Laura Chapman's Blog, page 50

'hard hats and doormats' launch day!

Today's the day: My debut novel, Hard Hats and Doormats is now available for sale. I'm sure you'll understand I'm pretty excited about this development, and I'm marking the occasion accordingly. There's an online party on Facebook and Twitter, prizes, photos and more to come throughout the day. You can scroll through the post to read more about how you can participate in the festivities.

This is a day I've been dreaming about my whole life. I'm a mix of emotions - excitement, nervousness, pride, fear, happiness, disbelief, etc. - but mostly I'm thankful. I'm thankful to:

Samantha March, my editor and publisher at Marching Ink, for taking a chance on this novel. I'm proud to be part of Marching Ink's line, and proud to call you and the amazing Cat Lavoie my label-mates.

My beta readers and critique partners who made this story better. Special mentions to Tracie Banister, Sarah Chapman, Aja Martin, Whitney Lake, Jacie Noel, Meredith Schorr and Katie Steiner.

Cover designer Ashley Byland, Fast Fingers Formatting and Jessica Sodeke of (heart) LEE MARC for making everything look good.

Indigo Bridge Books, for providing me WiFi while was writing the first draft of this novel, and for offering to hold a live event for me in January 2014 (more details to come).

My many friends and supporters who have followed me through this adventure, offering up encouragement and advice as I need it. A big shout out to the Chick Lit Goddesses and Chick Lit Chat crews who help me daily.

The wonderful men and women I met during my years traveling the country as a corporate journalist. My real life was never as crazy or impossible as my main character's, because I worked with you.

And more than anything, I'm thankful to my family - my parents, my brothers, my sister, my nephew and extended family - for seemingly always believing this day would come, even when it seemed impossible.

Buy the BookAmazon
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
Marching Ink

Join the Online Party Today, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CST we're celebrating Hard Hats and Doormats release with an online launch party. Follow the fun on Facebook and Twitter using #HardHats.

Sign-up for My NewsletterNow that my book is available, I'll send out e-newsletters to notify readers of upcoming and recent appearances, new projects and other news related to my books. Rest assured, I will not share your contact information with any third parties.

Loading...
Win PrizesU.S. and Canadian residents are eligible to win one of several prizes. Check out what's up for grabs:

Clockwise from upper left: Two Sweet Swag Bags; Lexi's Favorite Things Prize
Package; One Autographed 11x17" Hard Hats and Doormats Poster;
10 Postcard and Bookmarks Packs.
Now, a little about each of the prizes... 

Lexi's Favorite Things Pride Package has a collection of Hard Hats
and Doormats heroine's favorite items, including snacks, travel
and work supplies and a personalized letter from the character
explaining the significance of each of the items.
Each of the two Sweet Swag Bags contains a postcard,
inspirational bookmark, two novel bookmarks, 12
cherry cordial Kisses, 10 Rolos and eight Butterfinger bells.
The 11x17" poster will be autographed by me
and will come with two matching bookmarks.

The Postcard and Bookmarks Packs will contain a personalized postcard and two bookmarks.

Everyone who shares a photo, story or song on the Facebook Event or Twitter hashtag will be included in a drawing for the Sweet Swag Bags. The other prizes are available by entering the Rafflecopter below. All entries must be received by Sunday, December 15, at 12 a.m.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thank you for being part of this exciting day. It's one I'm sure I'll never forget.

Receive Change the Word's latest updates in your Inbox. Subscribe by entering your information under "Follow by email" in the sidebar. Follow me on Twitter @lmchap or "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. 

12 days of writers - no. 6: cat lavoie

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.

Cat Lavoie is basically the best label-mate a simple gal -- like myself -- could ask for. She's friendly, supportive, inventive and has good taste in fictional boyfriends (I'm looking at you, Mr. Bates and Jude Weatherington). And while we might disagree about who will ultimately win the heart of our pretend beaus (she thinks she does, I think I do, it's hopeless we'll ever agree), we've managed to set aside our differences and become friends. Cat's latest novel, Zoey & the Moment of Zen , is loaded on my eReader and her debut novel, Breaking the Rules , is one of my favorite reads of 2012. I hope you enjoy getting to know a little more about Cat and how she does the holidays.


What’s your favorite holiday tradition?
Spending time in the kitchen with my Mom. I usually end up doing more taste-testing than helping… but I love those moments. I also love lazy days between Christmas and New Years where I can curl up with my Kindle, a cup of tea, a warm blanket and Abbie the cat.


