Laura Chapman's Blog, page 46

the meredith schorr collection

Now Available, from one of my favorite authors... Real Chick Lit for Real Chicks: The Meredith Schorr Collection

This boxed set brings together three favorites from bestselling chick lit author Meredith Schorr. Blogger Girl follows Kimberly Long, a book blogger asked to review the debut novel of her high school nemesis. In A State of Jane, “good girl” Jane Frank is looking for love, but when all of her dates flake out on her, she decides to turn the tables. In Just Friends With Benefits, Stephanie Cohen is determined to turn the one who got away into “the one” despite advice from a friend not to put all her eggs in one bastard. Meredith Schorr’s characters are believable, relatable, and authentic—women who are easy to root for, despite their flaws. The stories are humorous, heartfelt, and definitely real.

Buy the Book
Amazon
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iTunes: Coming soon.

About the AuthorA born and bred New Yorker, Meredith Schorr discovered her passion for writing when she began to enjoy drafting work-related emails way more than she was probably supposed to, and was famous among her friends for writing witty birthday cards. After trying her hand writing children’s stories and blogging her personal experiences, Meredith found her calling writing “real” chick lit for real women. When she is not hard at work on her next novel, Meredith spends her days as a trademark paralegal. She is a loyal New York Yankees fan and an avid runner. Meredith is the author of three published novels, Just Friends with Benefits, A State of Jane and Blogger Girl and the full boxed set, Real Chick Lit for Real Chicks: The Meredith Schorr Collection.

Connect with MeredithWeb: meredithschorr.com
Twitter: @meredithschorr
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/MeredithSchorrAuthor

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#chicklitlove: meet jason beaumont

Blogger's Note: In honor of Valentine’s Day, the ladies of #ChickLitChat are celebrating #ChickLitLove all week. Today, I’m sharing a fun, flirty Q&A with the crushable Jason Beaumont from Hard Hats and Doormats. Enjoy!

Celebrity you've been told you look like: Oh, I hate questions like this. No one has ever really told me I looked like a celebrity, except once a girl said, “You look kind of like that guy who played Lancelot in ‘Arthur.’” I had to look up who that was – Ioan Gruffold. He’s quite a bit older than I am, though. So… I guess I look like me or kind of a younger version of this guy:


Source: Fanpop.com
Naughty food you like to indulge in: What do you mean by naughty? Like hotdogs because they're shaped like... Nevermind. I suppose the naughtiest food is having dessert before dinner. (Did I answer that right, Ms. Laura?)

What you wear to bed: Boxers.

Favorite body part of the opposite sex: A beautiful smile.

How many people you've said "I love you" to: My high school girlfriend, a college girlfriend, but no one other than my mama since.

Relationship deal-breaker: Dishonesty. I work with enough liars to have to deal with them in my personal life.

Your first kiss - How old were you? Did you instigate it?: I'd like to think I'm a southern gentleman. That may or may not be true, but either way, I don't kiss and tell.

Do you have any tattoos or piercings? If so, describe: None.

Favorite alcoholic drink: I'm a simple guy - tap beer.

Describe your dream girl: Smart, funny, witty, hard working, compassionate... and while we're talking dreams, someone who gets along with my mama and can bake. The way to my heart really is through the stomach. I may have met her already, though...



About the Book
Lexi Burke has always been a stickler for following rules and procedures. As a human resources manager for a leading Gulf Coast chemical company, it’s her job to make sure everyone else falls in line, too.

But after losing out on a big promotion–-because her boss sees her as too much of a yes-woman––Lexi adopts a new policy of following her heart instead of the fine print. And her heart knows what it wants: Jason Beaumont, a workplace crush who is off limits based on her previous protocol.

While navigating a new romance and interoffice politics, Lexi must find the confidence to stand on her own or face a lifetime of following someone else’s orders.
Who says nice girls have to finish last?

Buy the Book
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
Marching Ink

For More
Add to Goodreads
Visit the Publisher – Marching Ink
Read Behind-the-Scenes stories from the making of Hard Hats & Doormats

Watch the Book Trailer



For more about Lexi's world, visit her Twitter Feed and Pinterest Board.
If you're looking for some other great Chick Lit reads, tune in to #ChickLitLove on Facebook and Twitter and check out this Pinterest page.

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free book

Just in time for Valentine's Day... Cindy Flores Martinez's Mail-Order Groom is now available for free on Amazon!

Here's the scoop on this read: 

A romantic comedy about an American woman who marries a stranger from Poland after her fiancé leaves her right before the wedding.

Lisa is about to marry the love of her life and have the wedding of her dreams, but her world is shattered when she finds her fiancé, Jeff, in the arms of another woman. When he calls the wedding off and struts around town with his new love, Lisa is heartbroken, and she wants revenge. She gets it by marrying a total stranger at the wedding who she found on Mail-Order-Grooms.Com. He’s from Poland, and he needs to marry an American woman so that he can stay in America. He’s willing to pay her money for it. Lisa thinks he’s the perfect answer. It won’t be a real marriage, and her best friend Daphne insists she won’t even have to live with him. Lisa races to the altar with her stand-in groom and says “I do,” but she soon discovers that revenge isn’t as sweet or as simple as she thought it would be.

