Laura Chapman's Blog, page 49

12 days of writers - no. 9: patricia mann

Blogger's Note: Welcome to the 12 Days of Writing, Change the Word's annual December celebration. After two years of sharing writing tips, this year, I'm sharing 12 writers with you. For the first three weeks of December, you'll have a chance to meet 12 wonderful women and learn about their favorite holiday traditions.

I met Patricia Mann earlier this year as she prepared to publish her debut novel, Is This All There Is? A novel with a lot of heart that tackles tough issues, the story left me thinking about it long after I finished the last page. It's been a delight to get to know the woman who crafted that tale, and I wish her a lot of luck as she works on her next book. For now, I hope you enjoy getting to know Patricia and her holiday favorites.



What’s your favorite holiday tradition?
Playing board games for hours with my family. This Thanksgiving we played a four-hour game of Risk. My 16 year-old son ended up dominating the world. Just like in real life.

What is a must-have eat or treat this time of year?
My mom’s pumpkin pie with whipped cream!

What is the best gift you’ve ever received?
A mixed CD of love songs from my husband. He’s not an overly romantic kind of guy, so when he does something like that, it means a lot to me. The first one he made for me was actually a cassette tape. Anyone remember those? That’s how long we’ve been together.

What is your favorite holiday read and watch?
"Oprah’s Favorite Things" in the December issue of O magazine. Sorry, I know it should be a book. But I need gift ideas to combat my recurring nightmare that I wake up Christmas morning and have no gifts for anyone.

"Elf" with Will Ferrell. My husband, kids and I frequently use the line, “He’s an angry elf,” to break the tension when someone’s cranky. We can’t help but laugh when thinking back on that scene. And though it’s a comedy, the part where Will and Zoey Deschanel singing "Baby It’s Cold Outside" is so sweet, I love it!

What’s one New Year’s resolution you’re making for 2014?
Work less and make more money. Damn, those don’t really go together, do they?


About the Author
Patricia Mann is a university professor and the owner of a communication consulting firm. She lives in California with her husband, their two kids, and a sweet, silly old dog.

Connect with Patricia
Website/Blog: http://www.patriciamann.me
Book trailer video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KT6uSuyFIuM
Facebook Friend Page: http://www.facebook.com/patricia.mann.969
Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Patricia-Mann/325125214262516?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PatriciaMann11

About Her Book
Is This All There Is? is Patricia's first novel. It reached the top 100 on Amazon at one point.

Beth Thomas has the perfect life. At thirty-five, she’s married to her college sweetheart, has two adorable kids, and teaches part time at the local university. But when a friend persuades Beth to go dancing on a rare night out, a chance meeting with twenty-one-year-old Dave, one of her former students, changes the course of her life. Loud music, too much to drink, and the thrill of feeling young again lead to an unforgettable kiss that was never supposed to happen. As she tries to put the memory behind her, Dave’s pursuit leaves Beth torn between what her mind says is right and what her heart and body crave.

Buy Her Book
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ASDTQQI
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/is-this-all-there-is-patricia-mann/1114038095?ean=2940016134000
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/is-this-all-there-is-2

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a cup of good cheer

I mention music a lot when it comes to my writing, because music has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. When writing "Twelve Drummers Drumming," the romantic holiday short featured in Merry & Bright, music played an even more significant part in shaping the story, because it involves a rock band.

As previously mentioned, one of the teasing conversations my main characters Autumn and Tuck have revolves around bands and musicians making holiday albums. I asked my fellow Merry & Bright authors to share the Christmas songs they thought would best fit their stories, which was a lot of fun. It was a lot of fun, and it got me thinking about a related story I can share with you readers.

Because I'm big on dropping truth bombs, here's another one: I've been playing this game with people long before I even considered writing this story. You know the game: "If you were a vocal artist trying to capitalize on your fame by releasing a Christmas album, what non-original holiday songs would make it on your record? Traditional, non-traditional, whatever."