What is a must-have eat or treat this time of year?
So many yummy things to choose from, but I have to pick Holiday Mint M&Ms. They are so good! I look forward to them every year and, just the other day, I did a happy dance in the middle of Target when I saw a display. I might be addicted to them.

What is the best gift you’ve ever received?
I've been lucky enough to receive a lot of awesome and thoughtful gifts over the years so it's hard to single one out—but I remember how excited I was when I got a KitchenAid mixer from my parents a few years back. I spent the following week baking tons of breads, cakes and muffins… I still have the mixer but (sadly) it's seeing a lot less action these days!

What is your favorite holiday read and watch?
I don't have a favorite holiday read—but I just recently bought a bunch of holiday-themed books (including one called Merry & Bright) so that might change soon! When it comes to movies, I need to watch Love, Actually and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation every year during the holidays. I never get tired of them!

What’s one New Year’s resolution you’re making for 2014?
I've had the same resolution for the last few years—write more! But for 2014—in addition to working on my third novel—I'd like to blog more as well. I used to blog a lot a few years ago and really enjoyed it… so I'm hoping to be more active on my blog next year.

About the Author
Cat Lavoie lives in Montreal, Canada with her tempestuous cat, Abbie. Her debut novel, Breaking the Rules, was published in August 2012 by Marching Ink. If Cat isn't reading or writing, she's most likely watching too much TV or daydreaming about her next trip to London. Her second novel, Zoey & the Moment of Zen, was released in October 2013.

Connect with Cat
Website: http://www.CatLavoie.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CatLavoieAuthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Catenabi

Buy Her Books
Breaking the Rules
Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.to/11omrMH
Amazon UK Kindle: http://amzn.to/18hxKiT
Amazon Canada Kindle: http://amzn.to/186kL2q

Zoey & the Moment of Zen
Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.to/Has3aU
Amazon UK Kindle: http://amzn.to/17IxqVa
Amazon Canada Kindle: http://amzn.to/1gERZLz


Receive Change the Word's latest updates in your Inbox. Subscribe by entering your information under "Follow by email" in the sidebar. Follow me on Twitter @lmchap or "Like" Change the Word on Facebook.

12 days of writers - no. 5: elizabeth marx

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.

Elizabeth Marx kicks off the second week of the 12 Days of Writers. She's one of the writers I have had an opportunity to get to know better this year, and I'm glad. She's a big cheerleader for fellow writers, committing time every day to promoting authors and bloggers on social media. Also a lover of Christmas, Elizabeth shares some wonderful holiday stories - and the answer to her favorite gift actually made me tear up. I hope you enjoy learning a little more about Elizabeth.


What’s your favorite holiday tradition?

Christmas is huge at our house and we decorate the entire first floor of our house with three trees, swags of garland, and twinkle lights. Decorating the family room Christmas tree is my favorite tradition. My daughter and I worked about six hours to fill this 15-foot big boy with ornaments that I’ve collected since I was a young adult. Every year I buy my girls special glass ornaments that represent something they enjoy or accomplished that year and I put the year on the bottom of them so when they have their own first Christmas tree they’ll have a nice collection of special ornaments with memories.


What is a must-have eat or treat this time of year?
I make a wicked maple nut fudge. My girls like chocolate fudge with or without nuts and I make that too. We also construct gingerbread houses; this year we’re doing a carousel, a house, a train, and gingerbread people!

What is the best gift you’ve ever received?
After I knew my husband for about a year, but before we were engaged, I had an old crappy car. I was a single mom and I had a daughter to get across town to daycare and the crummy car was my only mode of transportation. My car finally conked out on me and I was really going to suffer without it. My then “boyfriend” had a nice red sports car, which he worked really hard to pay for, it was the first car he bought for himself after finishing college and he loved that car. So my car dies and I need another car and I can’t afford one, so my “boyfriend” sells his expensive sports car and buys me a new little car and himself the cheapest car he can find. That was a gift that I’ve carried with me my entire adult life, knowing that there is always one person I can count on no matter what life brings. All these years later, that gift still humbles me and I cherish that gesture of unconditional love to this day.

