Chick Lit Goddess

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

Guest Author

Tracie Banister

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I met Tracie Banister on Twitter and got to know her through our shared love for Chick Lit.  Her debut novel, Blame It on the Fame, has just been released!  When she said that she wanted to do a Guest Post on Chick Lit Goddess I was beyond excited!  I am thrilled to share this awesome post and topic!

I won’t keep you in suspense anymore, so here you go…

THE MALE PERSPECTIVE IN CHICK LIT

In preparing to write this guest blog, I asked several Chick Lit-loving friends to give me some examples of male characters in the genre who were particularly well-written and developed.  They all came back to me with the same answer, “I can’t think of any.”  I suppose this is the nature of the beast as Chick Lit is geared towards a female audience and most of it is written in first-person, which means we don’t get to see inside the heads of male characters in these stories and they remain a bit of a mystery.  All we know is how these men are perceived by our heroine, how she interprets their words and actions, how she feels about them.

When I started writing my Chick Lit novel, Blame It on the Fame, my intent was to focus almost exclusively on the five heroines (all Oscar nominees in contention for the Best Actress trophy.)  The male characters would be adjuncts, there to support the stories of the heroines in varying capacities (husbands, lovers, business associates, caretakers, and children.)  However, as I worked my way through the first several chapters, I noticed that there was another character who was on a parallel path with the five actresses, someone who not only had an interesting story to tell, but had the potential to be every bit as multi-dimensional and entertaining as the ladies were.  That someone was Best Actor nominee Miles McCrea, whom I began to jokingly refer to as “the sixth heroine in Blame It on the Fame.”

As there’s a third-person narrative in Blame It on the Fame, I had the freedom to dig deep with Miles.  Okay, maybe not that deep since Miles is a bit shallow and id-driven.  But there were still motivations and emotions and a backstory to explore, and I got to flesh out the character and show readers how his mind worked, which made the relationship between Miles and his co-star/on again-off again girlfriend, Philippa Sutcliffe, richer and more complex because it could be seen from both sides. 

Is writing for a male character more difficult or intimidating?  In my experience, no.  As a matter of fact, it was kind of refreshing to switch gears and think like someone with a Y chromosome for a while.  The character of Miles wasn’t based on any particular male of my acquaintance, but I did piece him together, much like Frankenstein’s monster, using personality traits and quirks gleaned from men I’d observed (people-watching – it’s the best research any writer can do, be it at your local restaurant, on You Tube, or in your own living room.)  What I ended up with was a fun, distinctive character I hope readers will connect to and find just as memorable as his female counterparts in Blame It on the Fame.

**Visit Tracie Banister on her blog!

Buy her book Blame It on the Fame:

Amazon

Smashwords

Finding Time To Read

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Very early this morning I finished my second book of the year  After I finished it, I eagerly opened my next book to read for a blog tour I’m taking part in (CLP Blog Tours: Binding Arbitration by Elizabeth Marx).  I considered reading the first chapter, but at two in the morning, I was exhausted, and I wanted time to reflect on finishing “150 Pounds” by Kate Rockland.  I closed my eyes and tried to think of a topic (or topics) for today’s blog post, and that’s when I began to think about the books that are still on my “shelf” to read for reviews and interviews.

Don’t we all wish we were somewhere peaceful reading?  Perhaps at the beach?

Now, like many of you, you’re either an avid reader and reviewer like myself, so how do you finish books so fast?  Is it because of technology?  You can be standing in line at the grocery store and pull out your Kindle (for example), and begin reading.  Are you a fast reader where you skim what you read?  I’d like to think that I’m a fast reader, but by slowing down, it helps me enjoy the book more.  The more and more I get requests for reviews, the more excited I get that I’m being asked to read this book (YAY!), but at the same time, I get a little stressed because finding the time to read and finish the book.  If I do accept a book to be reviewed, I want the person who asks me to read the book to understand that if I say yes, their book will not be forgot about, no matter how much time passes by.

So, I’ve decided to start schedule reading time.  “Schedule reading time?” you might ask.  “Yes!”  I will try to read at least a total amount of two hours a day.  Whether it’s 30 minutes here, and 30 minutes there, it still counts, right?

As a reader and/or a reviewer, how do you find time to read books?  Your comments, ideas, and thoughts are very much appreciated!

150 Pounds

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Book review for “150 Pounds”

“150 Pounds,” by Kate Rockland

Weight is one of the most controversial topics to write about, which can be a turnoff to some readers.  However, the storyline and intriguing cover piqued my interest, which is why I accepted the book for review.  Once I started reading, I didn’t want to stop – from the first page to the last.

Meet Alexis Albright, who is a calorie counter addict, and blog owner of Skinny Chick!  Her mission in life is to be skinny, and doesn’t understand why some fat people are content in their own skin.

