Chick Lit Goddess

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Finding Out How Much You Love Writing…Once Again!

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I’m still on a high from what happened yesterday.  I wrote, and it felt great-no, it was better than great-it was rejuvenating.  I really haven’t written since November for my NaNoWriMo piece, so it was nice to get back to where I it all started.

Three nights ago I was talking to a writer friend who asked if I had done anything with a project he had read part of.  I told him that I hadn’t picked it up in quite a while (15 months).  It’s funny he mentioned it because the characters, Addie and Clay, had been on my mind for the past couple of weeks-I missed them.  Well, yesterday morning I got a Tweet from a friend of mine who encouraged me to write!  Since I had worked a lot on what I needed to get done during the weekend, I decided that there was no time like the present.

After sending out a few emails for a guest review that’s coming up, I was ready.  I decided to read the whole thing over to refresh my memory.  There were only 35 pages, but I felt it was important.  I edited the whole way through, and finally at ten thirty last night, I started writing, and didn’t want to stop.  I was exhausted, so I decided to try to go to sleep, but that didn’t happen because my mind was racing with ideas for my MS.  With the hubby sleeping, I got my laptop and continued to write until 3 o’clock in the morning, but I didn’t want to.  I’ve heard the same advice from some authors, “stop writing when you don’t want to,” or “when you’re at a peak point.”  Normally, I would find this difficult, but I decided to give it a try, and I’m glad I did.  When I woke up this morning, that “peak” point was the first thing I thought about!  It’s for this, that I look forward to doing some serious writing today!

Have a great day!

It’s Fun Friday

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Happy Friday, y’all!!

My 31st birthday was on Sunday, and what a great day it was.  I’m told that I’m the “girl who has everything,” but I disagree.  I’ve had the same responses for the past couple of years — books, gift cards, and picture frames.  While I do have a lot of books and frames, is there wrong with wanting more?  There’s just no such thing!  Below are my top four favorite birthday gifts!  Take a look and see how awesome they are!

Barnes & Noble Gift Card!

Gift cards from B & N are the perfect gift for anyone!  Who can do wrong with a gift card from the world’s greatest bookstore?  (My hubby might disagree because of the amount of books we have in our house, but I just can’t help myself!)  Having a gift card is the best gift to give a writer because not only do they get to pick out what they want, if gives you the opportunity to pick out something you don’t already have.

Crystalline USB Pen!

I was shopping with my mom one day when I saw this, and I loved it!  All writers need pens and a USB, which is also known as a universal serial bus, (thanks, babe – ha, ha, ha!), so this is a necessary item.  If you’re on the go a lot and work with a laptop during the week, but want to stay home and write on your desk top, then why not have a pen with a USB?  I know I’ll be using this a lot more when my office is ready!  Now, if I could only not misplace this pen.  (Wish me luck on that one).

Leather iPad Pillow!

What would I do without my iPad?  Really, I don’t know how I lived without it!  I read a lot, especially when I’m reading for a review.  When I’m home I read on the couch, and I before I go to sleep I read in bed.  Many of you know how reading on the iPad can be difficult.  Well, this is the perfect solution!  It’s an amazing difference at how comfortable it makes using the iPad!  Try it, and I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Customized iPhone Case!

You might remember what my husband gave me last year for my 30th birthday.  (HERE is that blog post).  Well, for the second year in a row, my husband gave me something that I love, love, love — LOVE!  Here’s a picture of it, but trust me, the picture doesn’t do it justice!  (The picture doesn’t show that the phone case is my signature purple!)  It’s simply perfect!

 Well, as you can see, I had a great birthday!  Here’s to being 31, and so far, it’s not too shabby!

If you’re a writer, what are some of your favorite gifts you’ve received for your birthday?

Meredith Schorr

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Who is Meredith Schorr?  Wow, that’s a difficult one! I always strive to be happy, to make the people I love happy, to learn from my mistakes, to treasure the good times and try to make some sense out of the bad times.  I’m a loyal friend, girlfriend and family member.  I love runner’s high.  I can’t eat a meal without getting food either on the floor or all over my clothes.  I like a good drink, but can’t stomach gin or more than one margarita without getting sick.  I hate confrontation but have learned how to stand up for myself.  I would never intentionally hurt another person’s feelings but I can be a major bitch when the occasion calls for it.  And, last but not least, I am a writer.