What is your favorite holiday read and watch?
My favorite read would be Scrooge, I think because I’m a big believer in the power of change, second chances, and the difference one person can make in the world. This year’s favorite holiday movie would have to be a toss up between Snow Bride and The 12 Men of Christmas; they’re both chick lit Christmas movies.

What’s one New Year’s resolution you’re making for 2014?
My New Years resolution is to have more balance between my work and home life. I have spent the last two years working about 60-70 hours a week and it’s just too much time away from my girls. My daughter is a junior in high school and she’s probably going to go to the east coast for college, so I want to spend as much time with her as I can before she’s gone.

Laura, thanks so much for interviewing me about Christmas, especially since it’s my favorite time of the year! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!


About the Author
Windy City writer Elizabeth Marx brings cosmopolitan flair to her fiction, which is a blend of romance and fast-paced Chicago living with a sprinkle of magical realism. In her past incarnation she was an interior designer--not a decorator--which basically means she has a piece of paper to prove that she knows how to match and measure things and can miraculously make mundane pieces of furniture appear to be masterpieces. Elizabeth says being an interior designer is one part shrink, one part marriage counselor and one part artist, skills eerily similar to those employed in writing.

Elizabeth grew up in Illinois and has also lived in Texas and Florida. If she’s not pounding her head against the wall trying to get the words just right, you can find her at a softball field out in the boonies or sitting in the bleachers by a basketball court. Elizabeth resides with her husband, girls, and two cats who’ve spelled everyone into believing they’re really dogs.

Elizabeth has traveled extensively, but still says there’s no town like Chi-Town.


Connect with Elizabeth
Website: http://www.elizabethmarxbooks.com
Amazon Author Page: http://viewAuthor.at/ElizabethMarx
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorElizabethMarx
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/emarxbooks


Buy Her Books
CUTTERS VS. JOCKS http://viewBook.at/B0064PJUWY FREE PREQUEL NOVELLA
BINDING ARBITRATION http://viewBook.at/BindingArbitration
STAINED http://viewBook.at/STAINED

Receive Change the Word's latest updates in your Inbox. Subscribe by entering your information under "Follow by email" in the sidebar. Follow me on Twitter @lmchap or "Like" Change the Word on Facebook.

excerpt of 'modogamous' by karen e. martin

Blogger's Note: I'm pleased to share an excerpt of Karen E. Martin's debut novel, Modogamous, with you today as part of her book launch blog tour. Be sure to enter the prize package giveaway by checking out the Rafflecopter at the end of the post.


About the Book
Kate Adams has it all figured out. Five years out of college, she’s got a steady job, a home she loves in the big city, and good friends who always keep her laughing:  her stylish but nosy roommate Evette, happily-married Cecie, and of course, good old Mitch, her seriously cute co-worker who’s been stuck in the Friend Zone since the day they met.

Everything is going just fine—until the night Kate crosses the line with Mitch, and the boundaries between friendship and love begin to blur. Things get even more complicated when hunky JP enters the scene. What’s a girl to do? Add to the mix a spunky little pug Kate never expected to fall for, and her neatly-ordered life is starting to look more like a dog’s dinner.  Maybe her roommate has the right idea after all:  forget the men, and stick with a canine companion instead.

It’s time for Kate to figure out what she really wants in life. But can she dig her way out of the mess she’s created before she ends up permanently in the doghouse?

Excerpt of Modogamous

Have you ever been a bridesmaid? I was for the first time this week. Roomie got married. I suppose I should stop calling her Roomie, since she hasn’t actually lived with me for several months now. Let’s go with Bestie from here on out. So yeah, Bestie got married, and I was a bridesmaid. No horror stories here; it was a relatively painless day. Even the bridesmaid’s dress wasn’t so bad:  a Kennedy Blue “Chloe” style, in a totally acceptable color of plum that didn’t make me want to vomit. (Well, the invoice calls it eggplant, but plum sounds so much nicer IMO.) Floaty, chiffon skirt cut just above the knee, sleeveless vee-neck with straps so you can showcase the girls without worrying about them popping out (which can definitely be a problem with strapless gowns), and none of those horrible cap sleeves. **shudder** It cost less than $150, and I really could wear this one again. It’s a bridesmaid’s miracle.

So Bestie got her fairy tale, and I’m totally geeked for her about it. Really! But here I am, still dating duds. And why is it that every single one of them seems to have a dog? As if I don’t get enough dog talk around the office at The Pup is Up.