About the Author
Cindy Flores Martinez was born and raised in a suburb of Los Angeles. She has an MFA in Creative Writing with an emphasis in Screenwriting. She has been a screenwriting instructor, screenplay consultant, script reader, and screenplay collaborator. Cindy’s debut novel, Mail-Order Groom, which was inspired by her own Polish ancestry, started out as a screenplay and movie project. She spent years shopping it around Hollywood, New York, and other parts of the world and had two well-known actors, one of them Academy Award nominated, interested in portraying the main character’s parents. After not finding the success she wanted, Cindy officially canceled her film production company in November of 2009 and embarked on the journey of turning her screenplay into a novel. For more information, please visit http://cindyfloresmartinez.com.

Pick it up for free on Amazon today.
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#chicklitlove: excerpt of 'hard hats and doormats'

Blogger's Note: In honor of #ChickLitLove Week, I'm sharing a romantic scene from my debut novel, Hard Hats and Doormats. Here's a little info on the scene you're about to read: After two days of boring work meetings, Lexi Burke and Jason Beaumont blow-off some steam with their friends by spending Friday night at a dive bar in Houston. During dinner, Southern Boy Jason learns Northern Girl Lexi doesn’t know how to dance. He sets out to give her a lesson. Enjoy!

“My pleasure. Now.” He eyed the dance floor. “We’ve talked shop long enough. Wanna dance?”

“Oh.” She was caught off guard. Her eyes traveled to the dance floor, where couples now gathered. She wanted to but, “I can’t two -step.”

“Can’t or don’t know how?”

“Don’t know, but that’s basically the same thing.”

“No it’s not,” Jason said. He stood and held his hand out for her. “I’ll show you.”

She hesitated a moment, and Jason lifted his eyebrows. “Or, we can sit and talk about how much we hate our jobs while everyone else enjoys their Friday night off.”

That settled it. She placed her hand in Jason’s and he pulled her up. “I’m in.”

With her hand firmly in his, Jason led Lexi to the dance floor. They stopped in a dark edge of the floor, and she realized he was doing her a favor. She could learn here without drawing attention from the rest of the dancers.

Jason swiftly pulled her to face him. She nearly stumbled over her feet.

“Okay, Lexi, what we’re doing here is the Texas two-step. Now stand here facing me and keep your feet together like mine.

Still facing each other, Jason adjusted their stance. Okay. I can do this. Jason placed his right hand on her back under her left arm. She flinched a little at the near intimate touch.

“Lexi, be cool,” he instructed in a soothing tone. “This is how it works. I’m leading, which means I put my hand right here.”

Relax, Lexi.

“Now, put your left hand on my shoulder. You’ve got this,” he praised in a teacher-like voice. “You’re doing great.”

She beamed at the compliment. I’m doing a good job.

“Now, give me you right hand and bend your elbow like I’m bending mine.” He lightly held her hand outstretched in his. “Excellent. Now, when the music starts up again, you’re gonna have to follow my lead.”

She nodded.

“For the steps, do the opposite of whatever I’m doing. That means when I step forward with my left foot, you step back with your right. Got it?”

“Yeah.” She watched the dancers around them in hopes of picking up their moves if she watched closely.

“Good girl.” He grinned, and she almost forgot to listen to his instructions. “Now, the way it goes is like this: On the first beat I’ll step forward quickly with my left, then I’ll step forward as quickly with my right. Next, I’ll step forward slowly with my left. We’ll pause on the fourth beat. The next beat I’ll step forward slowly on my right. We’ll hold still a beat and pull our feet together. And then we repeat. See, it’s easy.”

“I have no idea what you said.”

Jason squeezed her right hand lightly and smiled encouragingly.

“Honey, relax. You’ll be fine if you follow my lead. Trust me.”

“I trust you,” she whispered.

The music began again, and they started to move. Patiently, Jason guided her through the movements. Mid-way through the first song, she found her footing and got the hang of it. She would never win a dancing competition, but she made an acceptable presence on the dance floor. After a couple of songs they moved around the dance floor more easily, laughing and joking.

Lexi exchanged a grin with Kara. She and Tyler stood in the back of the bar with the smokers. She gave an excited thumbs-up through the haze.

The music slowed, and she heard the first few bars of “Desperado.” It was an unexpected song choice, but she liked it. Instead of dropping his hands and taking her back to the table for the slow song, Jason moved his right hand to the small of Lexi’s back and pulled her closer.

“I told you you’d be a natural.” Jason’s voice tickled her ear.

She smiled back, her expression hidden from him. “Hardly. Your feet have to hurt from me trampling on them.”

“My feet are fine.”

“What a trooper,” she teased. “Where did you learn to dance?”

