About, Lori Verni-Fogarsi (LoriTheAuthor): Lori Verni-Fogarsi has been an author, speaker, and small business consultant since 1995. She has been featured in major media including “Lifetime Women’s Network,” the “My Carolina Today Show,” and “Boston Globe Forums Live.” Her public speaking has occurred at many prestigious venues including “North Carolina State University,” “Nassau Community College,” and more. She has received two awards for her novel, “Momnesia,” and her nonfiction, “Everything You Need to Know About House Training Puppies and Adult Dogs,” continues to be one of the most highly recommended in its genre since 2005. Lori is a happily married mom of two, step mom of two more, and has two cats, both rotten. She is very excited about the release of “Unexpecting,” and enjoys getting to know her readers via social media and in person. She invites you to learn more at www.LoriTheAuthor.com.
GUEST POST
When I was invited to be a guest on Chick Lit Goddess, my first thought was, “This is so validating… now I’m an ‘official’ goddess instead of only in my head!” At least that’s what I’ve been trying to convince myself for the past several years.
The fact is, we ladies tend to be way too hard on ourselves. It seems like no matter how much we do, or what all we accomplish, we never seem to feel like it’s enough—even if others think we’re fabulous! A few years ago, I decided that enough is enough (pun intended), and that I would strive to appreciate myself for all the good things I do do, instead of torturing myself about the few things I don’t.
This inspired part of the storyline in my novel, “Momnesia.” For example, the main character comes to the realization that instead of focusing on her “Chicken Belly Flap Thing” that is the direct result of bearing children, she’d try to get her sexy back by appreciating the positive traits she does possess, right now, today. I mean, really? How long can we sit around lamenting the high school figure we no longer have—which is completely unrealistic and unattainable anyway? Are we going to look back in ten years and think we look better then? Um, probably not. Better to try and appreciate ourselves today.
This is just one example, but there is a common thread throughout both “Momnesia” and my new release, “Unexpecting,” about the perfectionistic demands we women tend to place on ourselves. One of my hopes is that my readers will embrace their inner goddesses and strive for a life balance that allows for being a happy person while also taking good care of our families and other responsibilities.
In “Unexpecting,” Shelley and David’s kids are just about grown and off to college when Alexandra, seventeen and pregnant, shows up on their doorstep and announces that she’s the daughter he never knew he had! She’s got nowhere else to go and the couple end up helping her raise another baby “from scratch,” right when they were about to start having free time.
The story progresses to include all sorts of family drama, problems when Alexandra turns to drugs, and strains on the marriage. And Shelley, as is typical of we women, often feels like even though she’s doing so much, it’s still never enough. Not to mention that she also feels like she no longer fits in anywhere, and struggles to forgive her husband after he nearly destroys their marriage.
“Momnesia” is definitely written in more of a true chick lit tone, as it’s very funny while still being thought provoking. “Unexpecting” has more of a women’s fiction tone with some humor here and there.
If you decide that you’d like to read my books, (thank you!) now would be a great time to get them! From 5/14 – 5/20/2013, all of my books are on sale (Kindle version) for only $1.99 each!
If you’d like to preview “Momnesia,” you can read the first two chapters free at: http://www.loritheauthor.com/loris-books/momnesia/
If you’d like to preview “Unexpecting,” you can read the first chapter free here: http://www.loritheauthor.com/unexpecting/chapter/
One of my favorite things about being an author is interacting with my readers. Let’s face it, being an author is a rather solitary job! So, in appreciation of my fans as well as to maintain my social sanity, I often host fun giveaways, special online events, and more. Perhaps you’ll connect with me via social media? I look forward to getting to know you!
Books by Lori Verni-Fogarsi (LoriTheAuthor)
**Click HERE to buy “Momnesia”
**Click HERE to buy “Unexpecting”
**Click HERE to buy “Everything You Need to Know About House Training Puppies and Adult Dogs”
**Contact Lori Verni-Fogarsi (LoriTheAuthor)
Email: LoriTheAuthor “at” gmail “dot” com
Like other social media? Look for her at LoriTheAuthor everywhere!
**Additional comments by Lori Verni-Fogarsi (LoriTheAuthor):
Thank you so much for inviting me to Chick Lit Goddess! I look forward to getting to know everyone, and their thoughts about being goddesses who are good to ourselves, perhaps through comments below!
Love the book covers and I agree, as women we’re too often too hard on ourselves. My 2013 resolution was to be kinder to myself so this was a great reminder!
Cheers to you, Pauline. What a great resolution! Hope you’re reminding yourself often (as I so frequently need to do, even if I have to nearly put a sticker on my forehead!). Thanks for commenting. I’m glad you enjoyed the book covers and hope you’ll enjoy the books if you read them too!
Thanks for the reminder about balance, Lori! That theme comes across so clearly and beautifully in both Momnesia and Unexpecting, which is one of the many reasons I love your books so much! About 1/2 way through Unexpecting and don’t want it to end! Feels as if I’m one of the family and I want things to work out for Shelly so bad it hurts!!!
Thanks for visiting, and for commenting, Patricia! I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed “Momnesia” and are enjoying “Unexpecting!” When I read your novel, “Is This All There Is,” I just kept thinking… “I have GOT to make sure this author reads my books too!” Anyone who likes one is sure to like the other!