I started asking people this my freshman year of college, while I was working at a shipping store. As you can imagine, December was a pretty busy time for us, and the store's speakers were always blasting Christmas tunes. I suppose it was only natural the subject would come up.

By senior year, I'd even come up with a name for my fictional Christmas album. I'd call it, "A Cup of Good Cheer." For whatever reason, that struck me as pretty funny and it stuck.

And while the musical selections have evolved through the years, many have stayed the same. Most importantly, I like to think they still protect the dignity of my non-existent music career. Let's check out what hit's I'd cover as of this year...


Have Yourself a Merry Little ChristmasAll I Want for Christmas is YouLast ChristmasAuld Lang SyneThe Christmas SongPlease Come  Home for ChristmasSleigh RideSomeday at ChristmasBelieveWhite Christmas
What Are You Doing for New Year's Eve? (duet with Michael Bublé)
Now it's your turn -- what songs would you cover? And what would you name you album?

About the Book

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.

Merry & Bright, featuring "Twelve Drummers Drumming" is available from Simon & Fig. Add to Goodreads. Buy it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Kobo.


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playlist for 'the christmas spirit'

Blogger's Note: To celebrate Susan Buchanan's latest release, The Christmas Spirit, she's stopping by Change the Word, today, to share a playlist for the story. The songs on the playlist are either mentioned or adhered to in story, or they are appropriate to the events in the book and the happenings to each of the characters. 

About The Christmas Spirit

Christmas is coming, but not everyone is looking forward to it.

Rebecca has just been dumped and the prospect of spending the holiday period with her parents is less than appealing.

Eighty- two year old Stanley lost his beloved wife, Edie, to cancer. How will he cope with his first Christmas without her?

Jacob’s university degree hasn’t helped him get a job, and it looks like he’ll still be signing on come New Year.

Workaholic Meredith would rather spend December 25th at home alone with a ready meal and a DVD box set. Can anything make her embrace the spirit of the season?

The enigmatic Natalie Hope takes over the reins at the Sugar and Spice bakery and café in an attempt to spread some festive cheer and restore Christmas spirit, but will she succeed?

Playlist for The Christmas Spirit
The Beatles"All You Need is Love"
Frank Sinatra"I’ve Got You Under My Skin"
Perry Como "Catch A Falling Star"
Bing Crosby"White Christmas"
Duke Ellington"I’m Beginning to See The Light"
Mel Smith & Kim Wilde"Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree"
Peggy Lee "Fever"
Ella Fitzgerald "Someone to Watch Over Me"
Johnny Mathis"When A Child is Born" 
Duke Ellington "Don’t Get Around Much Anymore"
John Paul Young Love Is In The Air
Billie Holiday "Sugar"
Wham "Last Christmas'
George Auric"Roman Holiday"
Vera Lynn "We’ll Meet Again"
Wizzard"I Wish it Could be Christmas Every Day"


Susan Buchanan talks about The Christmas Spirit:
I always wanted to write a Christmas novel - I just didn’t know it was this one! The Christmas Spirit took me by surprise, as I lay in bed one night trying to get to sleep. The title and the idea came at the same time and then I created the characters piece by piece. I love Christmas, but I started wondering how it would be for those who had little to look forward to this Christmas. And I figured they needed a helping hand!


Buy the Book
Amazon UK - http://amzn.to/1ewbuRY
Amazon US - http://amzn.to/1dFw0TJ


About the Author
Susan Buchanan lives in Central Scotland with her partner, Tony and baby daughter, Antonia. The Christmas Spirit is her third novel, published in December 2013. Her fourth novel, What If, is expected to be released summer 2014.