Jason moved his hand slightly on her back. The small movement sent chills through her body. “Why? Does it surprise you?”

“It does.”

He chuckled. “I’ll have to show you a few other moves some time. You’ll love ‘em.”

For your listening pleasure, here's a little music to set the mood:



About the Book
Lexi Burke has always been a stickler for following rules and procedures. As a human resources manager for a leading Gulf Coast chemical company, it’s her job to make sure everyone else falls in line, too.

But after losing out on a big promotion–-because her boss sees her as too much of a yes-woman––Lexi adopts a new policy of following her heart instead of the fine print. And her heart knows what it wants: Jason Beaumont, a workplace crush who is off limits based on her previous protocol.

While navigating a new romance and interoffice politics, Lexi must find the confidence to stand on her own or face a lifetime of following someone else’s orders.
Who says nice girls have to finish last?

Buy the Book
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
Marching Ink

For More
Add to Goodreads
Visit the Publisher – Marching Ink
Read Behind-the-Scenes stories from the making of Hard Hats & Doormats

Watch the Book Trailer



For more about Lexi's world, visit her Twitter Feed and Pinterest Board.
If you're looking for some other great Chick Lit reads, tune in to #ChickLitLove on Facebook and Twitter and check out this Pinterest page.

Have the latest posts from Change the Word delivered to your Inbox by entering your contact information under "Follow by Email." Stay connected with Laura Chapman on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads. Receive updates from Change the Word between posts on Facebook.

#chicklitlove: meet lexi burke

Blogger's Note: In honor of Valentine’s Day, the ladies of #ChickLitChat are celebrating #ChickLitLove all week. To kick off the festivities, I’m doing a Valentine-themed Q&A with Lexi Burke, the main character of Hard Hats and Doormats. Enjoy!

1) What three qualities do you find most attractive in a partner? 
I love a man who is driven. I have big plans for my life, and there is nothing sexier to me than a man who knows what he wants, too. Now that I’ve been living in Texas for a couple of years, I’d have to say I’ve become a fan of the Southern gentleman, too. You know the type – opens doors, offers to pay for your drinks, carries you home when you’ve had a few too many. And last, a sense of humor. Life is way too serious – so you’d better find someone you can laugh with.

2) What’s your idea of romance? 
It’s the little things for me. Do I love getting flowers? Yes. But more than that, I like a man who walks me to my car at night, and calls to make sure I got home safely. I travel a lot, so having a man who regularly checks in with me while I’m on the road – just to let me know he’s thinking about me – that’s about the most romantic thing in the world.

3) Who's your favorite on-screen couple (Film or TV)? 
I am a huge fan of those vampire-type shows. So for movies it’s Edward and Bella from "Twilight" (I know, I suck - ha ha ha) and on TV it’s Damon Salvatore and Elena Gilbert on "The Vampire Diaries" (when they’re together, and she isn't with his brother).

Source: E! Online
4) What's been your most embarrassing moment in regards to the opposite sex? 
I tripped over a carpet in my office and basically face-planted, dropping all of my paperwork, when I met my crush. I couldn’t even speak, and my face turned bright red. God, that was embarrassing.

5) What was your first impression of your partner or crush? How accurate was it? 
Considering that said crush stopped everything to help me pick up everything I’d dropped in the aforementioned incident, and made sure I was okay before going on with his day, I figured he must be a considerate gentleman. Two years later, and I’m pretty sure I was right.

6) How have you coped with break-ups in the past? 
I go into tween mode. I curl up on my couch with a pint of ice cream, comfy pants, and a marathon of my favorite Disney movies. There’s nothing like watching "The Little Mermaid" and "Beauty and the Beast" to perk up a girl’s spirits.

7) Which hot actor would you want to be stranded on a deserted island with and why?
Ian Somerhalder. He has the most beautiful piercing blue eyes and dark hair. He's basically the real-life version of Prince Eric, who is the hunky heart-throb from one of my favorite movies. There are… things I’d like to do to him. And if you’re stuck on a deserted island, you might as well have something to do – I mean, someone to hang out with – when you’re not busy searching for food, shelter, and rescue.

And he's friends with Grumpy Cat!

(Source: Perez Hilton)
8) What is the craziest thing you've ever done for love? 
I am such a total wuss. I haven’t done anything crazy. Yet. I keep going back and forth on whether or not I should make some grand gesture to win my crush over, but… I haven’t quite made up my mind.

9) PDA: How much is acceptable?
I’m a sucker for holding hands. There’s nothing sweeter than having your guy hold your hand as you're walking down the street. Maybe a little peck on the lips, because he can't believe how lucky he is to be with you. Otherwise, I’m more on the leave it in the bedroom type.

