Chick Lit Goddess

...because every author wants to feel like a goddess!

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A Quick Update!

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It’s been a long time since I’ve blogged, so thank you to my loyal followers for being patient with me.  I hope I haven’t let any of you down.

  • First of all, can you believe summer is almost over?  Thank goodness, because it’s hot in Texas!
  • If you’ve been keeping up with my BOOK REVIEWS, TOURS and GUESTS pages, then you know I’ve been busy reading and getting to know a lot of wonderful and inspiring authors!
  • As far as edits on my two books, Redefined Dreams and The Right Design, things are going great!  I have two amazing editors who are helping me create two books that I’ve put my heart and soul into.
  • Happy Friday!
  • Oh, and I have a HUGE announcement coming on Monday, so stay tuned!

Rose McClelland

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You’ve now written two books.  How does it feel to be an author?   I feel very grateful. I have been writing for a long time so it’s lovely to have my book ‘out there’ and to hear that people are enjoying it. That’s lovely.

If you weren’t an author, what would you be?   I quite fancy the idea of being a librarian. I’m quite sure it would involve lots of putting the feet up and reading, wouldn’t it?

How did you celebrate your 1st and 2ndbook being published?  Launch day for Book 1 – I met friends for lunch in a gorgeous restaurant with a high ceiling dome. Never mind the ceiling; I was as high as a kite. The book had gone into the Top 100 by 1pm. In the evening, I went for dinner with friends.  By 10pm, I was exhausted, but in a good way.

The following night, I had loads of friends round to my apartment to watch a light show. It was an event organized to celebrate the opening of the Titanic museum – they couldn’t have timed it better if you asked me.

Launch of Book 2 – I will meet friends for lunch & then go out for dinner with friends in the evening.  I like to celebrate as much as possible, can you tell?

People would be surprised to know that you…?  I can’t drive!  I tell people that this is because I lived in London for years where everyone used the tube. But the truth is; I’m too scared to learn!

What’s it like in a day of Rose McClelland?  If it’s a writing day, I get up early, put the kettle on and switch on the laptop.  I’m at my laptop drinking my coffee before I even have time to say ‘morning’.  Pyjamas on and not a scrap of make-up; I write my ‘morning pages’.  These are three pages of anything that comes into your head. It’s a technique devised by Julia Cameron to help you get past the fear and get on with it.

After that, I pour another coffee and make breakfast. I get out my book notes and look at what I’m going to write next.  Usually in a previous session, I’ve made a rough sketch of what the next scene will be.

So, still in my pyjamas, I’ll crack on and write that scene.  I pretend I’m just watching what the characters are up to and I just write it down.  It doesn’t have to be funny or brilliant or clever, I’m just recording what’s happening. Most of the time, it turns out okay.

After I write the scene, I do a bit of exercise, have a bath, and make lunch.

In the afternoon, I’ll go shopping or meet friends. And in the evening, I’ll go out to the cinema /theatre or have friends over.

What is your favorite part of the writing and/or editing process?   My favorite part is when I’m about halfway through the first draft; when I’m starting to get to know the characters well. From that point on, the writing comes easily and the words gallop along.  It’s the editing that’s a bit harder…

Hardback, paperback or eBooks?   Ebooks – definitely. Hardbacks are too heavy. Even paperbacks are too much to lug around. But a kindle – now that can just slip into your handbag no problem. I also love the ‘sample’ option – it allows me to get a good idea of the style of the book before I’ll consider buying it.  And then of course, once I decide to buy it, it’s there immediately!

What is your favorite word? Why?   Autumnal – Isn’t that lovely? It evokes an atmosphere of copper leaves; romantic walks; being wrapped up in a warm scarf and gloves; puppy trotting along.

What motivates you to keep writing and/or editing when writer’s block hits?  If I get stuck in a story, I will ‘go back to the drawing board’ – looking at the overall plot – the beginning, middle and end. I’ll try to stand back from the picture and wonder what else the characters would have done. It’s important to take a step back and ‘watch’. I try to observe what my characters are up to.