Connect with Susan
Twitter - @susan_buchanan
FB - www.facebook.com/susan.buchanan.author
Blog - www.susancbuchanan.blogspot.co.uk


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12 days of writers - no. 8: isabella louise anderson

Blogger's Note: Welcome to the 12 Days of Writing, Change the Word's annual December celebration. After two years of sharing writing tips, this year, I'm sharing 12 writers with you. For the first three weeks of December, you'll have a chance to meet 12 wonderful women and learn about their favorite holiday traditions.

Isabella Louise Anderson is the Chick Lit Goddess. Not only is that her blog's name, and the popular writer support group she manages on Facebook, but it's the name she's making for herself as an up-and-coming author. It's been fun to get to know Isabella better this past year as both of us made the transition from aspiring author blogger to published author blogger. In addition to being featured in Merry & Bright, the anthology that also includes my holiday short, her debut novel will be published in 2014. I wish Isabella lots of luck as she takes this next step.


What’s your favorite holiday tradition?
I have so many favorite holiday traditions, but one of my favorites is putting up the Christmas tree. Being in Texas, where it rarely gets cold (even in winter), that gets me in the spirit of Christmas. However, this year, was different. The hubby and I didn’t really prepare for doing it, but we were both yearning for something to do, so we decided to put it up… And we’re glad we did.


**Note: I answered this question on the last day of a huge winter storm filled with sleet and ice. :)

What is a must-have eat or treat this time of year?
It changes each year, but the one thing I’ve been indulging in this year is apple cider with Captain Morgan Spiced Rum.

What is the best gift you’ve ever received?
There have been so many gifts, but the best gift I’ve ever received was a Tiffany’s diamond wishbone necklace from my dad. Each Thanksgiving and Christmas he and I break the wishbone together, so it makes me happy to carry one around my neck every day. I’d like to think it brings me good luck.

What is your favorite holiday read and watch?
I love reading, but during the holidays things get a little stressful, and I can’t find time to read as much as I’d like. So when I’m wrapping gifts, I put on my favorite Christmas movie, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.

What’s one New Year’s resolution you’re making for 2014?
What a great question! Hmm…when I think of it, I’ll let you know. I’m still thinking of one. :)


About the Author
Isabella Louise Anderson created Chick Lit Goddess to share the love of the following genres: Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance, Romance, and Romantic Comedies! She loves featuring authors and their books, so if you’re interested please contact her by using the sign-up form on the “Guests” tab.

Isabella grew up with a book in her hand, and to this day nothing has changed. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America and has been featured on several blogs. While Isabella doesn’t blog a lot, she focuses her time on featuring other writers, along with writing and editing.

She lives in Dallas with her husband and cat. She enjoys spicy Mexican food and drinking margaritas, and can be found spending time with family and friends, cheering on the Texas Rangers, and reading.

Isabella’s short story, Meet Me Under the Mistletoe, was featured in Simon & Fig’s Christmas anthology, Merry & Bright, in November 2013. The Right Design will be her first novel.

Connect with Isabella
Website: http://chicklitgoddess.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ila121209
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7382151.Isabella_Louise_Anderson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ILA121209


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12 days of writers - no. 7: jackie bouchard

Blogger's Note: Welcome to the 12 Days of Writing, Change the Word's annual December celebration. After two years of sharing writing tips, this year, I'm sharing 12 writers with you. For the first three weeks of December, you'll have a chance to meet 12 wonderful women and learn about their favorite holiday traditions.

I met Jackie Bouchard back in my book reviewing days when she sent me a copy of her debut novel, What the Dog Ate. Though it took me a little longer than it should have to read and review it, once I did, I was in love. I laughed, I cried and I made a new friend in the author. Like her stories, Jackie has a wonderful sense of humor mixed with sincerity. She's kind, sweet, eager to offer support and a great sounding board for discussing ideas. I'm delighted to feature Jackie on CTW, today - and I'm equally excited to dig into her latest novel, Rescue Me, Maybe.