10) What is the best relationship advice you've ever gotten? 
“Listen with your heart.” That old tree told "Pocahontas" to listen with her heart in the Disney movie, and the girl landed a total stud. Granted, said stud got shot and had to go back to England (spoiler alert!) so maybe that’s not such a great idea after all. Hmm. On second thought, let's channel "The Little Mermaid" for advice. Be willing to fight for love, even if the obstacles seem too huge to overcome. (And it doesn't hurt if the man has a boat and ocean-front property.)


About the Book
Lexi Burke has always been a stickler for following rules and procedures. As a human resources manager for a leading Gulf Coast chemical company, it’s her job to make sure everyone else falls in line, too.

But after losing out on a big promotion–-because her boss sees her as too much of a yes-woman––Lexi adopts a new policy of following her heart instead of the fine print. And her heart knows what it wants: Jason Beaumont, a workplace crush who is off limits based on her previous protocol.

While navigating a new romance and interoffice politics, Lexi must find the confidence to stand on her own or face a lifetime of following someone else’s orders.
Who says nice girls have to finish last?

Buy the Book
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
Marching Ink

For More
Add to Goodreads
Visit the Publisher – Marching Ink
Read Behind-the-Scenes stories from the making of Hard Hats & Doormats

Watch the Book Trailer



For more about Lexi's world, visit her Twitter Feed and Pinterest Board.
If you're looking for some other great Chick Lit reads, tune in to #ChickLitLove on Facebook and Twitter and check out this Pinterest page.

Have the latest posts from Change the Word delivered to your Inbox by entering your contact information under "Follow by Email." Stay connected with Laura Chapman on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads. Receive updates from Change the Word between posts on Facebook.

someday

Blogger's Note: This blog post previously appeared on the now defunct Good Humor Girl back in 2012. In the interest of preserving my obvious brilliance for generations to come (or at least for another year) I figured I'd bring it back home to Change the Word. Oddly enough (aside from the part about living in my brothers' basement), it's still pretty accurate two years later.


The more involved I get with developing my craft as a writer, the more I find myself beginning sentences with, “Someday, when I am a successful author, I will…” That’s right. I am one of those writers who not only talks about writing all the time, but forces anyone who within earshot to listen to my grand plans for the future.

Unfortunately, it is more than a way for me to self-motivate. It is how I make excuses for myself.

After coming to terms with this every-growing character flaw, I came to embrace it and laugh at it. Here is a list of some of the latest schemes.

Someday, when I am a successful author, I will:
Develop an organization system so simple and efficient I will never be without a Post-it note, pen or highlighter.Move out of my brothers’ basement.Pay off my student and car loans like a responsible grown-up. I will take the rest of my royalties and blow it on shoes, vacations and scented candles.Read all of the books that have sat unread on my shelves for years.Use my new celebrity status to win over one of my childhood celebrity crushes, such as J.C. Chasez or Jonathan Taylor Thomas. If I am a successful writer one of them will have to date me.Pay someone to make my house and yard look nice. Until then, good housekeeping can wait.Hire a personal trainer named Gustav and a personal chef called Jean-Paul. Together, they will make me svelte and sexy. Take a three-month hiatus to backpack Europe. While there, I will embrace history and culture making myself a better, well-rounded person. I will also meet a British gentleman or French vineyard owner with whom I will have a passionate, but ultimately ill-fated affair. I will use as fodder for to write a future best-seller.Buy a plot of land in Southern California. There, I will raise avocados, limes, tomatoes, peppers and grapefruits. I will trade some of the crop with a tortilla chip maker, tequila distillery and egg farmer. Combined, this will provide me with the sustenance and eccentricity I will need when I decide to become one of those reclusive authors who only steps out in the limelight every five years.It all sounds reasonable, right?

Granted success is in the eye of the beholder. While I could be satisfied with positive reviews and a steady income, somehow I do not think I will consider myself as having made it unless I at least get that avocado orchard.


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guest post and excerpt from jennifer vessells, author of 'life in plan b'

Blogger's Note: Jennifer Vessells stops by Change the Word as part of her Chick Lit Plus Blog Tour for Life in Plan B, and I asked her to share the biggest she learned from writing this book, and how has it shaped the way she'll work going forward. Be sure to check out an excerpt from the book at the bottom of the post.

By Jennifer Vessells
Guest Blogger

In writing this book, (especially given that it’s my first), I learned several lessons about both myself and the realities of my writing process. Out of all these learned lessons, however, I would say the biggest one was this: no matter how hard you try, you cannot force creative writing. It flows when it flows, and although I wish it weren’t true, it definitely doesn’t when it doesn’t.

At my former job as an attorney, I was able to churn out several pages of briefs and memoranda in a matter of hours, leading me to mistakenly believe that I could produce the same volume of words for my book in the same time frame. As I’ve slowly and painstakingly come to accept, creative writing is vastly different from legal writing. With legal writing, the looming deadlines and informative or persuasive nature of the writing made it easier to complete (if for no other reason than it had to be completed). I was rarely called on to draw on my own creativity, and instead always had a framework within which to write. With creative writing, on the other hand, there are no deadlines other than those I’ve self-imposed. Unfortunately, the lack of outside deadlines allows me to find endless excuses to procrastinate instead of write. And sometimes, even when I’m dedicated to writing, the ideas just aren’t there. It’s nice to have a rough word count goal each day to keep yourself on track, but without good ideas, a word count goal is easily thrown right out the window - and unrealistic goals only cause feelings of failure or frustration when not reached.