In terms of motivation, it can be hard to write if you’ve just received a knock-back.  If this is the case, you have to remind yourself why you write – because you enjoy it, because it’s a pleasurable past-time, because it’s a fun way to express yourself.  When you write for the process, rather than just the outcome, then you experience the joy of it again.

What is your favorite editing, reading or writing accessory?   My ear-plugs! I would be lost without them. I need perfect peace and quiet to write!

How would you spend your perfect day?   I would wake up late (next to some Adonis creature of course); I’d have coffee and croissants (in an ideal world I wouldn’t be wheat intolerant). I’d sit at my desk looking out over the river writing (that bit does happen). I’d then get dressed up (selecting from a range of gorgeous clothes) and head off into town where I’d meet fabulous friends for lunch and shopping. In the evening I’d head to the theatre or cinema with my Adonis creature (no, scrap that, he’s too busy looking at himself – just a normal bloke) and we’d have a lovely evening chatting and laughing.

Can you tell us about any upcoming projects, or do you have anything you’d like to share?   I’m writing my fourth novel at the moment. It’s set in the theatre world and it’s all about the sizzling chemistry that goes on behind the scenes. I love writing it!

**Contact Rose!

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**Click HERE to read my review of “How To Look Like You!

Unlocked

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Book review of “Unlocked”

“Unlocked” by Rachael O’Bryan

This book is about a woman’s relationships with men while working as a tutor in college.  With all the ups and downs of this part in Rebecca’s life, it’s a clear view of how relationships can impact the rest of your life.

With all the intimate details of Rebecca’s life, it reminded me of reading a diary with very little dialog, which I didn’t mind.  The chapters are broken up into little stories and I thought that was a creative way to draw the reader in — I know I was!  The main character, Rebecca, has very low self-esteem, which was sad because I liked her.  With each story and relationship, it seemed to change the way she thought about men and life.  By the end, I was happy for her because she seemed to be content, but unfortunately, I didn’t buy it.  I would have really liked to see more of a change at the end, making her truly evolved in life and in love.  The writing was good and it didn’t drag, but no matter how much I tried to connect with Rebecca, I couldn’t.  Overall, I thought this book was really good.  If you’re looking for a quick read, filled with the ups and downs of relationships, you will really enjoy this book.

I give this book 3 out of 5 stars!

Buy “Unlocked!”

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Lulu – Paperback

Lulu – ePub

Lulu – PDF

**Click HERE to read a guest post by the author!

I’ve Been Busy…

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Last night was my first post in a long time!  Whew!  It’s been a busy few weeks since I’ve blogged, but it’s all been for a good reason!  With editing books one and two, hosting guests, reading for tours and writing my contribution articles for GHG, life gets busy.  Add a loving husband and very needy cat to the mix and it’s even more hectic (but only some of the time).

Here’s a small summary of in detail what’s been going on…

–Editing: I’m still in the process of editing my first and second book.  Book one, Redefined Dreams, needed A LOT of work, but I’m seeming a glimmer of light.  With my other book, The Right Design, I just finished the first quick run through, but now it’s time to focus on making this what I want it to be!

–Guests: I’ve had the pleasure of having Guests stop by Chick Lit Goddess, (click HERE to see all their posts).  Like I’ve mentioned before, all of them inspire me.

–Reading and Tours: When I was asked to take part in my first Chick Lit Plus Blog Tour, I jumped at the chance. I’ve been a huge fan of CLP for quite long time, and I love Samantha — she’s an awesome woman!  If you ever want to take part of a tour, I recommend it!  (Let me know if y’all have any questions if you’re interested in more information on these tours).

–Contributions for GHG: If you’ve not checked out my contributing articles at Good Humor Girl, come check it out!  You won’t want to miss out!

Gillian Duffy

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Tell us about yourself. Who is Gillian Duffy?   Hi Everyone.  I’m Gillian, I’m from Dublin, I’m the author of The LA Commandments, and I’m studying English and History in St. Patrick’s College, Dublin.  Reading, writing, film, and music pretty much sum me up.

Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?   No, not always, but I’ve always loved stories.  When I was younger my mam brought me to the cinema almost every weekend and bought me lots of books (George’s Marvellous Medicine was my favourite), so storytelling has always been a big part of my life.  I wrote some poetry when I was a teenager (that’s probably best kept at the bottom of the drawer forever), but I didn’t begin writing seriously until the end of 2008 following a trip to Los Angeles.

How long did it take you to write your first book?   I finished the first draft of The LA Commandments really quickly (once I started I didn’t stop), but with rewrites and edits it probably took about eight months in total, spread over a couple of years.  When I finished the first draft I moved on to my next novel almost straight away, so I didn’t begin rewriting The LA Commandments until late 2010 and it was published in August 2011.

How did you celebrate when it was published?   After the launch I went for a meal with my family and friends. I couldn’t believe that my book had been published (I still can’t sometimes).  It takes a while to sink in.

What inspired “The LA Commandments?”   In 2008 I went on a family holiday to California, and my time in Los Angeles inspired the novel.  We stayed in Hermosa Beach and Santa Monica during our stay, two of the main locations in the book, and I enjoyed it so much that it motivated me to begin writing again.  It’s one of my favourite places and I hope to revisit next year.

What was the writing process like for you?   Plot and character development are my favourite parts of the process, but editing can sometimes be tough. You become so attached to your work that it can be difficult to be objective. Thankfully we have editors for that impartial view.

If this were turned into a movie, who would you want to play the main characters?   A movie – wouldn’t that be brilliant.  How about Kristin Stewart for Jo, Zac Efron for Marc, Emma Stone for Suzie, and Eddie Redmayne for Paul.  They would have to be able to deliver a convincing Irish accent or some re-writing would be on the cards.

Will there be a sequel?  I have no plans for one at the moment, but who knows?

Which authors inspire you?  I’ve just finished my second year in college, so I’ve been reading writers like Joyce, Conrad, Wilde, Plath, and Moore.  Joe Dunthorne, Claire Keegan, and Sean O’Reilly are some contemporary writers that I really admire.

The Gift by Danielle Steel is one of my favourite books from the women’s fiction genre.  I remember reading it when I was about eighteen on a beach in Cyprus, and the characters and plot stayed with me for a long time after I’d finished.  That’s my sign of a good book.

Do you have any stories about how people react when you tell them you’re an author?   Not really, I’m afraid.  Irish people are generally laid back, so there hasn’t been any overzealous kissing, hugging, or screaming.  All my family and friends are very supportive, though (in a passive kind of way).

What is the best advice that you’ve been given?   Just be yourself and write what comes naturally.

Are you working on anything now? If so, can you share a little bit with us?   I’m working on my second novel at the moment, which should be published in September.  It’s a suspense/thriller also set in California.  Let’s hope that you’ll like it.

**Contact Gillian:

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**Buy “The L.A. Commandments” on Amazon!

**Click HERE to read my 5-start review of “The L.A. Commandments!”

Janet Eve Josselyn

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Author Bio: Janet Eve Josselyn graduated from Colby College, Harvard University Graduate School of Design, and Boston College Law School.  She toiled for years as a litigator in Boston at a law firm that is no longer still in business.  Prior to her meteoric rise in the law, Janet worked as an architect in Boston, designing some pretty hideous buildings that have probably been torn down by now.  She has published one novel, Thin Rich Bitches, and has written numerous articles for publications in the US (including MORE Magazine) and in the UK (including People of Few Words).  Janet, her husband, son, and large black dog currently reside in an unnamed suburb of Boston where she will be able to count her friends on one hand soon after publication of Thin Rich Bitches.

