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What’s With All The Author Jealousy?

January 19, 2012 8 Comments

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 Is it just the unpublished authors who are jealous of the authors who are published?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 Not only do I think that Chick Lit writers, unpublished and published, should help encourage and help publicize each other, so should writers in all genres.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.

Jennifer Coburn

January 19, 2012 1 Comment

I’m honored to have Jennifer Coburn as a guest on Chick Lit Goddess! After reading “Tales From The Crib” and loving it, she is my new favorite author! As I am a Chick Lit Writer in the making, this talented and kind woman is a true inspiration. Once anyone reads just one of her books, you will want to continue on with the others — I know I do!

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? I’m a native New Yorker living in San Diego with my husband and 14-year-old daughter. I love nothing more than a good story – whether it is told at a dinner party, in a book, on stage or on screen. I also love traveling with my daughter, which is always like experiencing a good story in real-time.

Did you always know you wanted to be a writer? I’ve always loved writing, but never really though it was something I could do as a career, so I went the sensible route and got a “real” job. Even there, I found ways to incorporate writing, but it was always about politics or social issues. I enjoyed that immensely, but really found my own voice while I was on my (12-year!) maternity leave. It was then when I let myself start writing from the heart instead of just the head.

What’s it like in a day of Jennifer Coburn? Crazy. Two years ago I returned to work as the director of communications at the non-profit agency I left when my daughter was born. I leave at three o’clock to drive a carpool, shuttle Katie to activities and then write articles and novels from 7 PM to midnight. Some days I get to the gym, but no often enough.

How long does it take you to write a book? The fastest one was Tales From the Crib, which took four months to complete. Reinventing Mona took nearly a year.

Which do you prefer, Kindle or paper books? As a reader, I really like the feeling of a book in my hands. I tried the kindle once and it was fine, but I’m a very late adopter of technology. (I just learned how to program contacts into my cell phone.) As a writer, I prefer ebooks. Kindle and nook have provided a place for readers to access some of my older books that are no longer in print, so for that, I am eternally grateful.

What do you love and hate about the writing process? I love seeing how a story unfolds. I always think I know the story I’m going to tell, but it inevitably changes along the way and I really enjoy that experience. In my first novel, The Wife of Reilly, I realized three chapters before the end that if I finished the book the way I’d outlined, my character would have learned nothing. I really enjoy getting to know characters and figuring out what they need to become a fuller, more self-actualized person.

Do you have any advice for new writers? Have a rejection ritual – something you do every time you get bad news from an agent or an editor (or a bad review). I used to set a stopwatch for 15 minutes of hard-core grieving, then I’d drive to the Hotel Del Coronado and sip a cup of tea in the lobby. Something about being in this luxurious setting made me feel successful. It was the emotional boost I needed to return to writing.

How do you come up with the titles of your book? Authors actually do not have final say on their titles; it is the publisher. I was very lucky that my publisher let me name three out of four of my books. The Wife of Reilly and Tales From the Crib just came to me before I’d even started writing them. Calling my second book Reinventing Mona occurred to me after I’d finished it. And The Queen Gene was a compromise title. I wanted to call it Tales From the New Crib because it is a sequel to Tales, but my publisher did not go for it. I suggested Family Haunts because there’s a comical paranormal element, but my publisher wanted the title to focus on the mother-daughter relationship. They suggested a title I did not care for at all, so I put out an emergency email asking friends for suggestions. My friend, Vince Hall came up with The Queen Gene, which my publisher (thankfully) accepted.

Are any of your characters based on any people you know? Yes, quite a few, especially in Tales From the Crib and The Queen Gene. I gave my eighty something Aunt Bernice the manuscript to review before it was published and she insisted that I call the characters based on her and her sister by their real names. (I had originally changed Bernice and Rita to Beatrice and Rena. Slick, huh?) I told her that I was working on a sequel and the characters would be doing things neither she nor Rita would ever consider, such as going to a strip club and getting a bikini wax. She insisted on the change, and was a great sport when I wrote about her character giving weekly “Snatch Reports.”

Who or what inspires you? People who have been through the shitter, never gave up. I love hearing about an actor who couldn’t get an audition last year, and twelve months later is winning an Oscar. Those stories always bring tears to my eyes.

Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, how do you handle it? I convince myself that the story is already written, and that I am just the person charged with getting it on paper. So if I’m blocked, I tell myself that the next part of the story is out there waiting for me to find it. (I realize this sounds a bit airy fairy, but it helps take the pressure off me, so what the heck.) I go for a walk or grab a bite to eat and inevitably, while I’m out of my house, I see or hear something that fills in the story gap.