Adjusting to this reality has been difficult, and I am still learning how to keep my goals flexible without feeling guilty or frustrated when a week goes by without significant progress. It’s become increasingly difficult recently with the birth of my daughter - carving out time for writing feels like a cruel joke with a newborn in the picture! But, like I’ve done for the past year and a half, I will have to learn to change my routine and be flexible. Even if I only carve out twenty minutes a day for the next couple of months, it’s important to devote some time to my writing. After all, it’s what I love to do and why I’m working on my second women’s fiction novel as we speak! 

I hope you enjoy Life in Plan B as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Excerpt from Life in Plan B

Two cleaned plates, a few sodas, and a whole lot of laughing later, the two of us leaned back in our chairs, too full to move. Although this was only my second real conversation with Nick, it felt like I’d known him for much longer. Talking to him was like talking to a close friend whose every significant life experience related to my own.

We’d both experienced traumatic break-ups (though I suspected his had been worse, given the length of time he’d been with his ex-wife and the obvious agony of going through a divorce); we’d both tried living in big cities, to no avail; and we’d both lost our fathers at too young an age. As it turned out, Nick’s father had left them by choice, picking up his life one day and moving across the country to remarry and never initiate contact again. I couldn’t decide which loss was more painful: one in which the person you care about most in this world experiences a horrific accident and dies as a result, or one in which the person who should love you more than life itself makes the conscious choice to up and leave you forever. Either way, both scenarios made my heart ache.

Groaning and rubbing his stomach, Nick looked at his watch with disappointment. “I’d love to stay and continue to ingest large quantities of food with you, but I have a meeting at two across town.” Looking at him sideways, I wondered why he needed to leave so soon – you could get anywhere in town in about twenty minutes.

“Well, what time is it?”  I asked curiously.

“Almost 1:40,” he replied in a tone that indicated he, too, thought the time had flown by fast.

“Wow!” I exclaimed in disbelief. “You better get out of here – I can’t believe it’s that late already!” Nodding his head in agreement, Nick stood up and grabbed his suit jacket from the back of the chair.

“I had a great time, Haley,” he said, throwing his jacket over his arm. Notwithstanding the fact that we’d talked about some painful past experiences, I’d had a good time, too. It was nice to talk about the loss of Dad with someone who’d experienced something similar. Empathy felt more genuine than sympathy and I was grateful for the chance to commiserate with someone who truly understood.  “Let’s get together and do this again,” he suggested. “I’m out of town this weekend, but how about sometime next week? Same day, different place? Perhaps somewhere without that scary lady?” I chuckled, but quickly stopped when I thought about where I’d be in a week. Incapable of hiding my emotions, Nick recognized the change in my expression almost immediately.

“I’m sorry,” he said quickly, running his hand through his hair nervously. “I’m just suggesting another lunch. No pressure; you can think about it and get back to me.”

“No, no,” I said, reassuring him that my suddenly clouded mood had nothing to do with him. “Next week is just a hard week for me. It’s the anniversary of my dad’s accident so I’ll be out of town – maybe we can get together when I get back?” Nick’s face fell as he looked at me.

“I’m so sorry, Haley,” he said softly. His hazel eyes were a light brown, circling his dark pupils like milk chocolate saucers. They regarded me with genuine concern. Checking his watch one more time, he stood at the table, seemingly conflicted over whether to leave me in my current state.

“It’s fine,” I assured him, shooing him with my hands. “You need to go or you’ll be late!  Seriously, go.” Studying me interestedly, Nick finally gathered his keys to leave.

“Okay,” he agreed hesitantly. “But are you sure you’re alright? I can easily cancel.” Shaking my head, I motioned him to go. I was honored that this sweet man was offering to cancel a business meeting to stay with me. I felt closer to him than I should have considering the fact that I’d only known him for a short time.

“Go!” I yelled loudly, standing up to follow him out. “I’ll text you when I get back and you can help me finish off a few pints of ice cream.” Satisfied that I was okay, Nick pulled me in for another hug. This time I’d been prepared and almost excited for the embrace. I let myself relax for the short second I was in his arms. It felt really nice.

“The ice cream will be ready when you get back!” He declared, releasing me and hurrying toward the door. I followed him out. “Bye, Haley!” He called. I waved at him as he rushed down the sidewalk.

As I watched him vanish around the corner of the street, my heart swelling at the sight, I wondered how it was possible for me to feel this attracted to two men simultaneously. It wasn’t common for me to develop strong feelings for one person, let alone two. This was uncharted territory, and I was hopelessly confused.