Do you have a writing routine? If so, what is it? Actually I don’t. I work full-time as a trademark paralegal and have a lot of other things going on that make it extremely difficult for me to write every day.  I belong to a writer’s group that meets every week and I try to write on lunch hours at least a few days a week.  I recently invested in a netbook which makes writing on a train or plane very easy.

How long did it take you to write “Just Friends With Benefits?”  I started writing JFWB in June, 2008 and the book was published in September, 2010.  I would say between the first draft and the multiple rounds of edits, it took me about 1.5 years.

What do you love about the Chick Lit genre?  I love that chicklit is, for the most part, based enough in reality to be relatable but entertaining enough to provide the often much needed escape from real life.

What was your favorite part of the writing and/or publishing process?  My favorite part of the writing process is being surprised by what happens next in my novels.  I don’t typically write from an outline and sometimes I am shocked by what my characters say/do.  It’s very exciting to let my characters lead me.

Who or what inspires you?  I’m actually most inspired by successful or just plain “happy” people (famous or not) who aren’t afraid to show weaknesses or insecurities and who admit that they’ve made mistakes and don’t have it all together all of the time. Off the top of my head, I find Bethany Frankel to be pretty inspiring.

Regular books or ebooks?  Why?  I always thought I would be forever loyal to the print book but I haven’t purchased a paperback or hardcover book since I received the Kindle as a gift over a year ago.  I love the ease with which I can read on the road, on line at the grocery store, on the subway etc. without crinkling the pages.  So, I would say that I prefer the ebook but I can still spend hours in a book store.

What would people be surprised to know about you?  I like to think that I come across as fairly confident, but those closest to me know that I struggle with a stubborn inferiority complex.

Do you have any advice for new writers?  I believe writers should write the story they want to write and not only what they think will sell.  Also, writers should learn to take construction criticism and learn from it, but also be able to trust their own instincts.  There is a fine line between editing blindly based on someone else’s comments and being so stubborn (and foolish) that you aren’t able to see changes that could really improve your story.  Finally, I think aspiring writers should not be afraid to explore new options of publishing.  It’s a changing industry and there are a lot of different ways to publish.

What are 5 things that every writer must have?  A thick skin, an imagination, good instincts, ability to take and learn from constructive criticism, patience.

How did you celebrate your first book being published?  I threw a party for myself!

Are you working on anything now? If so, can you tell us about it?  I actually have exciting news to report – my 2nd novel was just contracted by Booktrope Publishing.  It is the story of a Type-A 26 year-old woman who, after breaking up with her first and only boyfriend of nine years, thinks falling in love the second time will be as easy as the first and dives head first into the NYC dating pool only to discover it is invested with flakes who are interested one day and gone the next.  The working title is Planet of the Flakes.  I am almost halfway through the first draft of my 3rd novel right now.  I don’t want to give away much, but I can tell you that it is nothing like my first books except that it is also a chick-lit/contempary romance.

**Visit Meredith at any of the below links:

Meredith Schorr

Amazon! (Buy Meredith’s book, Just Friends with Benefits)

Facebook

Goodreads

Twitter

Editing vs. Rewrites

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Congratulations, you’ve finished writing a book.  You’ve invested weeks, months, or maybe even years, but it’s done.  That was the hard part, right?  Wrong!

The definitions for editing and rewrites seem similar, but they’re not.

  • Editing: I thought that editing would go like this – I’d take away a comma here and there, make a few dashes in the right places, and add/delete a words every now and then.  I would change a few sentences, and then I’d be done.  I would find a publisher who would want to buy my books, and I’d be living the life like Emily Giffin and Danielle Steel.  I was wrong, so very wrong!
  • Rewrites:  I think that this is the most important part in the writing process, at least for me anyway.  Rewrites are where you delete parts of your work and write it again in a different way.  This means either changing around the dialogue, what the MC does or the situation he/she’s in .  It can also mean that you’ll need to do a rewrite to strengthen or explain certain scene(s) in more detail.  Authors go through many rewrites, and  mean a lot of them!  This is okay — it’s normal!