Can you tell us anything about any upcoming projects you’re working on right now? I just finished a book called Brownie Points, which is a comedy told from the POV the mother of a 13-year-old boy who wants to join the Girl Scouts. When the organization refuses, the boy sues for gender discrimination, setting off a firestorm of national media coverage. I had a lot of fun writing about this.

**Jennifer loves to hear from her readers:

Jennifer’s website

Jennifer’s Facebook page

Tweet Jennifer

**Click HERE to read my review for Tales From The Crib!

Tales From The Crib

January 19, 2012

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!

Chapters…

January 17, 2012 2 Comments

I have read books that contain as little as one or two words as chapters, but I’ve also read books where the chapters are over 50 pages. When I write, I don’t put my books into chapter because I really don’t know if it’s the right place. Instead I use these “*****” to symbolize breaks. Now, these breaks could or couldn’t be chapters, but I am too paranoid about it not being in the right place, so that’s why I don’t use chapters. What I have problems with are how and when to end and begin a chapter.

I’ve heard that it’s best to put a chapter between scenes, but how do I know what scene I want to put it between? For example, if I’m writing about a certain day or time, do I wait until the next day?

This is so stressful, and I really don’t now why. Maybe I’m making too much of it, but I really want to work on adding chapters. So, if any of you have any advice, I’d really appreciate any help I can get.

Thanks y’all, and Happy Tuesday!

Chick Lit Central

January 16, 2012 3 Comments

Amy_on_the_hudson_web__reasonably_small — Amy Bromberg

If you’re a Chick Lit lover like I am, it would be hard to believe if you haven’t heard of the awesome and delightful website, Chick Lit Central! My favorite thing about these ladies is that they are true to their beloved genre, Chick Lit! For this reason, I am happy to announce that they are the first guests on Chick Lit Goddess to write their own post!

Let’s read what they have to say, shall we?:

Melissa Patafio and I knew each other when we were growing up. We lived two doors down from each other and hung out all the time. Then we both moved away from the neighborhood sometime after I graduated high school. We found each other on Facebook in 2008 and reconnected. Soon, we realized that we had a love for chick lit in common, starting with Marian Keyes. I started including her in some group e-mails to discuss chick lit with some other friends of mine. Then I realized that I wanted a broader audience with whom to discuss chick lit. I started Chick Lit Central on Facebook in 2009, as a result. However, I didn’t do much with it at the time. In the spring of 2010, I decided to revisit that Facebook group and also start a blog to go along with it. The first author to support this group was Sarah Pekkanen. I got an advanced copy of her amazing first novel, “The Opposite of Me.” In the meantime, I had won books from other blogs and reviewed those, as well. I also decided to start doing interviews. Allie Larkin was my first interview to promote “Stay” (another amazing novel). When Jane Green said she’d do an interview with us, I just HAD to ask Melissa Patafio to participate. After that point, she became a natural partner for the blog. While things were slow at first, they started taking off by the end of 2010. In the spring of 2011, I met Amy Bromberg and we automatically bonded over chick lit and other common interests. She had “auditioned” to be an associate reviewer, but unfortunately wasn’t chosen by the judges at the time. (We did get three wonderful reviewers though!) I decided to have Amy come on as a promotional associate, as she was doing so much to promote our group and blog without even being asked! She knows the chick lit world better than I do sometimes!

We definitely see the Chick lit genre remaining strong within the next five years. There are more and more authors, both overseas and in North America, writing Chiclkit themed novels. Many of these authors are signed on with some of the big publishing houses. And the well known chick lit authors keep coming out with new books (ex. Jennifer Weiner and Jane Green). The fact that this keeps happening is an excellent good sign! Long live CHICKLIT!

The ladies at Chick Lit Central would love to hear from you!

Email: chicklitcentral@gmail.com

Chick Lit Central on Twitter

Chick Lit Central on Facebook

**You can also contact Amy, who is also a publicist, at the following:

Email: amy@kmspr.com

It’s Fun Friday

January 13, 2012 2 Comments

When we think of cowboys, don’t we think of boots, jeans and sexy music? The following sexy make my heart beat fast each time I see them.

The first time I heard Kenny Chesney sing All I Need To Know, I was hooked on him. It was a song that was recorded on his second CD, which came out in 1995. When I saw the video, I remember watching it over and over. His smile made me swoon, and his voice was a major turn on. Since then, it seems that Kenny’s music has transitioned into sounding more and more like Jimmy Buffett, hence his song No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problem, but that’s okay because he’s still got that sweet smile that can melt a woman’s heart.