About the Author
After practicing law for nearly three years, Jennifer Vessells decided to leave the practice to pursue her dream of being a novelist. After an intensive year and a half of writing, Ms. Vessells is proud to finally present her debut novel to the world - a story that's been marinating since her early college days.

Passionate about women's fiction and children's chapter books, Ms. Vessells plans to enjoy a long writing career. Keep your eye out for more exciting publications from this author in the future!

Connect with Jennifer
Website
Facebook 
Twitter

About the Book
When twenty-eight year old Haley Simpson, a sales associate for her best friend’s clothing boutique in Columbus, Ohio, begins a secret affair with the boutique’s potential New York City business partner, she digs a cavernous hole of deception that not only threatens to end her blossoming career, but to destroy a life-long friendship.

Jennifer Vessells's debut novel, Life in Plan B, encompasses everything classic chick lit should: the dynamics of friendship, the nuances of high-reaching career aspirations, and the struggles – both usual and unique – presented by romantic and familial relationships. An entertaining story at every turn, Life in Plan B is identifiable for readers of any age. In short, Ms. Vessells hits her debut novel out of the park!

Buy the Book
Kindle
Paperback on Amazon
Nook and paperback on Barnes & Noble

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cover reveal for 'i don't know how she will do it'

Blogger's Note: Today I'm pleased to share the cover for the re-release of blogger Kobby Tetteh Gyampoh's chick lit short, I Don't Know How She Will Do It. Look for the book Feb.13 on Amazon.


About the Book

Lily has had it with Aunt Lizzie. She wants her inheritance. She wants to be free. Aunt Lizzie wants Lily to find a husband, though she thinks it’s impossible. To her Lily could kiss freedom goodbye since it might be about the only person who’d allow that.

Aunt Lizzie’s thinking marriage; Lily’s thinking marriage-if-anyone-would-ever-want-me. Aunt Lizzie’s thinking cooking, cleaning and looking after a family; Lily wants a career that isn’t home-running. Aunt Lizzie’s not bent on making Lily have her way. So what would Lily do? She’d plot to gain her inheritance. She’d plot to gain her freedom. Her dad’s will says nothing about Mr. Right, neither does it mention an aspiring actress eager to break into Hollywood.

Join Lily in her quest for freedom as she poses as a couple with Clare behind a camouflage of flashy cars and cupcakes in order to get that inheritance. Follow this hilarious recipe of a low self-esteem girl, a sassy self-employed actress, an Aunt whose quotes would get you raising brows and two grannies who are willing to help low self-esteem girl. But watch out, one has a pistol which she stashes in her underwear.

From the Author
I’ve had lots of inspiration for writing. But the one that moved me into publishing my very first novel, I Don’t Know How She Will Do It has to go to Allison Pearson. Words can’t describe how much I loved I Don’t Know How She Does It─both the book and the movie. Something about Kate’s struggle and how lovable she was portrayed made me nuts to pen something down. Days and days the title I Don’t Know How She Will Do It resounded constantly in my sleep, in my wake, every moment in my life (mainly because it was one hell of a funky title). I was practically haunted to put down my baby I Don’t Know How She Will Do It. Though they are both different stories, they both portray that sense of feminism that makes women all around the world proud. And that’s why I penned I Don’t Know How She Will Do It, a short story that would make women rejoice for their womanhood and cheering them for giving men a run for their money. There are points I might make you reach for your Kleenex, but forgive me for you will laugh at so many moments they would make up for all my sins.

About the Author
First of all, KobbyTettehGyampoh, simply Kobby, hates referring to himself in third-person.

I just turned eighteen. I am Ghanaian and have always loved Chick-lit. My Chick-lit role models would be Sophie Kinsella, Marian Keyes, Janet Evanovich and Sarah Strohmeyer.

I was introduced to the genre when I was thirteen. Sarah Strohmeyer made the introduction with her Bubbles Series. Since I read Bubbles, I quit writing Harlequin-styled romances and have always considered myself-since then, a humor writer.

My biggest dream is to be an EIC to a lifestyle magazine someday like Kate White-for my obsession for Cosmo’s language since she was running as editor. But for now, I am good with studying English to break into Advertising someday.

I am currently working on my next title which is sort of a series like Cupcakes R US, but it’s based on the lives of editors, columnists and freelancers in a Cosmo-lookalike magazine. Which would be available in more formats than kindle. Epub, PDF, Docx, Doc, Mobi, PowerPoint. And oh, Paperback.

If I am not writing something funny, I spend most of my time reviewing something funny on my blog, ChickLit Pad.

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the disney effect

Blogger's Note: This blog post previously appeared on the now defunct Good Humor Girl back in 2012. In the interest of preserving my obvious brilliance for generations to come (or at least for another year) I figured I'd bring it back home to Change the Word. In this piece, I address the impact Disney movies had on my expectations for men. Oddly enough, it's still pretty accurate two years later.