Yesterday I finished my rewrites to give to my editor.  It was the first time that I’d ever really done anything close to rewriting a part in my first book, Redefined Dreams.  When I sat down to do my rewrites, I was nervous.  I wanted these to be perfect, but I realize that in the writing world there is no such thing.  I’m looking forward to more rewrites, not just “editing!”

Tell me your editing and/or rewriting story!  I’d love to hear it!

Unscripted

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Natalie Aaron & Marla Schwartz

Natalie Aaron and Marla Schwartz are on Chick Lit Goddess?  I can’t believe it either!  The two ladies have inspired and helped the genre of Chick Lit stay alive.  It’s with their strong love and passion for all Chick Lit authors (new and upcoming), do these ladies make being a Chick Lit fan so much better.  As the owner of Chick Lit Goddess, I’m honored to have them as guests!

Before I start my Q & A, here’s a quickie about them:

NATALIE AARON was born in Kansas, moved to L.A. and based solely on her astrological sign, was hired as a PA on commercials and music videos – only confirming what she’d heard about L.A. was true.  Natalie went on to such critically acclaimed shows as Taxicab Confessions, Behind the Music and Movies That Shook the World, where she learned how to coax interviews from reluctant celebrities. Her recent producing credits include The Judds, Ruby, Sweet Home Alabama and Little People, Big World.  Natalie lives in L.A. and hardly ever wonders how she wound up doing this for a living.

MARLA SCHWARTZ was born in L.A. but moved to England to pursue a graduate degree in Medieval Studies.  After working as Head Researcher for both Dreamworks Animation and writer/director Andrew Niccol, she began working as a television producer. Marla’s producing credits include Blind Date, Starting Over, Making the Band, Bad Girls Club, Dane Cook’s Tourgasm, and Wanted:  Ted or Alive, an assignment that required her to screen footage of a deer being shot, gutted, and cooked.  Marla lives in Los Angeles with her husband and daughter and hardly ever wonders how she wound up doing this for a living.

To get to know you, list five adjectives that describe you as a writing team.   Together we are: snarky, creative, silly, determined and slightly neurotic (or full-on neurotic depending on the day.)

How did you two meet?  We met in 2001 on a massive five-hour clip show. We bonded instantly over our love of Chick Lit books, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and Nutella. It was a crazy schedule with long hours and weekends but our new friendship made it almost fun (almost…)

How do you two write together?   After some failed attempts, we figured out a system that worked really well for us. Over a period of three months we outlined every detail of the book – we mapped out every scene and every chapter.  That way every creative decision was hashed out in advance. Then we’d go off and write on our own, email our finished work to each other and make notes on the page.  We’d get together and go over notes and work the changes in together.  It really streamlined the process.

What do you love and hate about writing together?  Love: Well besides the obvious advantages like brainstorming, cookie time and someone to take half of the work… it’s been great to have someone to share the ups and downs of this whole process with.   Hate: We really don’t have a hate. We joke that Marla’s husband was the one who probably hated it – we spent a lot of weekends working!

Have you two ever disagreed on where the story is going?   Thankfully no. Because of the outlining – we were on the same page with all of the creative decisions. And luckily, we share the same sense of humor – that translated to one creative brain when it came to the writing.

How long did it take you two to write Unscripted?   That’s hard to say – we had a couple of false starts but when we finally buckled down and began outlining/writing it took around two years to get through two drafts.

Can you tell us a little bit about the book?  We’re happy you asked! Here’s the blurb:

As a producer on a reality dating show, Abby Edwards knows that true love is a myth. Her career and her friends are all she needs. Right?

When her screenwriter ex makes a hit movie based on their relationship, Abby’s faults are projected on screens across the country. Suddenly the fact that her job depends on orchestrating hot tub hook-ups doesn’t seem so impressive.

Her friends rally to help. Zoë thinks she needs to meet a guy. Stephanie suggests an attitude adjustment. Nancy wants her to get in touch with her inner Goddess. Abby knows they mean well, but she prefers to focus on her work. Unfortunately, she’s already embarrassed herself in front of her new boss, Will Harper, who she would find totally crush-worthy if he weren’t so irritating.

Abby’s about to be reminded that life doesn’t follow a script—and good things happen when you least expect it…

How did you two celebrate the publication of the book?   We were pretty nervous on release day and wanted to keep it low key so we had a little champagne toast and ordered in Indian food.