What’s your favorite holiday tradition?
Gosh, there are so many that my family has that I love: we always have seafood chowder for Christmas Eve dinner; we decorate our homes like crazy; my one sis and I go to my other sis’s house and paint fun designs on her windows; on Christmas Eve we exchange what we call “sock presents,” and the rest of the world calls “stocking stuffers.” But the one tradition I couldn’t do without is the music. I don’t want to hear it before Thanksgiving, and I can’t stand to hear one more note of it by New Year’s Eve, but during December I love playing all my favorite Christmas albums. Uh, CD’s. Er, playlists. The technology changes, but the music stays the same! My all-time faves are “Elvis Christmas Classics” and “A Charley Brown Christmas.”

What is a must-have eat or treat this time of year?
Peppermint ice cream! I have a bad sweet tooth, and a great love of ice cream. Nothing like a bowl of peppermint ice cream – with some dark chocolate fudge sauce on top – at the holidays! (And by “holidays,” I mean Halloween through Valentine’s Day.)

What is the best gift you’ve ever received?
This is probably going to sound lame, so I need to give some backstory. The hubs finds gift-buying very stressful, and he hates to shop in general anyway, so most years I give him a detailed list of books or kitchen gadgets or whatever else I might want. Usually that means no surprises on Christmas morning, but one year he gave me this thing called a “Froth Au Lait.” He knows I love café au lait, and we’d had a cappuccino machine, but what a pain the frothers are on those things! So he researched and found the Froth Au Lait, which whips a ½ cup of non-fat milk into the most beautiful thick foam you’ve ever seen with just the push of a button. It’s like a fluffy cloud and you want to dive right in. I didn’t even know such a wonderful thing existed. I love it. We used to be really addicted to it and would use it every single day. We would even bring it with us when we traveled.  Now, in the interest of getting him off to work more quickly, we only use it on the weekends, but it’s still one of my all-time fave kitchen gadgets.


He researched! He found something I didn’t even know I wanted, but now can’t live without! It was an awesome gift. Sadly, this has become the bar by which all other gifts are now measured. He and I both fear these heights will never be achieved again. (Although… one year for my birthday, he gave me a present every day for the month of March leading up to my birthday, which is on the 23rd. That was pretty darn awesome. But that’s “gifts”, plural, not “gift” singular like you asked. I like to follow the rules.)

What is your favorite holiday read and watch?
It’s roughly the same answer for both on this one. Every couple of years I love to read “A Christmas Carol.” The first time I read it, I was so surprised to find how funny it was. For instance, I love the line when Marley’s ghost comes to see Scrooge for the first time, and Scrooge is convinced it’s just indigestion making him see things so he tells Marley, “There's more of gravy than of grave about you.” That’s a great line. Plus, I have a very fun, old printing of it that my sis gave me. (It doesn’t have a printing date, but the inscription from “Mildred” says “To Jean, with all good wishes at Christmas time in the year 1945.”) It even has some great illustrations.

As for my favorite movie, it’s the 1970 musical version of the book, called “Scrooge.” It stars Albert Finney as Scrooge and Sir Alec Guinness as the best Marley evar, and it’s fantastic. I know every word to every song and I sing along the whole way through. I watch it every year.


What’s one New Year’s resolution you’re making for 2014?
Uh boy… I’m not great about resolutions. I usually make a completely unrealistic number of them (“No more swearing!” “No more white sugar!” “I’m going to be nice to EVERYONE!” “One hour of cardio every day!”) and then I’ve already failed at all of them by about 3p.m. on January 2nd. The only time I ever stuck it out with a resolution was the year I vowed to try at least one new recipe each week. In fact, I should probably just make that same resolution again, because I’ve fallen into such a rut with my cooking. So, let’s go with that one. Oh, and to publish my 3rd novel in 2014!