The influence started early. Unfortunately, in my
quest to find Prince Eric/Charming/Phillip,etc.,
I seem to have forgotten to turn myself into an
Ariel/Belle/Sleeping Beauty. Sigh. Double Standards.
Disney has ruined me for men. No point denying it, my standards for a suitable mate are high and difficult to meet. After hours spent glued to my TV screen watching the prince get the princess, my checklist (no denying it ladies, we all have one), is a hodgepodge of the ridiculous.

Take a look at a few items on my list to judge for yourself:

•  Confident and determined boat owner with a love for seafood and French cuisine. Is there anything sexier than a man than confidence and determination? Prince Eric has both in surplus. While the part about the boat may seem superficial, it is not. Well, not entirely.  Having a boat represents a sense of adventure and financial security. Wanting financial security does not make me a gold digger. It makes me responsible. As for the bit about food – I don’t want to be denied my favorite Indian and Greek foods, because they are too exotic. Take a page from Prince Eric, gentlemen. Expand your palette. 

Bonus points: Owns beachfront property.

•  Sensitive and misunderstood rebel who wants a better life and goes for it. When it comes to guys from the opposite sides of the track, Aladdin has a lot going on. Sure he may have a bit of a record, but circumstances pushed him into a life of thieving. Plus, he probably shares the goods with hungry kids, like Aladdin did. He will have a heart of gold. If you’re the type who likes to save the not-so-bad boy (guilty here), an Aladdin is ideal.

Bonus points: Has well-defined abs and arms. And a sweet ride.

•  Mysterious art collector with an extensive library. Do you remember the envy and exhilaration you felt the moment the Beast gave Belle his library? If a man wants to know the way to my heart, it is with a one-of-a-kind library featuring floor-to-cathedral-ceiling fully-stocked bookshelves with plenty of natural lighting. A man who collects book, artwork and music, has depth and cultural awareness. You are guaranteed at least a few nights out to the symphony or a play instead of going to see the latest action flick every date night. And we all love mystery.

Bonus points: Employs a quirky, but efficient, staff.

•  Gentle equestrian who can sing. Of the old-school men, Prince Phillip has to be my favorite. He is dashing and witty and goes to extreme lengths to get the girl. But aside from that, he displays other welcome qualities. He is an animal lover. He knows how to sing. Have you ever had a guy sing/perform a song just for you? Trust me, it’s hot.

Bonus points: Doesn’t think you’re crazy for talking to your cats – he talks to his horse.

•  Mad fashion sense with smooth moves on the dance floor. Prince Charming is the type of guy you can take out for a night on the town. The guy knows how to dress, and he can work it on the dance floor. If you want to hang with my friends and I on the weekends, you are going to have to bust a move.

Bonus points: Recognizes a girl needs her shoes.

•  Goal-oriented hard worker with high career ambitions. In Mulan, Li Shang leads an army to victory against the Huns. He wants to rise to the top of his field. Instead of crying about the lack of talent in his ranks, he vows to make them better soldiers. Even though a man in uniform is totally hot, I would settle for one with any career goals. This has nothing to do with money and everything to do with motivation and ambition. It’s sexy. Granted, he will need to balance his work and personal life, but we can get there.

Bonus points: Has martial art skills.

•  Zero in-law drama. Ever notice how most men in Disney movies have absent or uninvolved parents? How awesome would it be to never have to worry about pleasing the in-laws?

Bonus points: Not afraid of a little PDA.

There may come a day when I have to concede a few of these points. Until then, a girl can dream. I’m still holding out.


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soundtrack to 'vegas to varanasi'

Blogger's Note: I'm pleased to welcome Shelly Hickman, who is on her Chick Lit Plus blog tour for her novel, Vegas to Varanasi. Today, Shelly is sharing her soundtrack for the book and an excerpt. Enjoy!


Soundtrack for Vegas to Varanasi
By Shelly Hickman

When Laura suggested the idea of creating a soundtrack for Vegas to Varanasi, I thought I might have a hard time coming up with more than three or four songs. But then I got a little carried away, as you will soon see. LOL.

“Melt With You” by Modern English
This is Anna and Luke’s song from high school, and they share a blast from the past when they dance to this tune at a wedding reception.



“Dress You Up” by Madonna
While Anna and Kiran share a dance at his mother’s birthday celebration, Anna jokes about having had a Madonna phase during high school.
I love how the mini Madonna’s pile out of a station wagon in the beginning of this video. Yeah, you’d get a ticket for such irresponsible parenting these days.  



“My Eyes Adored You” by Frankie Valli
I see this as Kiran’s serenade to Anna, since he loved her from afar when they were young, from the moment she got lippy with some jock who enjoyed tormenting him.



“Imagination” by Frank Sinatra
In my opinion, no romantic comedy is complete without a track from the Swing era, whether it be Sinatra, Bennett, or Bublé, as you’ll see again in the final track below. When Anna begins to suspect Kiran has a thing for her, she tells herself it’s just her imagination.



