult at the holidays, and decides to put forth a positive attitude instead. There were a couple of years when the words rang so true - "I'm barely getting through tomorrow, but still I won't let sorrow bring me down." I'll be fine and dandy.

Connect with Martha on Facebook and Twitter.


Now it's your turn... What are you singing? Why? Anyone want to sing "Baby It's Cold Outside" with me?

Stay connected with Laura Chapman on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter. Like Change the Word on Facebook.

grownup advent week two

It's Week Two of my Grownup Advent Calendar (check out Week One here). This week involved a lot of movie watching and crafting, which isn't too bad of a way to spend the time.

Also, not pictured, I found additional ways to celebrate the season by listening to Christmas music nonstop at home and work and reading more holiday novellas. While this has been a lot of fun, I'll admit that some days I don't wake up as excited to celebrate the season. It's kind of like needing to go to the gym for a workout or doing your laundry. Only, instead of in those situations (which for me feel rewarding once done, but I'm still not left with the, "man that was the best" feeling) I'm left feeling a little bit merrier than I was before.

So here's what I was up to this week (with a little help from some friends in the end):

Day 8: Watch "The Nightmare Before Christmas."
(The bag of red & green M&Ms I ate
was a bonus.) ‪#‎grownupadvent‬ Day 9: Bake cookies. (Giving Gingerbread Stars
the old college try for this batch) ‪#‎grownupadvent‬ Day 10: Watch SNL Christmas (with
cookies baked last night). ‪#‎grownupadvent‬ Bonus Day 10: Met Santa. Talked Books. Day 11: Spend 30 minutes listening to Christmas music
and enjoying the lights. (Jane photobombed the tree.) Day 12 (better late than never):
Build a gingerbread house. #grownupadvent No. 13: In lieu of going to "The Nutcracker"
I'm having a few friends over for the 5 Cs
of Christmas. #grownupadvent

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12 days of reading - no 5: 'the one'

Blogger's Note: With Christmas just around the corner, there's still plenty of time to ask Santa for a few new reads under your tree. Rather than share 12 writing tips (like in 2011 and 2012) or some favorite writers (like last year), this year we are sharing 12 notable (and potentially Christmas list-worthy) books from the past year. I have enlisted the help of my good friend (and voracious reader) Whitney to create this list. Enjoy the 12 Days of Reading.


Day 5: The One
By Kiera Cass
Published May 6
Picked by Laura

The highly anticipated third book in Kiera Cass's #1 New York Times bestselling Selection series, The One will captivate readers who love dystopian YA fiction and fairy tales. The One is perfect for the fans who have followed America's whirlwind romance since it began—and a swoon-worthy read for teens who have devoured Veronica Roth's Divergent, Ally Condie's Matched, or Lauren Oliver's Delirium.

The Selection changed America Singer's life in ways she never could have imagined. Since she entered the competition to become the next princess of Illéa, America has struggled with her feelings for her first love, Aspen—and her growing attraction to Prince Maxon. Now she's made her choice . . . and she's prepared to fight for the future she wants.

Find out who America will choose in The One, the enchanting, beautifully romantic third book in the Selection series!

You can't call me a die-hard fan of the Bachelor franchise. I'll admit I regularly watched a few seasons during the late 2000s. And I may have followed a few of the former cast members on Twitter, searched for spoilers and never missed a post from a Bachelor-focused blog for couple of years. Okay, so I was a fan. I confess. It was that brief fandom--plus my need to cleanse the YA palette after binge-reading the Hunger Games series--that led me to The Selection, based on the recommendation of a friend. I've been following America's quest to end up with Maxon or Aspen since 2012 and was delighted to have a resolution this year.

Not as strong of a book as The Elite perhaps (which was surprisingly action-packed), but more exciting--and less frustrating--than The Selection, the final book in this series gives readers long-anticipated answers. At the same time, it took some adventurous and unexpected turns. This series' finale satisfied the teeny bopper inside of me who occasionally (regularly) needs her angst fix.