Meet fun-loving blog owner of Fat and Fabulous, Shoshana Weiner, who is complete opposite.  She’s a fat woman who eats whatever she wants, who’s confortable in her own skin, and encourages others to the same.

When these two women meet one another on Oprah, both sharing their viewpoints, both are disgusted with what the other has to say.  While it’s clear that these two have very different ways of thinking about weight, it takes going through unexpected and powerful events that happen in each of their lives to finally understand where the other is coming from.

Kate Rockland has written what I think is the most real and heartwarming book about weight.  It’s the first book I’ve read about weight where the reader doesn’t feel judged, no matter what her size is.  Both Alexis and Shoshana’s characters made me laugh out loud!  I loved how Alexis’ character transformed into another person by the end – though, I loved her personality throughout.  Shoshana’s love for herself made me adore her!  She is the true example of why every woman should love herself at any weight!

150 Pounds is definitely a “worth the weight” kind of book.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars!

**Click HERE to read my Guest Interview with Kate

Jen Daiker

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If I had one word to describe Jen Daiker, it would be awesome!  I got to know Jen from Twitter, and liked her immediately!  She’s a sweet, funny, and devoted writer, blogger, and frequent tweeter, (she’s also the owner of #chicklitchat).  This woman is busy, but somehow she finds time to do it all — and while eating cupcakes!  I am so happy to have her as a guest because when one thinks of Chick Lit, they should think of her!

Tell us about yourself.   I’m twenty five. Own two cats. Have a husband. Write horror/dystopian YA/chick lit… depending on my mood. I also watch copious amounts of Bravo TV and I’m not afraid to shot it out loud if asked. My first published works is part of the anthology, Snowbound Hearts, my story is, Snowbanked!

At what moment did you know you were a writer?   January 20, 2010. The day I started blogging.

Where do you get your ideas from?   The what-if’s in life. What if I had to have a brother and not two sisters? What if I was punished based on what my parents produced? What would happen if the society forced me to watch them live their lives after they’ve been changed? They bring up so many possibilities. The world has endless ideas. You just have to be willing to listen.

What’s it like in a day of Jen Daiker?   Wake at 5, take a shower, work eight hours, grab a bite to eat (I never cook), go to a class (kickboxing or Zumba), write and watch trash TV. On weekends I live.

How do you come up with titles of your books?   My husband. He’s like the title bank. Apparently I’m the worst at coming up with them, and he’s the genius. I’m okay with this.

How do you celebrate after you’re finished writing a book?   Eat a cupcake… preferably with sprinkles.

What has been your greatest accomplishment as a writer?   Writing my first novel, publishing my first short story, falling in love with a publishing house. They’re all accomplishments and all the greatest.

As a writer, what are you greatest strengths? Your weaknesses?   Weaknesses? Silly girl, I have no weaknesses! Mwhahaha! Just kidding. Weakness – Wordiness. Still learning to simplify. Strength – Dialogue, both inner and between characters.

What are you favorite writing tools/utensils?   Do you mean my trusty PEN! *giggles*

How long did it take to get your first book published?   I’ve written three short stories, all debuting this year and it took me 2 years to experience the life of the published.

Do you have any advice for writers?   Write crap. It’s the best way to learn how you as a writer work best. You’ll find your weaknesses, strengths, and support. Oh, and, never give up.

What are your upcoming projects?   I have two more short stories in the works! Then I’m switching gears toward an adult thriller I’ve been working on, and a new dystopian YA that is going to take some effort and a whole lot of research. In the world of Jen, it’s never boring.

**Visit Jen at any of the below links:

Jen’s website: Unedited

Jen on Goodreads

Buy her book, Snowbound Hearts (Snowbanked)!

Heather Thurmeier

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Please welcome Heather Thurmeier as a Guest today on Chick Lit Goddess!  I got to know Heather from Twitter and immediately found out how awesome she is!  Her fun and sassy approach to Chick Lit is what I love most!  I’m delighted to share a guest post that Heather has written about the genre as it’s truly what Chick Lit is all about!

Chick Lit = Humor

When I think of chick lit I automatically think of books that are light and fun and easy to read. Some people might like to call them good beach reads, which they are. *Where’s my sunscreen? I’m going to the beach! Someone fetch me a margarita, STAT!*

But I like to call these chick lit gems—fluff. I don’t mean that in a derogatory way at all. I love fluff! Heck, I write fluff. (You know I even have a recipe for Fluff? It’s made with marshmallows and crushed pineapple… but that’s a post for another day. Carry on!) Fluff is good in my book *pun intended*. And it’s exactly what I feel like reading when I climb into bed at the end of a night after a long, stressful day.