Take Jed, for example. Yes, I went out with a guy named Jed. (I know, what was I thinking?) Jed’s your classic redneck:  a ball-cap wearin’, four-wheel drivin’, God-fearin’, momma-lovin’, flag-wavin’, true blue original. Thanks to Jed, I’ve been able to add ‘Redneck Dog-Lover’ to my list of Men Not to Date. The guns, big trucks, and country music, I can handle. The endless, monotonous Nascar, I can endure. I can even choke down Waffle House when it’s absolutely necessary. But Jed’s dog was the straw that broke this camel’s back.

Here’s the thing:  redneck men talk to their dogs. You know those deep and meaningful heart-to-hearts that you want your man to have with you? Well, they have these talks with their dogs. More than once, I walked in on Jed with his arm cuddled around his (admittedly adorable) beagle, Max. Pouring his heart out about this, that, or the other. But the moment I set foot in the room? He clammed up. The third time this happened, I knew I was licked. You just can’t compete with that kind of man-beast intimacy. I even tried luring him away with my best lingerie and a six-pack of Bud. No dice. Dude, if you’re passing up screaming hot monkey sex so you can sit on the porch and talk to your dog, we’ve got a problem here. (That didn’t help my ego much, either.)

Then there was Brandon, the “My Dog is the Only Kid I’ll Ever Need” guy. First of all, oh sure, you say that now, but when you turn 42, you’re going to suddenly realize that, hey, I do want kids, and within six months, you’re going to marry some super-cute girl five or ten years younger than you who will be eternally grateful (for at least the first two years) that she will not die an old maid and will at least have a chance to convert some of those raging eggs of hers into little poop-making miracles with her Uncle Herbert’s nose and your dad’s receding hairline (which, someday, said rugrat will curse you for, fists raised to the heavens, crying out, “Why, oh WHY, was I born into this family of no-hair-having men, dear God, WHY?!?!”)

But as I was saying. Brandon. One of his favorite lines was, “Why would I ever want kids when I have a great dog like this?” Sure, Bentley was cute enough—nice personality, loved to play fetch. And I’m only one year out of college, so it’s not like I wanna start procreating at this very moment. But I do want kids someday, and logically, I have to assume that Brandon is being up-front when he makes these jokes (that aren’t really jokes) about not having kids. And so… sayonara, Brandon!

The silver lining to all these bad dates? At least I’ve been able to dump these guys before they dump me.

What, did I never tell you about the time the man I thought was the love of my life dumped me on the day of our college graduation? Yeah, that was precious. It still warms the cockles of my heart just to think about it. But that’s a story for some other time. For now, I’m off to raise a glass with my gal pals and contemplate why it’s looking like I’ll always be a bridesmaid, and never a bride.

Join the Modogamous Holiday Hop Giveaway to win a fabulous Swag Pack full of prizes! The Swag Pack winner will receive a signed copy of the paperback, tote bag, coffee mug, Christmas ornament, and more! Additional prizes include a copy of the e-book, a signed paperback, and a limited edition, signed art print of the book's cover art.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author
Karen E. Martin, M.Ed. is a full-time freelance writer/editor. She has been in the publishing business since 2004, working on books and publications for major and independent publishers, universities, businesses, and private individuals. Prior to entering the field of publishing, Ms. Martin worked as a Senior EFL Fellow (English as a Foreign Language) for the U.S. Department of State in Romania, a Junior EFL Fellow for the U.S. Department of State in Jordan, and a teacher-trainer for the U.S Peace Corps in Mauritania, Jordan, Romania, and Morocco. Ms. Martin served as a Peace Corps volunteer for two years, teaching English in the Errachidia Province of Morocco. This is Ms. Martin’s first novel.

Connect with Karen
You can contact the author on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, GoodReads, and on her blog about writing, publishing, and literature.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karenmartinauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarenEMartin1
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/karenemartin1/karen-e-martin-author/
Blog: http://www.karenemartin.com/blog/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/17856555-karen-e-martin
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Karen-E.-Martin/e/B00GL664QG/

Buy the Book
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/qesto7k
Smashwords: http://tinyurl.com/psvecy5


Receive Change the Word's latest updates in your Inbox. Subscribe by entering your information under "Follow by email" in the sidebar. Follow me on Twitter @lmchap or "Like" Change the Word on Facebook.

you're invited!