And while feeding the YA hunger I acquired thanks to the Twilight franchise, this series differed in that the main character shows personal growth. While I might have liked to see more developed with the political issues and rebellion, this series' greatest strength comes in how much the main character develops and grows up through her experience in The Selection. She takes responsibility for her actions, which atones for some of the aforementioned annoyances I experienced reading book one.

Overall, I was satisfied by where America landed at the end of her story and the journey and development she underwent to arrive there.

Rating: 4 of 5


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12 days of reading - day 4: 'the one & only'

Blogger's Note: With Christmas just around the corner, there's still plenty of time to ask Santa for a few new reads under your tree. Rather than share 12 writing tips (like in 2011 and 2012) or some favorite writers (like last year), this year we are sharing 12 notable (and potentially Christmas list-worthy) books from the past year. I have enlisted the help of my good friend (and voracious reader) Whitney to create this list. Enjoy the 12 Days of Reading.


Day 3: The One & Only
By Emily Giffin
Published May 20
Picked by Whitney

Thirty-three-year-old Shea Rigsby has spent her entire life in Walker, Texas—a small college town that lives and dies by football, a passion she unabashedly shares. Raised alongside her best friend, Lucy, the daughter of Walker’s legendary head coach, Clive Carr, Shea was too devoted to her hometown team to leave. Instead she stayed in Walker for college, even taking a job in the university athletic department after graduation, where she has remained for more than a decade.

But when an unexpected tragedy strikes the tight-knit Walker community, Shea’s comfortable world is upended, and she begins to wonder if the life she’s chosen is really enough for her. As she finally gives up her safety net to set out on an unexpected path, Shea discovers unsettling truths about the people and things she has always trusted most—and is forced to confront her deepest desires, fears, and secrets.

Thoughtful, funny, and brilliantly observed, The One & Only is a luminous novel about finding your passion, following your heart, and, most of all, believing in something bigger than yourself . . . the one and only thing that truly makes life worth living.

I worship at the altar of Emily Giffin. (Case and point: I had the book sitting on the kitchen table after it was returned to me by the friend I lent it to, and my husband said “Is that a new Emily Giffin book? I haven’t seen it before.”) Just as I have with her other books, I eagerly awaited the release of The One & Only.

There was a lot to like about The One & Only. I mean, the whole story was based around a football school and living in Nebraska, that is something that I could easily relate to. (And maybe it’s because I live in Nebraska that I noticed this, but in the past few books Giffin has made nods to the Cornhuskers, which makes me like her even more.) I also liked the characters themselves—specifically writing an awesome female character into the more-traditionally male-dominated sports media world—and the more complex, serious storylines that were explored.

However. And it’s a big however: I did not love the ending of this book. From what I have seen, the ending of this book is perhaps one of the most controversial things to ever happen. (OK, a slight exaggeration but only a slight one. I’m not joking about how people have felt about this ending. You either LOVE it or HATE it. It’s like picking Team Edward or Team Jacob. Or Team Peeta or Team Gale. That serious of a decision.) Without giving anything away, so that you can be unbiased in deciding which team you want to be on, I will just say this: I totally understand the overall issue and how it fits in to the overall theme of the book, but I also feel more could be done in the story to make me see how this happens and feel a little more resolved.

All the same, it takes a talented author to create a story that makes people think about an idea as much as you do after finishing this book, so that in and of itself is a reason to check it out.

Rating: 3 of 5


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12 days of reading - day 3: 'as you wish'

Blogger's Note: With Christmas just around the corner, there's still plenty of time to ask Santa for a few new reads under your tree. Rather than share 12 writing tips (like in 2011 and 2012) or some favorite writers (like last year), this year we are sharing 12 notable (and potentially Christmas list-worthy) books from the past year. I have enlisted the help of my good friend (and voracious reader) Whitney to create this list. Enjoy the 12 Days of Reading.


Day 3: As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride
By Cary Elwes with Joe Layden, Foreword by Rob Reiner
Published October 14
Picked by Laura

From actor Cary Elwes, who played the iconic role of Westley in The Princess Bride, comes a first-person account and behind-the-scenes look at the making of the cult classic film filled with never-before-told stories, exclusive photographs, and interviews with costars Robin Wright, Wallace Shawn, Billy Crystal, Christopher Guest, and Mandy Patinkin, as well as author and screenwriter William Goldman, producer Norman Lear, and director Rob Reiner.