I think the best chick lit books are the stories that are told in really fun, easy-going ways but still tackle some challenging issues. It’s the issues that make us care about the characters and what happens to them. It’s the issues that allow the heroine to grow and change. The best part about these issues—even heavy issues—is that in chick lit they can be dealt with by using humor.

Who wants to read about a messy break up with lots of snot and nights spent on the couch cuddling a fuzzy blanket in the fetal position? Not me. I wanna see the break up where you go get drunk with your best girls, hit on the hottest things with pecs, and have a rockin’ rebound with Mr. Hunky Hotpants with the accent. Hells, yes. Sign me up for that book club!

In LOVE ON LANDING, my heroine Tali has to confront and come to terms with not only her broken heart but also her deep unhappiness with the expectations that have been put on her by her family.  But does she figure it all out while being destructive to herself or others? Nope. Well, not unless you count how she abuses her poor credit card. But really, that little piece of plastic was just begging to be used and abused. She deals with everything through some much needed retail therapy, a guy who would rather be anywhere else but with Tali as her official shopping bag holder, and by drinking too much Beaujolais nouveau.

And of course with a hearty dose of humor…and maybe a sprinkling of snark.

Maybe the reason why humor works so well in chick lit is because deep down we all feel like that vulnerable heroine on a quest to find herself but ultimately feel like a bumbling idiot. And wouldn’t we all like to be able to laugh at ourselves a little more and take things a little less seriously? Our Bridget Joneses and Rebecca Bloomwoods let us do just that.

And for that, I thank them because when I read or write my chick lit, I want it light, easy, fun and fluffy.

And I wanna laugh.

Well, and a guy with an accent never hurts either…

Heather Thurmeier, ~Heart, humor and a happily ever after.

Here is a blurb of LOVE ON LANDING:

When Tali tries to recover from a recent break-up with a trip to Paris for some retail therapy, she discovers shopping isn’t the only way to cure her broken heart. On route, she meets new pilot, Gavin. Tali and Gavin have instant chemistry and friction as their personalities clash at 30,000 feet.

One night in bed isn’t enough to quell the fireworks between Tali and Gavin and when tempers erupt, Tali’s ex-boyfriend is there to pick up the pieces. Too bad she’s finally realized what she really wants in life… and it isn’t her ex or the life her father has planned back home.

Now all Tali wants is the man who loved her enough to tell her what she didn’t want to hear, but can she win his heart back again on the trip home and find Love on Landing?

**For more information on Heather Thurmeier here’s her contact information:

Visit Heather’s website HERE

Email: heatherthurmeier@gmail.com

Follow Heather on Twitter!

Heather is on Facebook!

Buy Heather’s books HERE!

Interview Questions

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I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing some wonderful guests.  While I love promoting authors and their books, I sometimes wonder if they know how hard it is to come up with creative, smart, fun, and most of all, questions that aren’t overused.  It’s important to ask relevant questions, but I want the readers of my blog to get to know my guests.  For each guest, I think it’s also important to not ask the same questions, however that can be tempting.

Now, I have some questions for you:

  • How would you come up with the questions for an interview?
  • If you had to interview them, what’s the most interesting question you can think to ask the writer?
  • Are you tired of any questions being asked in interviews?  If so, what’s the question?

Kate Rockland

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I was thrilled when Kate Rockland said that she would be a guest on Chick Lit Goddess!  Having just finished reading her most recent book-which I loved (seriously, every woman must read 150 Pounds), I fell in love with this wonderful and very talented author.  As you can tell from this interview, it’s obvious that she’s a fun-loving and determined woman!  I promise that if you read just a few pages of her books, you’ll soon be a huge fan of her just like I am!

Tell us about yourself!   I am 30 years old, I live in Hoboken, NJ with my husband, son and cat, named Elizabeth Taylor. I love to swim, knit and write. And eat chocolate ice-cream.

What made you want to be a writer?   I grew up with two professors as parents, and our house was wall to wall bookshelves. I used to love going through their book collection, especially the mysteries and time travel books. I also started writing for my college newspaper, and eventually they gave me my own sex advice column, which was hilarious. I mainly wrote about my roommates.

What are you motivated by?   When I read a really, really good book like one of Janet Evanovich’s or J. Courtney Sullivan’s book “Maine,” first I get jealous I didn’t think to write the damn thing first, but then I get inspired to create. I’m also motivated by a desire to get my thoughts down on paper, and create pretty sentences.

What is the writing process like for you?   Writing is hard. Sometimes I hate it. Right now my process is thrown off because I have an 11 month old, but before he was born I’d often set my alarm clock before work and write for an hour, or take my laptop to a coffee shop on the weekends. I don’t have a strict routine at all, I was always working full time while writing my first two books, so I’d write whenever I got a chance.

How long does it take you to write a book?   About one year.