You're invited to the online launch party for Hard Hats and Doormats. Join me as I celebrate the release of my debut novel with behind-the-scenes tidbits, photos, music, prizes and more shared throughout the day on Facebook.
 
When: Wednesday, December 116 a.m. - 10 p.m. CSTWhere: Facebook
Join the event and be sure to check back on Dec. 11 to join in the fun.

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?

Add Hard Hats to your "to-read" list on Goodreads.
Receive Change the Word's latest updates in your Inbox. Subscribe by entering your information under "Follow by email" in the sidebar. Follow me on Twitter @lmchap or "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. 

12 days of writers - no. 4: samantha march

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.

A little more than two years ago, I "met" Samantha March on Twitter. She was the founder of Chick Lit Plus, the fabulous chick lit-focused website that also runs impressive blog tours. She was breaking out into the writing world with the publication of her debut novel, Destined to Fail. I began participating in the CLP tours in November 2011. Ever since, I've had an opportunity to become better acquainted with some of the best new talent in the genre. It also forged the connection between some of my closest writer friends and me. In August, Samantha also gave me the best news an author hopes to hear: She wanted to publish my debut novel Hard Hats and Doormats through her publishing company, Marching Ink. Samantha truly is a Jill of all trades, and I'm lucky to know her and pleased to feature her today.


What’s your favorite holiday tradition?
When I was younger, my favorite tradition was having the entire family meet at my Grandma’s house. Being surrounded by so much family was amazing, and before we got there my mom and stepdad would take me and my brother on a long car ride to see all the Christmas lights. I just recently got married, and I’m looking forward to starting some of our own traditions with my husband!

What is a must-have eat or treat this time of year?
Anything with Oreos, but preferably the Oreo fluff. Yum.

What is the best gift you’ve ever received?
It wasn’t for Christmas, but my engagement ring. I’m so happy to be married to my best friend :)

What is your favorite holiday read and watch?
I love Elf. Like, love love love. So funny. I don’t think I can pinpoint a specific holiday book. I love a good chick lit one (so shocking, I know) but especially those based around NYC. I would love to ring in the New Year one time there.

What’s one New Year’s resolution you’re making for 2014?
Ooh, I haven’t even started thinking about those yet! One would be to buckle down and start plotting out book No. 4. I always like to cook healthier (or just more in general). Can I make it a resolution to finally get a puppy?

(Update: Since Samantha sent me this she actually did get a puppy! Way to go on getting a jump on your 2014 resolutions, and congrats on the new family member.)
About the Author
Samantha March is an author, editor, publisher, blogger, and all around book lover. She runs the popular book/women’s lifestyle blog ChickLitPlus, which keeps her bookshelf stocked with the latest reads and up to date on all things health, fitness, fashion, and celebrity related. In 2011 she launched her independent publishing company Marching Ink and has two published novels – Destined to Fail and The Green Ticket. When she isn’t reading, writing, or blogging, you can find her cheering for the Green Bay Packers.

Connect with Samantha
Website
Facebook
Twitter
GoodReads

The Green Ticket Turns One this week! Click here to enter a giveaway in honor of the book's birthday.


About the Book

College junior Alex Abrams scores her dream job at the ripe age of twenty – manager to a successful salon and spa. Thrilled to finally have a real adult job, Alex enthusiastically jumps into the world of schedules, conference calls, and getting a massage when interviewing prospective employees. What she doesn’t expect are the very grown-up issues that comes with a demanding boss. Kevin Dohlman quickly becomes Alex’s worse nightmare – covering up his affairs, dealing with his enormous ego, and trying to protect her female staff from him becomes a full-time job in its own right. Alex has also befriended Kevin’s wife and co-owner, Dani, and is trying to keep Kevin’s secrets hidden from her. The situation only worsens when Kevin starts paying Alex off to make sure she keeps her insider knowledge to herself.

While struggling to keep her wits and stay happy with her new grown-up job, Alex is juggling college courses, a new love interest, and keeping up with her close group of girlfriends. When her roommate and best friend Lila gets offered an opportunity to move to Los Angeles and sign with an agent, Alex realizes her life truly is changing, and everyone around her – including herself –– is growing up. Knowing she is faced with some hard decisions ahead, Alex struggles with keeping her job at Blissful. But does she really want to throw away what she dreamed of as a career – or will the secret-keeping for Kevin become too much to handle? The Green Ticket is a story about morals versus money, and how one young woman navigates the shaky line between the two.