The Princess Bride has been a family favorite for close to three decades. Ranked by the American Film Institute as one of the top 100 Greatest Love Stories and by the Writers Guild of America as one of the top 100 screenplays of all time, The Princess Bride will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.

Cary Elwes was inspired to share his memories and give fans an unprecedented look into the creation of the film while participating in the twenty-fifth anniversary cast reunion. In As You Wish he has created an enchanting experience; in addition to never-before seen photos and interviews with his fellow cast mates, there are plenty of set secrets and backstage stories.

With a foreword by Rob Reiner and a limited edition original poster by acclaimed artist Shepard Fairey, As You Wish is a must-have for all fans of this beloved film.

At the tender age of 4, I fell in love for the second time in my short life. After watching (and subsequently re-watching dozens of times) "The Princess Bride," I developed a crush on Westley, the masked man, and the heroic tale of true love conquering all. So great was my love for the story, that at 5 I dressed as Princess Buttercup for Halloween. Now, more than 20 years later, when asked about my favorite movie, I'll give a top five. And "The Princess Bride" always makes the list.

Imagine my excitement when I learned that Cary Elwes, the masked man himself, had written a memoir about his experience making the beloved movie. I listened to the audio book read by Elwes and others, like Robin Wright and Rob Reiner, because there's something so moving to me about listening to a person's story as told by them.

While there was nothing terribly shocking or scandalous during the making of the movie (aside from some unexplained and unplanned midnight fire drills and a couple of minor injuries), there were a lot of laughs. That's what struck me most about the memories Elwes and others shared. There was so much joy, so much love that went into the movie. How fitting when you consider how much joy and love it gave, and continues to give, fans like me. At times the story left me choked up, and it gave me an overwhelming urge to watch the movie again to re-experience the magic of it all.

More than worth the time spent reading--or in my case listening--I highly recommend this to anyone who inevitably smiles when they hear the words "as you wish," "inconceivable," or "twoo looove."

Rating: 5 of 5


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12 days of reading - no. 2: 'twisted sisters'

Blogger's Note: With Christmas just around the corner, there's still plenty of time to ask Santa for a few new reads under your tree. Rather than share 12 writing tips (like in 2011 and 2012) or some favorite writers (like last year), this year we are sharing 12 notable (and potentially Christmas list-worthy) books from the past year. I have enlisted the help of my good friend (and voracious reader) Whitney to create this list. Enjoy the 12 Days of Reading.


Day 2: Twisted Sisters
By Jen Lancaster
Published February 4
Picked by Whitney

Reagan Bishop is a pusher. A licensed psychologist who stars on the Wendy Winsberg cable breakout show I Need a Push, Reagan helps participants become their best selves by urging them to overcome obstacles and change behaviors. An overachiever, Reagan is used to delivering results.

Despite her overwhelming professional success, Reagan never seems to earn her family’s respect. Her younger sister, Geri, is and always will be the Bishop family favorite. When a national network buys Reagan’s show, the pressures for unreasonably quick results and higher ratings mount. But Reagan’s a clinician, not a magician, and fears witnessing her own personal failings in prime time. (And seriously? Her family will never let her hear the end of it.) Desperate to make the show work and keep her family at bay, Reagan actually listens when the show’s New Age healer offers an unconventional solution…

Record Nielsen ratings follow. But when Reagan decides to use her newfound power to teach everyone a lesson about sibling rivalry, she’s the one who will be schooled…

If I had to pick an author I would want to be best friends with, it would definitely be Jen Lancaster. So naturally, I will devour, and pretty much love anything that she writes (and yes, that even includes everything she posts on social media). Twisted Sisters is no exception and perhaps one of my favorite books of hers to date.

But what else do you expect when you combine a “Freaky Friday”-like twist with a quirky family and reality TV? Oh, and there’s also Lancaster’s great character development and effortless humor that’s apparent in everything she writes.

Whether or not you have a sister, this book is a great read that can teach us all something about being a better version of ourselves.