Do you two have any upcoming plans for another book?   We’ve been discussing! We’re still working that one out…

Ebook or paperback?  Ebook.  There’s nothing better than downloading a book the instant you want it!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?  10 years?  That question is always so hard to answer! All we know is that we hope we are happy, healthy and doing what we love for a living…writing!

Contact:

Here’s their website: Unscripted

They are on Facebook

Follow them on Twitter

Kathleen Kole

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Kathleen is an awesome woman!  She’s one of my favorite Twitter peeps!  I love Kathleen’s kindness and supportive ways towards her fellow author friends!  I’ve only read Favorable Conditions, but from a writer in the making like myself, she’s an inspiration.  I am honored to have her as a guest!

About Kathleen:

Born in Edmonton AB, Kathleen began storytelling in grade school.  She has many fond memories of passing summer afternoons, out on the swings in her backyard, creating tales that entertained her neighborhood friends.

When she finally decided to venture from her backyard, Kathleen pursued a career in storytelling.  She graduated from college with a Diploma in Radio and Television Arts and traveled the path of freelance writing for numerous local newspapers.

Many years later, too many to talk about without seeming rude and nosey, Kathleen has channeled her imagination to the pages of her novels.  She hopes that you enjoy her tales and encourages you to feel free to read her stories on the swing set in your own backyard.

Kathleen has traveled from Edmonton, to a new backyard with a lovely mountain view. She spends time there with her beloved husband, adored son and silly dog. They let her tell them stories and always laugh in all of the correct places. She’s lucky, and she knows it.

Q & A with Kathleen Kole

When did you start writing?  I have loved to write for as long as I can remember.  From the first stories I wrote in grade school until right this red hot minute, storytelling is a natural extension of who I am.  As for being paid for my work, that started in my early twenties when I was a freelance writer for a number of local city newspapers.

As a writer, what are your days/night like?  I am fortunate my son is old enough now and I can dedicate a few of my daytime hours to writing.  It wasn’t always that way!  When he was in Elementary school, my days were caught up in volunteer work, lunch breaks, play dates and the like.  As far as any sort of schedule goes, I would simply say I write when the work needs to get done and do my best to fit everything else in around the work.  Some days are more chaotic, others more productive, but in the end I put my head down and sink in and get it done.

From writing to being published, what was the most difficult part?  Getting over the worry/fear/insecurity, pick a word, that the novel was good enough to share.  I still go through that same “dance” every time I publish, but it really helps to know that almost every other author I’ve spoken to feels the exact same way.  You invest so much of yourself into your stories and every time you send one out into the reader universe, you truly hope you’ve given them something they feel was worthy of their time.

Who or what motivates you?  A good question and, until this moment, one I’ve never really pondered.  Writing is a second-nature sort of thing for me, so I guess if I was to pick a motivator I’d have to say it is my family.  My husband and son are so supportive of my dreams, it gives me that extra push to do my best and share the “spoils” with them.

Who is your favorite author, and why?  Another good question!  I have a few favorites, but if I was to narrow it down to just one… or two… I’d say Frannie Flagg and Maeve Binchy.  Both of these authors have the ability to weave a story so intricately it takes my breath away.  I have huge respect for their talents and am grateful beyond measure that they share their storytelling gift in their novels.

Paper or eBooks?  Why?  Hmmm, once upon a time I’d probably have answered that with paper, but now I’m not so sure.  While I do appreciate a physical book, I also respect the value and ease of an eReader, not to mention the volume of books it can contain (I adore my Kindle!)

Where do you get your ideas for your books?  Sometimes it feels as though book ideas find me.  I am interested in people and their experiences, so when an idea catches hold and won’t let go, it is soon followed with a main character and off I go to write their story.

Why did you want to be a writer?  As I’ve said, storytelling is a natural extension of who I am.  I started creating stories for my friends when I was in grade school, so it seemed a natural evolution that I’d eventually start fleshing them out in novels.

How do you come up with titles of your books?  Yet another great question.  First and foremost, I try my best to create a title that in some way pertains to my story.  That is key.  Then, I think of my readers and go with the adage that if it would catch my attention; hopefully it will theirs as well.