About the Author
Jackie Bouchard writes Fido-friendly fiction. She used to be trapped in the hamster wheel of corporate America, but she was lucky enough to escape and now fully understands the term "struggling writer." Jackie loves: reading, writing, and, yes, even 'rithmetic (seriously, algebra rocks); professional cycling; margaritas; blogging (she never thought she'd say that, but she does); dogs in general, and her crazy rescue pup specifically; and her hubby. (Not in that order.) Jackie dislikes: rude people and writing about herself in the third person. After living in Southern California, then Bermuda, then Canada, then the East coast, Jackie and her husband settled in San Diego. American Jackie, her Canadian hubby, and her Mexican rescue mutt form their own happy little United Nations. Jackie's debut novel, "What the Dog Ate," was followed by "Rescue Me, Maybe."

Connect with Jackie
Website: www.jackiebouchard.com
Blog: http://poochsmooches.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JackieBouchardWriter
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jackiebouchard

Buy Her Books
Rescue Me, MaybeAmazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F54KYG6
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rescue-me-maybe-jackie-bouchard/1116892136?ean=2940148566045

What the Dog Ate
Amazon: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rescue-me-maybe-jackie-bouchard/1116892136?ean=2940148566045
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-the-dog-ate-jackie-bouchard/1110362055?ean=2940033132751

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hard hats launch day - cast theme music

Have you ever wanted theme music?

I always wanted a theme song. Something badass like "Queen Bitch" by David Bowie, even though that's probably too cool for me.

With that in mind, I came up with theme music for a few of the main cast members of Hard Hats and Doormats - and all with a country feel, because we are in Texas for most of this story.

Lexi - "American Honey" by Lady AntebellumJason - "Springsteen" by Eric ChurchKara - "Turn On the Radio" by Reba McEntireBrenna - "Country Girl (Shake It For Me)" by Luke BryanGarret - "No Hurry" by Zac Brown BandCameron - "Out Last Night" by Kenny ChesneyTyler - "I'll Just Hold On" by Blake SheltonThe D-List - "Only Prettier" by Miranda Lambert 
You can check out the full playlist on Spotify and YouTube.





What would be your theme song?

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hard hats launch day - the soundtrack

While writing, I like to have a playlist of songs I listen to while crafting the story. These songs either put me in the mood to write a scene, or they represent the story well enough they keep everything fresh on my mind when I'm not writing.

In the three years since I started Hard Hats and Doormats during National Novel Writing Month 2010, its playlist has undergone transformations. I'd add songs I knew I wanted included on Lexi's other playlists, or songs I thought might be contenders. But in the end, it's shaken back down to twenty songs - most have been on it from the start.


You can check out the full playlist on Spotify.




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hard hats launch day - blue playlist

Just like Lexi has songs she listens to when she needs an extra little bump in enthusiasm, she also has a playlist to help her get through those tough days. You know the days - the ones where you're sad and you need to throw yourself a pity party before you cut your losses and rally. And what better to get those tears out then to listen to a couple of bummer songs.

Listen to Lexi's Blue Mix on Spotify. 



What songs do you listen to when you just need a little cry?

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hard hats launch day - travel playlist

Since Hard Hats and Doormats' Lexi Burke spends so much of her life traveling, naturally she has a playlist to accompany her wherever she goes. Because she never knows exactly what her mood will be, her playlist covers a lot of territory.

Check out her travel playlist on Spotify.



What are your favorite songs to listen to when hitting the road? Be sure to share the title and artist, and the favorites will be added to Lexi's list.

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hard hats launch day - pump-up playlist

Everyone needs a pep talk sometimes. For Lexi Burke, the main character of Hard Hats and Doormats, the inspiration to face a tough day at work comes in the form of her playlist.

(As you read Hard Hats, you'll find Lexi has a playlist for just about everything. Not only is she a music junkie, but she always has access to it thanks to her phone, which she's never without.)

Whether you're starting your work day, or finishing it up, you can listen to part of Lexi's Pump-Up Mix on Spotify. 



What songs are or would be on your pump-up playlist?

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Hard Hats and Doormats will be available in print format soon! Stay tuned for details.

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