Rating: 4 of 5


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12 days of reading - day 1: 'love like the movies'

Blogger's Note: With Christmas just around the corner, there's still plenty of time to ask Santa for a few new reads under your tree. Rather than share 12 writing tips (like in 2011 and 2012) or some favorite writers (like last year), this year we are sharing 12 notable (and potentially Christmas list-worthy) books from the past year. I have enlisted the help of my good friend (and voracious reader) Whitney to create this list. Enjoy the 12 Days of Reading.


Day 1: Love Like the Movies 
By Victoria Van Tiem
Published February 24
Picked by Laura

In this irresistible romantic romp, movie fanatic Kensington Shaw is thrown into love—Hollywood-style—when her gorgeous ex presents a series of big screen challenges to win back her heart. 

What girl wouldn’t want to experience the Pretty Woman shopping scene? It’s number two on the list. Or, try the lift from Dirty Dancing? It’s number five. One list, ten romantic movie moments, and a handful of shenanigans later, Kenzi has to wonder…should she marry the man her family loves, or risk everything for a love like the movies?

Like Kenzi, I'm a lifelong sucker for romantic comedies. When we watched "The Princess Bride" during family movie night when I was 3 or 4, I fell hard and fast for the concept of meshing romance and humor. Or maybe I just thought Cary Elwes was really cute, but the end result is the same. Give me a RomCom or give me death!*

(* Actually, please don't give me death. Not even in a movie sense. It's the holiday season, and I'd ruin my makeup crying.)

With this shared love--and the similar state of being a single twenty-something--the concept of being wooed by the one who got away--a Brit at that--vie recreated RomCom moments was entirely too much for me to resist. Throw in the drama of a shifty fiance (who perhaps makes spinsterhood look more appealing) and tension at work, and this story has just about everything you need from a Chick Lit novel.

Through the humor and angst, there were also a few touching moments that tugged at the old heartstrings. I bought and read Love Like the Movies as a birthday gift to myself, and the story did not disappoint.

Rating: 4 of 5


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christmas karaoke with the 'merry & bright' crew

I can't stop, won't stop tuning in to those radio stations that play Christmas music all day long between Thanksgiving and New Year's. There's something about the holiday season that makes me want to live, breathe, and hear Christmas every second of every day.


With that in mind, I reached out to my fellow Merry & Bright buddies and invited them to join me in having a virtual Christmas party complete with karaoke. I asked them to share what song they are singing and what drinking they're sipping on for the party.

Up first... Isabella Louise Anderson, author of "Meet Me Under the Mistletoe," singing  "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve."

I'd sing "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve," and my favorite cocktail would be apple pie moonshine.

Connect with Isabella on Facebook and Twitter.

Now introducing... Cindy Arora, author of "Christmas at Mulberry Inn," performing  "Kiss Me Deadly."

My all time favorite Karoke song is "Kiss Me Deadly" by Lita Ford. No, it's not very seasonal, but Lita rocks any time of the year. And the only drink you can have on hand with a song like that is Irish whiskey with a couple of ice cubes.

Connect with Cindy on Facebook and Twitter.

Next, it's my turn... Laura Chapman, author of "Twelve Drummers Drumming," with  "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)."

I'm a Christmas music junkie during the holiday season. If you're a passenger in my car, you can count on being blessed with a private concert performed by moi and my radio backup. This year, "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" done in the style of Michael Buble has been one of my stronger (or at least more enthusiastic) performances so I'll go with that. (Though it's quite possible I could end up singing a sloppy, teary-eyed rendition of Stevie Wonder's "Someday at Christmas" if I get too many cocktails in me.) I'll be sipping on a nuts and berries cocktail while I do.

You know where to find me, but in case you need a reminder it's here and here.

Put your hands together for Lauren Clark, author of "A Very Dixie Christmas," singing "Baby, It's Cold Outside." 

I would definitely choose "Baby, It's Cold Outside" (the Lady Antebellum version is so adorable) ... but I need someone fantastic to sing the guy's part with me :) I would drink something warm and delicious, like hot chocolate with a shot of Bailey's Irish Cream. Yum!