Receive Change the Word's latest updates in your Inbox. Subscribe by entering your information under "Follow by email" in the sidebar. Follow me on Twitter @lmchap or "Like" Change the Word on Facebook.

12 days of writers - no. 3: samantha stroh bailey

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.

Samantha Stroh Bailey is probably one of the sweetest, most encouraging people I've come to know on this writing journey of mine. She's a talented author, editor and blogger who has a can-do attitude she's willing to share with others. In addition to eagerly awaiting the release of her next novel, I hope to one day participate in one of Sam's Book Buzz events so I can finally have the chance to meet her.

Enter the 12 Days of Writers Giveaway in the Rafflecopter at the end of the post!

What’s your favorite holiday tradition?
Chanukah is such a special time of year for me because it’s about family, delicious food and giving my kids the gifts they’ve been clamoring for so long. Because Chanukah is eight days, a tradition is to give gifts every night after lighting the candles. I love shopping for the big gifts for my kids, usually given on the first and last nights, and the fun small gifts that the kids aren’t expecting. I’m not great at passing a toy store without going in and leaving with too many things so Chanukah gives me an excuse to finally say yes to everything my little ones want. I’ll never forget the gleeful looks on their faces when they got the Furby Boom and personalized necklace this year. Though that Furby is really creepy.

What is a must-have eat or treat this time of year?
Is there anything better than potatoes soaked in oil? Maybe not great for the heart or waistline, latkes are crispy, greasy and so delicious that I can eat an entire panful.

What is the best gift you’ve ever received?
This is a hard question because I’m very easy to please so all someone has to do is hand me a wrapped box with something in it, and I’m happy. But I’d have to say my laptop, which was a present from me to me. I’d opened my freelance writing/editing business, and until then, I wrote my novels in notebooks, on my PC and any scraps of paper that were lying around. I’ll never forget when I booted that baby up and started working.

What is your favorite holiday read and watch?

My absolute favorite holiday watch is Love, Actually. The humor and poignancy behind all of the different relationships, the setting, the little boy—oh, just talking about it makes me want to watch it again. I think I’ve seen it a hundred times. And my favorite read? I don’t actually read a lot of holiday stories, but this year I bought Merry Chick Lit , which is an anthology of short stories. Not only are the stories funny, heartwarming and very well-written, but all of the proceeds from sales of the book go to Rocking the Road for a Cure, a charity that helps women suffering from breast cancer. Also, I have Merry & Bright on my Kindle, which is the anthology featuring your story, Twelve Drummers Drumming, and I’m excited to read that.

What’s one New Year’s resolution you’re making for 2014?
It’s the same resolution I make every year and manage to do it for about a month. Stop worrying. I worry about everything, and though I try so hard to live in the moment, inevitably my mind wanders to all of the things I have to do and haven’t, everyone’s health, my writing and business…it’s endless. So, every year, I promise myself that when I start thinking too much, I’ll tell myself, “It’s all good.” This year my resolution is to keep that zen-like feeling for two months. At least.


About the Author
Samantha Stroh Bailey is a mom, author, journalist and professional writer/editor with her business, Perfect Pen Communications. She was a Kobo Writing Life writer-in-residence at BEA 2013 and is the co-founder of “Book Buzz,” an interactive author/reader event held in New York City and Toronto. She has a Master of Education that looks great on her wall (okay, in a box in her basement), and when not writing, she can be found curled up on her couch reading until the wee hours. Finding Lucas is her first novel.

Connect with Samantha
Blog
Twitter @perfectpen
Facebook
Goodreads
Perfect Pen Communications
Buy Her Book
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Lucas-ebook/dp/B007VIIU6A/Kobo http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/finding-lucas

Receive Change the Word's latest updates in your Inbox. Subscribe by entering your information under "Follow by email" in the sidebar. Follow me on Twitter @lmchap or "Like" Change the Word on Facebook.

12 days of writers - no. 2: francine lasala

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. 

Today, I'm featuring Francine LaSala. Francine is an inventive and talented writer. Her novel, The Girl, the Gold Tooth & Everything had me gripped from the get-go and flipping the pages to get to the end. She also has a huge heart, whether it's her commitment to supporting fellow writers or bringing a little happiness to the world with the "Joy Jar" project. Basically, she's a great person to have on your side. Francine also writes a mean book blurb -- so keep that in mind, writers, if you ever find yourself stuck.