What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far, and how did you celebrate?  You know, I don’t think I can say I have one greatest accomplishment. (Other than my son, to whom nothing can hold a candle nor be compared.) Each momentous experience I’ve lived along my path has been unique and cherished; however, I don’t believe any certain one has overshadowed another.  I am grateful for them all, they have all been instrumental in shaping me and my life thus far, and I look forward to whatever comes next.

What is your advice for upcoming writers?  Live in the moment.  Rejoice in the journey.  Revel in the experience.  Have fun with it.

Tell us about your upcoming projects:  I have two new books coming in 2012.  The first, “In This Moment”, is to be published in late spring.  The second, “Tales From The Laundry Pile” to be published in the fall.  If you’re curious about either, or both, of their premises, have a peek on my website.

— Thank you so much, Isabella, for being willing to read my book and participate in this blog tour.  Also, thank you kindly for welcoming me here to answer your questions and offer my readers an opportunity to feel a more personal connection to me and my work.  Cheers!

Contact Kathleen:

Website

Facebook

Twitter


Favorable Conditions

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Book review for “Favorable Conditions”

“Favorable Conditions” by Kathleen Kole

She had plans, but things changed.  When divorcee Pat Keegan’s second child goes away to college, she didn’t intend on being alone.  In her perfect life, she’d be embarking on a new journey with her husband.  Instead forty-five year old Pat finds herself living alone in a quiet home all alone.  After a night of letting loose, the next day Pat starts her new journey as a bookstore owner.  She also begins to date Ian, a much younger man who she “runs” into while out for a run.  Many things happen in Pat’s new life – her daughter gets engaged, a younger woman intimidates her, and her relationship is interrupted when her ex-husband shows up, but through it all Pat manages to embrace it, and make the most of her new life.

From start to finish this book was delightfully charming and sweet.  Kathleen Kole has written a book that many can relate to – single mom, new career, and a younger hunk!  While I’m a married woman in my early thirties and have no children, I felt that I could relate to Pat on some levels.  This book was very enjoyable, even funny – especially when Pat dances alone in her home to a blaring Bob Seger.  I was cracking up as she tried to imitate Tom Cruise in Risky Business!

Kathleen has a knack for writing strong-willed characters, such as Pat Keegan.  I found refreshing that the female main character was confidant in herself, and didn’t harp on anything over too much time.  Pat’s love interest, Ian, seemed to be sweet and understanding man, especially when it came to Pat’s worries about their age differences and her children.  These two characters are a match made in heaven.  Some might even say that the conditions for these two are favorable…

After reading this book, I can’t wait to read it again…when I’m in my forties, fifties, and sixties!  Every woman who is in her mid-life should read this book.

I give this book 4 ½ out of 5 stars.

Buy “Favorable Conditions!”

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Smashwords

**Read my Q & A with the author HERE

Grammar?

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Hey!  I’m sorry for not posting yesterday, but I was busy editing — a lot!  I feel good about the things I did — thanks to my wonderful editor — and am looking forward to today to do some rewrites.  I’ve never done rewrites before, but I am finally at that point where I see big changes are needed.

After working on the edits, I got out these three books and flipped through them.  I’m recommending them to you, so here they are:

Barron’s Painless Grammar

Self-Editing For Fiction Writers, Second Edition: How To Edit Yourself Into Print

See Jane Write: A Girls’ Guide To Writing Chick Lit

**GIVEAWAYS**

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When one sees the word giveaway and it’s in big and bold letters, this is an attention grabber!  Am I wrong?  I did’t think so!  Yesterday I hosted my first tour and (I think) it went pretty successful.  The author was kind enough to give away two copies of her book.  HERE is my post from yesterday.

This leads me to the point of this blog post.  When an author goes on tour to promote herself and/or her book, by having giveaways on blogs can be one of the biggest ways to help get the word out that there’s a new book that they might like, and maybe become a fan.  I’ve been lucky enough to win three books from authors and books that I didn’t know about — thanks to blog giveaways!  With already known authors (such as Emily Giffin) having them on the blog would be an honor, but they don’t need as much publicity as new and self-published authors.

If you’re an author, how do you promote yourself?  If you’re the blogger, how do you help promote the book or the author?