Your readers would be surprised to know that you…?   I think they’d be surprised to know that I might be moving to London!

During the writing, editing, and publishing process, would you have done anything differently?  If so, what?   I can’t think of anything I’d do differently, I think I interviewed just the right bloggers, and created two great characters, Alexis and Shoshana.

Where do you get ideas for your books?   From other books, movies, and talking to people. Also sometimes I get ideas when I’m under water for some reason, like in the shower or swimming.

To celebrate, what do you do when you’ve finished writing a book?   I loved going to the bookstore to see my book on the shelf when “Falling Is Like This” came out. My husband came with me, and I remember I was a huge brat and put a pile of my book on top of another writer’s so mine would be showcased. My husband made me remove it.

Which do you find more grueling, having writer’s block or going through the editing process?   The editing process can be hard, but I have a really great, careful editor. Also, the proofreader does an amazing job of keeping all the facts straight.

Do you have any advice for new writers?   Don’t give up! I know it sounds like a cliché, but believe me, if ADD me can write two books, so can you.

Do you have any upcoming projects in the works?   I am working on two book ideas, one non-fiction and one fiction. We’ll see which one wins in my brain!

**For more information contact Kate on her blog:

Kate Rockland

**Click HERE to read my review for 150 Pounds!

What’s With All The Author Jealousy?

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WRITERS SHOULD STICK TOGETHER!

Recently, I’ve been reading a lot about jealousy among authors.  When I read THIS particular blog, I thought it was important to share, and to state my opinion.

Why is jealousy such a big deal?  Is it just the unpublished authors who are jealous of the authors who are published?  No.  It’s also published authors are pointing fingers at each other.  Whether it’s about how many books they’ve written, how many of them have become #1 on the bestseller list, jealousy is there, which I think is sad.

As a Chick Lit writer in the making, I think it’s important for us to stick together, especially because some think that our genre is dying, however I don’t believe this.  Not only do I think that Chick Lit writers, unpublished and published, should help encourage and help publicize each other, so should writers in all genres.

Most writers work for themselves and their lives, no matter how busy they are with outside stuff, they all have the same goals, to get their book(s) published, right?  I tend to look at it as if I’m a celebrity who is at an award show and just because I didn’t win the Best Actress award (or my book didn’t go #1), the camera might be on me, so I show how (truly) happy I am for them.  Yes, I could have taken that part (or written that book), but since I wasn’t in that movie (or didn’t write that book), you might not be where you are now.  I believe that everything happens for a reason.  So, support your fellow authors, and don’t be jealous.

Since I started Chick Lit Goddess, I have made some wonderful friends, and I’d like to say that I’ve helped them with their journey along their way.  I’m not doing it because maybe one day will they help me in return when my books are published (however, that would be great), but I’m doing it for the love of books.

Tales From The Crib

Book Review for “Tales From The Crib”

“Tales From The Crib,” by Jennifer Coburn

What would you do if your husband blurts out that he wants a divorce, right before you’re about to tell him that you’re pregnant?  When Lucy tells her husband she’s expecting, Jack reconsider his offer – and wants to stay married, but only as friends, so that they can raise their child together.  While Lucy isn’t in favor of this arrangement, she still loves her husband, so she decides to take him up on his offer for one year.  A lot can happen in a year, especially while still living together.  Will they both find someone else to be with, or will they bond over the pregnancy and baby, and come back to one another, and have the family they always wanted to?

When Jennifer Coburn emailed me a couple of days after Christmas asking me to review her book, “Tales From The Crib,” I was so excited because I had heard very good things about it, and I liked the storyline.

Right from the start, I was hooked on this hilarious and heartwarming book.  I loved that Jennifer’s book begins right in the middle of the action, and not once did I get bored with it along the way.  I think this is why it was such a page-turner.  After Lucy agrees to his insane idea, I was surprised at how well they got along, (even with Jack’s new woman in tow).  One thing I liked a lot was that while Lucy could have pushed Jack away, not giving her “marriage” one last chance, I thought it was really sweet how it showed that these two really loved one another.  In the mix of wonderful characters, Lucy’s vivacious mother and spunky aunts were so funny, that they all had me laughing out loud, (so much that my husband even commented on how much I was laughing).

One might think that from the title and cover, this book is all about the baby, but it’s not.  While I am a wife and not yet a mother (but hope to be someday), I was surprised about how much I loved and could relate to Lucy.  “Tales From The Crib” is a beautifully written book about family and relationships.  Through the ups and downs, each relationship seemed to grow stronger, which I found very refreshing.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who would love to read a fast-paced, fun-loving, delightful Chick Lit!  I promise, you will not be disappointed when you read “Tales From The Crib!”

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars!

**Click HERE to read my Guest Interview with Jennifer!