Five Reasons Why Reading Chick-Lit Can Make You Look Younger and Thinner

One thing that diet pill manufacturers don’t want you to know is that reading chick-lit can make you look younger and thinner for a lot less money.  With your nose buried in a good chick-lit book, you won’t be making any new wrinkles worrying about your narcissistic boss, your child’s pathetic math grade or the husband’s penchant for not flushing the toilet.  And there is no need to be scared reading a litany of horrific descriptions of bodily functions that could cease if you indulge in the product.  Just read, and enjoy.  No need to call 9-1-1 because you are unable to breathe or speak.  Like that would do any good anyway, if you are unable to breathe or speak.  That is about as funny as the lawyers for the diet pill companies ever get.

Secondly, you can feel real, guilt-free joy when the fictional narcissistic boyfriend contracts something yucky after engaging in a frolic with a woman who is not his girlfriend.  Not only is that wanton woman a real piece of (fictional) work, but we can afflict her with any nasty personal habit we want to at the drop of a hat if we are the author.  And we can also remind the boyfriend about the consequences of behaving like a fictional bad boy.  So much fun!  Fictional stuff can’t run afoul of any state or federal laws, so the guilt-free joy really is anxiety-free and thus wrinkle-free.

Thirdly, reading chick-lit can make you look younger and thinner because if you are parked on the sofa or curled-up on the bed reading chick-lit, you are not exposing your skin to the harmful rays of the sun. No need to debate the merits of SPF 30 versus SPF 100.  That’s a no-brainer.

Reading chick-lit is also satisfying and calorie-free (unless you dragged the giant bag of M&M’s that you bought from Costco (allegedly for the husband) to the sofa to enjoy as you read the chick-lit)).

Lastly, if you are reading chick-lit, most likely you are not driving the husband’s car and ignoring the flashing oil light moments before seizing the engine which is very loud and smoky and stressful and expensive and pisses the husband off, causing stress and angst and wrinkles and other stuff that definitely ages a wife.  Trust me on that one . . . . . !

**Contact Janet:

Send a message or post a comment on her Facebook page!

Email her at: janetjosselyn100@gmail.com

**Click HERE to read my review of “Thin Rich Bitches”

Thin Rich Bitches

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Book review of “Thin Rich Bitches”

“Thin Rich Bitches”

Pippin Snowe’s husband cheated on her, so she’s decide to move to dilapidated farmhouse with her young son.  She gets a job, renovating kitchens for very wealthy women, and even being told to park her car with “the help” does.  When she realizes she wants a change (what’s one more, right?), she opens a country club for dogs, coming full circle in her life!

When I was approached by the author to review her book, Thin Rich Bitches, the title had Chick Lit written all over it, so I gladly accepted.  From the first page to the last, I was hooked on this book!  Through all of its twists and turns, it kept my interested and rooting for Pippin!  It was very funny and uplifting, and the characters were enjoyable.  While I couldn’t relate to Pippin’s situation of a cheating husband and a mother, I enjoyed her and admired here for her positive attitude.  There was a little too much design talk, but it was very well explained and needed.  (I would love to say more, but I don’t want to spoil — read the book yourself!)  The author’s writing also has to be commended!  She has a true gift!

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars!

**Click HERE to read a guest post by the author!

It’s Fun Friday: My Top 5 Favorite Chick Lit Sites

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Ah, Friday!  It’s nice to see you!

If you love the Chick Lit genre and are trying to find a fun and reliable site, the following might help.  I have paid close attention their dedication to their site and what they say about Chick Lit.  Through their blog posts, comments, guests and reviews, it is clear why the following are on my list of the top 5!

#5: Chick Lit Club Connect

#4: The Chick Lit Bee

#3: Chick Lit & Wine

#2: Chick Lit Central

#1: Chick Lit Plus

I also wanted to share THIS link from the Accredited Online Colleges if you’d like more valid Chick Lit sites!  You’ll see that I’m #9 on that list!  How cool is that?!

Anyway, it’s been a busy week and I’m very excited for the upcoming weekend!  I plan on continuing to read a book for review.  I will also be starting a book for a CLP blog tour that I’ll be taking part of in a few weeks.  Editing is another thing I’ll be working on, and I hope to get a good chuck of that out of the way.

I wish you a very happy Friday and hope you all have a wonderful weekend!