Connect with Lauren on Facebook and Twitter.

And now Lucie Simone, editor is going to bring us home with  "Silver Bells."

Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve loved Christmas songs (and can often be found listening to it year round!), but my favorite holiday song has always been “Silver Bells,” so that would have to be my karaoke pick.  However, I fear my rendition of the classic song would be so terrible I’d ruin it for everyone within ear shot. Hopefully, everyone will be so drunk they won’t notice! And speaking of imbibing at the holidays, my preferred festive drink is always mulled wine. To me, it’s Christmas in a cup. Happy holidays!

Connect with Lucie on Facebook and Twitter.

Unfortunately Libber Mercer, author of "Secret Santa," and Nancy Scrofano, author of "Ice Dating," weren't able to join us for the party, but they were with us in spirit. Nancy is actually virtually hanging out with Lance Bass to apply for a job on his radio show, "Dirty Pop." (You can vote for her here.)

Did you know that Merry & Bright is now available in print? Visit Amazon to order your copy.

Sip your eggnog, linger under the mistletoe, and make a Christmas wish. Merry & Bright brings you six tales of Christmas cheer, featuring stories of budding romances, Southern charm, lost loves, heaps of humor, and lots of pie by authors Isabella Louise Anderson, Cindy Arora, Laura Chapman, Lauren Clark, Libby Mercer, and Nancy Scrofano. From sunny Los Angeles to the Rocky Mountains to the Deep South, Merry & Bright will take you on a heartwarming adventure you'll love to visit again and again. Wrap yourself in holiday mirth and prepare to be swept off your feet.  

Add to Goodreads 

Buy it on Amazon 

But it on Barnes & Noble 

Buy it on Kobo 

Buy it on iTunes 

And be sure to check out the soundtrack to Merry & Bright on Spotify.



Stay connected with Laura Chapman on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter. Like Change the Word on Facebook.

grownup advent - week one

After I crossed the 50,000-word finish line for National Novel Writing Month, and the fervor and fury that had me up at 5 a.m. writing every day--and whenever I could find more time later on--I found myself longing to get into the holiday spirit.

So often the holiday season flies by, and it's over before I've had much of a chance to enjoy it. In this day where everything seems to be so fast and immediate, more than anything, I wanted to take some time to smell the candy canes.

That's where my grown-up advent calendar came into play.


For a couple of years now, I've seen people make wine advent calendars to celebrate the holidays (a different bottle a day) or coffees or teas, but I wanted a little more variety. I wanted to celebrate the season in as many ways as possible. So using some scrapbooking paper, markers, scissors and glue I went to work creating a collection of 24 ways to celebrate the holidays. Then, to add a little surprise to the whole thing, I randomly gave them numbers so every day was a bit of a mystery.

I woke up on Monday excited to start this adventure to see where it took me. Here's a quick look back at the first week of fun.

Day 1: Egg Nog Latte on the way
home from work. #grownupadvent Day 2: Get presents for a child in need of them.
Couldn't resist these two. #grownupadvent Day 3: Curling up with a kitten, cup of tea, biscuits and
SPINSTER CHRISTMAS by Nikki Mahood.
#grownupadvent (Read my review here.) Day 4: Pasta, PJs & "Love Actually." #grownupadvent Day 5: Break out the Christmas cards
(and Christmas wine sippy cup). #grownupadvent Day 6: "White Christmas" with
excellent company. #grownupadvent Day 7: *Finally* read one of the Christmas novellas
I picked up during an ebook sale during a
Christmas past. #grownupadvent

Three French Hens by Lynsay Sands
Stay tuned for more on this year's Grown Up Advent Calendar, but first it's your turn: What activities would you include on your calendar?


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look for 'the marrying type' in 2015

I am pleased to announce that my second novel, The Marrying Type, will be published in 2015 with Marching Ink.

Like with my debut novel, Hard Hats and Doormats , crafting this book was a huge learning process. I started the first draft during National Novel Writing Month 2011. Since then it has grown and transformed into one that fills me with great love and pride.

I can't wait to share more information about this book, the characters, and the story, with you readers. Thank you for your constant support through the years. It means everything.


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