What’s your favorite holiday tradition?
My husband is both Italian and French (I think I usually talk about how French he is...) so every year at Christmas Eve, we have a traditional Italian Christmas Eve celebration at my in-laws’ house. My husband’s siblings and their S.O.s (and this time, one luscious baby!) all fly in to town for a week or so, and much merriment is had. Me and my girls buy fancy new dresses and get all glammed up--something we love to do together! So there’s that for Holiday Tradition, and also the Feast of the Seven Fishes--and so much other food! And champagne! And laughter! A boozy, gorgeous celebration. It really is the most wonderful feast of the year, and a tradition I hope we will always keep.


What is a must-have eat or treat this time of year?
Also for Christmas Eve, my (French) mother-in-law imports the most amazing pate in from France, I believe it’s duck, with a black truffle in the center. I know this is not for everyone, but if left to my own devices, I probably could eat an entire can of it (a case of cans) myself with a spoon. It truly is the most obscenely decadent treat I have ever savored.

What is the best gift you’ve ever received?
I know it comes up a lot but I still can’t get over this awesome Bionic Woman inflatable dome home my Aunt RoseMarie and late Uncle Donald got for me one year. I think I was seven or eight. I still want it so badly! I wish I knew what happened to it...


What is your favorite holiday read and watch?
It’s a Wonderful Life is my favorite holiday film. This has much to do with my ever-abiding “nerd love” and my lifelong devotion to Jimmy Stewart; however, it is also a truly excellent story! For a holiday read, I think it has to be the poem “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” My mother used to love to read that to us kids, and also to my kids, whom she took care of regularly. It will always remind me of her.

What’s one New Year’s resolution you’re making for 2014?
I lost my mother this year. I wasn’t expecting that. I know, I know, it’s not like we ever are. I do wish my last year’s resolution was to be sure to see my mom and talk to my mom and hug her as much as possible. I can’t change that, but I can make it a point to see and speak to and hug those I love that I am still blessed to have as much as I possibly can, or as much as they will allow. Whether they like it or not... Come on over here, little Laura. Let old aunt Frannie give you a squeeze! :-)

Thanks for having me on Change the Word, Laura! Happy Holidays to you and all of your readers, with many blessings coming your way in 2014. xo


About the Author
Francine LaSala has written nonfiction on every topic imaginable, from circus freaks to sex, and edited bestselling authors of all genres. She is now actively taking on clients for manuscript evaluations, editing services, copywriting (covers, blurbs, taglines, queries, and more), website and blog creation, and developing kickass social media campaigns. The author of novels Rita Hayworth’s Shoes and The Girl, The Gold Tooth & Everything, and the creator of The “Joy Jar” Project, she lives with her husband and two daughters in New York.

Connect with Francine
Website: http://www.francinelasala.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4679863.Francine_LaSala
Blog: https://clippingsintheshed.wordpress.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/francinelasala
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Francine-LaSala-Author/223109337705912
The “Joy Jar” Project: https://www.facebook.com/groups/318621974904272/

Buy Her Books
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16077524-the-girl-the-gold-tooth-and-everything
Diversion Books: http://www.diversionbooks.com/ebooks/girl-gold-tooth-everything-novel

Receive Change the Word's latest updates in your Inbox. Subscribe by entering your information under "Follow by email" in the sidebar. Follow me on Twitter @lmchap or "Like" Change the Word on Facebook.

12 days of writers - no. 1: meredith schorr

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.

The super talented and equally lovely Meredith Schorr is kicking off the series. I was glued to her most recent novels -- A State of Jane and Blogger Girl -- and have her debut novel, Just Friends with Benefits, loaded up to my Kindle app ready for reading as soon as I get a chance. Like her books, Meredith is charming, likeable and fun. She's also creative, driven and amazing at balancing the many aspects of her life. I've enjoyed exchanging emails, Tweets and Facebook messages with her during the past year, and she constantly inspires me to become a better storyteller.