“Safe and Sound” by Taylor Swift
Yes, I will be including two Swift songs here today, but this selection is perfect for the scene when David asks Anna to sit with him the night his father dies, because he doesn’t want to be alone.



“Mera Mann Kehne Laga” by Falak
I had to include a Hindi song in my playlist, and admittedly, I’m unfamiliar with the music. However, I found this song and LOVED it. It was listed as a Hindi song, so I’ll feel really stupid if it isn’t. I have no idea what it’s talking about, but the video is too cute. I tried using Google Translator to learn the words, but couldn’t get it to work. Anyway, I digress. It has such a light, happy feel to it, and I can just picture it running in the background as Anna and Kiran walk along the ghats in Varanasi.



“Boom” by Anjulie 
Anna performs a silly little striptease for Kiran to this tune.



“We Are Never Getting Back Together” by Taylor Swift
This has to be Anna and David’s song because when David realizes their break-up isn’t really what he wanted, Anna has to deal with his repeated attempts to slip back into her life.



“The Best is Yet to Come” by Tony Bennett
This tune must play the closing scene of the story, perfect for a Happily Ever After. 



I hope you all enjoy the selections, and thank you for having me, Laura!


Excerpt

I have the most difficult time looking directly at Kiran. For someone who comes off as reserved and somewhat shy, he has no problem with the constant eye contact. In fact, I can feel his gaze on me at this moment.

“You know, you make me very nervous,” I admit.

“I make you nervous?” He gives me an incredulous stare. “I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable, Anna. I know that you’re in a relationship.”

That’s another thing about Kiran. He seems to say my name a lot when we speak. Most people don’t do that.

“Well, no... I’m not, actually. Not anymore. And I didn’t say you make me uncomfortable. I said you make me nervous.”

“You’re not? You’re not what?”

“I’m not in a relationship. David moved out a couple weeks ago.”

His hand slides from my waist to my upper back, like he might pull me in for a hug. He looks into my face with concern and squeezes my hand. “I’m sorry.”

“I’ll be fine,” I reply promptly. “These things happen.”

I expect him to conclude our dance when the song ends, however, we continue through the next song, neither of us saying anything for some time. I move in a little closer to him, mostly to avoid the intimate gazes.

My stomach is in knots. By all appearances, Kiran is attracted to me. Either that, or he truly is hiding out on the dance floor to avoid Miranda.

But no, he’s given me this feeling each time I’ve seen him. At my office, that day at Starbucks, even a little at the wedding reception. Though, I didn’t want to admit it when Luke made his comment about Kiran being “smitten” with me.

Pft! Anna, you’re crazy. There’s no way someone who looks like Kiran...

“I was just thinking.” He breaks into my thoughts. “About something else I’ve always remembered about you from high school.”

“Please tell me this isn’t going to be about my Madonna phase. If so, be kind.”

Kiran purses his lips together, as if he’s considering that visual. “No, not about your Madonna phase, which sadly, I missed.”

“I’ve got pictures I can share with you sometime. If you’re ever interested.”

“I’d like that.” He gives me an appreciative chuckle. “But what I remember is that there was this one student who, I think, must have been autistic. I never knew his name.”

I nod because immediately I know who he’s referring to. “Yes! His name was Benny!”

“Benny? Well, Benny almost always sat by himself in the cafeteria. In fact, he seemed to prefer it. But I remember seeing you, on several occasions, go over and talk to him. Once, you even managed to get him to join you and your friends.”

I smile at the memory. “Yeah, I think after that he decided there was a little too much estrogen going on at that table and it wasn’t for him.”

When I look up, Kiran is regarding me so intently, I swear he’s mentally calculating the diameter of my pupils. “It was truly exceptional, for someone your age to be so compassionate toward others.”

This is becoming far too intense. My insides feel as if they’re playing musical chairs. “I could really use a drink. You?”

About the Author
Living in Las Vegas since she was two, Shelly Hickman has witnessed many changes in the city over the years. She graduated from UNLV with a Bachelor of Art in 1990, and in her early twenties worked as an illustrator for a contractor for the Nevada Test Site. In the mid-90s, she returned to school to earn her Masters degree in Elementary Education. She now teaches computer applications and multimedia at a middle school in Las Vegas. She loves to write about people, examining their flaws, their humor, spirituality, and personal growth. Shelly lives with her husband, two children, and their dog, Frankie.

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About the Book
Anna has never been the beautiful one; she’s always been the nice one. So when the gorgeous man sitting across the table at a wedding reception remembers her from high school—and quite fondly at that—she’s taken off guard.

Formerly overweight and unpopular, Kiran has never forgotten Anna, the one person who was kind to him when no one else could be bothered, and Anna’s a bit flustered as she slowly comes to grips with his intense attraction for her.

In what feels like a romantic dream come true, all-grown-up, hunky Kiran invites Anna on a trip to Varanasi. But her troubled, whack-a-do ex-boyfriend starts interfering, creating drama at every turn, which begs the question, “Can nice girls really finish first?”

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