What’s your favorite holiday tradition?
I was raised Jewish and so my family never celebrated Christmas. There were a few years when we went to my sister’s family’s house for the day, and I spent last year with the family of the man I was dating, but it never really felt like “my” holiday. I’ve never gone to sleep on Christmas Eve excited for all of the presents waiting for me under the tree and, aside from exchanging “Secret Santa” gifts with my college roommates, it is rare that I give or receive Christmas presents.  However, I do have a favorite Christmas tradition. My birthday is December 23rd and since I usually do not have anywhere to go on December 25th, for as long as I can remember, I have celebrated my birthday with my mother by going to the movies and out to dinner—usually Japanese or Chinese. We both look forward to this day every year. I have two older sisters and so my mom always jokes that I’m her favorite daughter “in a three-way tie” but on Christmas Day, I have my mom all to myself.

What is a must-have eat or treat this time of year?
This is a tie. Potato pancakes (“latkes”) are delicious and typically made during Chanukah, but I also love sweet potato pie with marshmallows. The latter is traditionally made on Thanksgiving but when I think about my favorite holiday dishes, it definitely tops the list!


What is the best gift you’ve ever received?
That’s a tough one because I’ve been alive for a pretty long time and what I considered the best gift at 10 years old is not what I would have wanted at 16 or 25 etc. However, the best gift of the recent past that comes to my mind is my Kindle. I LOVE my Kindle to the point where I have cried when I’ve misplaced it/lost it. I never thought I would choose the ebook over a physical book but since I’ve been reading on a Kindle, I’ve probably quadrupled the number of books I read in a month. I also live in a 500 square foot apartment and so it is nice that my addiction to books no longer results in cluttering up all of my bookshelves.


What is your favorite holiday read and watch?
My favorite holiday movie is It’s a Wonderful Life followed by Meet Me in St. Louis. Yes, I like the classics! That’s not to say I don’t adore more modern flicks such as Love, Actually and When Harry Met Sally, but I watch those all year around whereas the classics are only broadcast during the holiday season. I do not tend to read books more than once and so I do not have a favorite holiday read.

What’s one New Year’s resolution you’re making for 2014?
To not be so hard on myself. (I make this one every year.)


About the Author
A 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 chicks." When she is not hard at work on her current work in progress, 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.

Connect with Meredith
Twitter: @meredithschorr
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/MeredithSchorrAuthor
Website/Blog: meredithschorr.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4355520.Meredith_Schorr
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/meredithgschorr

Buy Her Books
Available on Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Blogger-Girl-ebook/dp/B00EDTLDSW
Amazon UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/Blogger-Girl-ebook/dp/B00EDTLDSW
B&N http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blogger-girl-meredith-schorr/1116358028?ean=2940148503125
Apple iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/blogger-girl/id686654939?mt=11


Receive Change the Word's latest updates in your Inbox. Subscribe by entering your information under "Follow by email" in the sidebar. Follow me on Twitter @lmchap or "Like" Change the Word on Facebook.

merry & bright: the soundtrack

Now that it's the day after Thanksgiving, it's officially OK to turn your radio stations and playlists over to holiday music. And here's a little something to help you get into the spirit musically.

Today, I'm pleased to welcome a few of my fellow Merry & Bright authors to Change the Word. Each of us picked five songs to accompany our holiday shorts to create a soundtrack for the anthology.

Soundtrack for A Very Dixie Christmas by Lauren Clark
“When My Heart Finds Christmas” by Harry Connick, Jr.“What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?”  By Harry Connick, Jr.“Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” by Bruce Springsteen“All I Want for Christmas” by Michael Bublé“Silent Night” by Michael Bublé
Soundtrack for Twelve Drummers Drumming by Laura Chapman
“Winter Wonderland” by Ella Fitzgerald“Christmas [Baby Please Come Home]” by Michael Bublé“All I Want for Christmas” by Mariah Carey“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Michael Bublé“Twelve Days of Christmas” by Bela Fleck and the Flecktones
Soundtrack for Ice Dating by Nancy Scrofano
“Suit & Tie” by Justin Timberlake“Blue Christmas” by She & Him“Gonna Get Along Without You Now” by She & Him“Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson“Christmas Wrapping” by The Waitresses
Soundtrack for Meet Me Under the Mistletoe by Isabella Louise Anderson
“Somewhere Down In Texas” by George Strait“I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm” by Dean Martin“The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole“Right Here Waiting” by Richard Marx“Forever Love” by Reba McEntire
You can listen to the full Merry & Bright soundtrack on Spotify:



And YouTube:


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.

Receive Change the Word's latest updates in your Inbox. Subscribe by entering your information under "Follow by email" in the sidebar. Follow me on Twitter @lmchap or "Like" Change the Word on Facebook.