My brother introduced me to this amazing, talented, and handsome new country singer. His hits include Drinkin’ Me Lonely, Voices, and Tomorrow. When I saw him in concert over the summer, he hit the notes perfectly, and of course he look great while doing so.

JohnMichaelMontgomery — John Michael Montgomery, #8

When I heard I Can Love You Like That for the first time, I was in heaven. JMM’s dimples are a guarantee way to any woman’s heart. (Seriously, look at that cute face!) I love his teddy bearish body — doesn’t it make you just want to cuddle up next to him? We’ve not heard that much from him lately, but we’ll never forget his emotional and very sexy songs like I Swear, or especially the song I Love The Way You Love Me.

How could anyone not love Toby? This honky-tonk bad boy has been known to carry a flask with him to award shows, not to mention be vocal about his political views. Don’t we all love a man who speaks their mind? His rugged bad-ass ways can charm any woman, and his smile can light up any room. From Toby’s upbeat songs like How Do You Like Me Now and Should’ve Been A Cowboy, to the sweet heartfelt songs, You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This and Me Too, it’s hard to say how I what side of him I like the best! He’s just an all around American made man! Isn’t that sexy?

When I first heard Hypnotize The Moon by the hot and sexy Clay Walker, I was in heaven. Every time I heard it, it was as if he were singing directly to me. His songs are filled with so much emotion, and isn’t that attractive? Where Do I Fit In The Picture, Fall, and Love To Be Your Last are my favorite songs that he sings. I love his dark eyes; I could literally fall into him! What’s not to love about this HOT man?

This Australian born hunk looks like he could be in band (possibly a heavy metal), but instead, he’s his one man show — and what a show he puts on. I’ve seen him on several interviews and what I love most about him is that he’s a down-home family man! He love his wife (Nicole Kidman) and their two beautiful girls. When I saw him in concert, he charmed the crowd, not only with his voice, but with his sweet smile. I could listen to him sing and talk all day long in his alluring accent, and he’s pretty damn easy on the eyes…

There is a special place in my heart for Jason Aldean. When I saw him at the Texas Stampede a few years ago, Big Green Tractor, was a new song — one I loved! It’s a sweet slow song about a tractor. Silly, yes, but the song is adorable! His upbeat song She’s Country, is one of my favorite songs — it truly a country song! His Dirt Road Anthem and My Kind Of Party are just two highly popular songs that make him who he is. Every CD release by him is amazing! While Jason might look a little mysterious, there’s something about him that just makes me want him more and more! I’d love to ride on a big green tractor with him…

Oh, Blake, where have you been all my life? This 6′ 5″ man is the whole package! He’s funny, sensitive, charming, sarcastic, hard-working, sexy, and confidant! He doesn’t hide anything, and that’s one of my favorite things about him, (he’s been known to tweet while he’s drunk). This past May, he married the beautiful Miranda Lambert. With songs like Some Beach, Nobody But Me, All About Tonight, and Honey Bee, it’s hard to not love anything he sings. I love Blake because he’s true to himself, his fans, and more than anything, it’s obvious that he’s madly in love with his wife. What could be more sexier?

Women, don’t we wish we were as lucky as Faith Hill is to be married to this man? Tim McGraw has only grown sexier with age. Am I right? From the moment I heard the song Don’t Take The Girl, I knew there was something special about him. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing him in concert twice, and each time I fell more in love with him. What’s not to love about this fun-loving, sweet, and talented singer? I Like It, I Love It, Please Remember Me, and The Cowboy In Me are classic Tim McGraw songs. He is truly a classic in the country music world!

King George is how most country music fans refer to my #1 man! From his first number one hit, Fool Hearted Memory, to his most recent number one hit, Here For A Good Time (his 58th #1 hit), George Strait’s music hasn’t changed a bit. He’s true to his roots, and that’s just one thing that his fans love most! I loved watching him in Pure Country, where he introduced us all to one of his beloved songs, I Cross My Heart. Along with some of my favorites, Drinkin’ Champagne, I Can Still Make Cheyenne, Does Ft. Worth Ever Cross Your Mind, You Look So Good In Love, If I Know Me, and I’d Like To Have That One Back, these are songs that will stick with me forever. I met him once at a concert, and he was one of the nicest man I’ve ever met, not to mention attractive! He is a true cowboy who wears his Wranglers very well!

Now tell me, who is your favorite cowboy?

I hope y’all have a very Happy Friday!

Naming Your Book

January 12, 2012 6 Comments

When I wrote my first book, I came up with the title on the same day I finished it. I love the title. (It’s Redefined Dreams, by the way). After talking it over with my mom for about thirty minutes, I did it. When I changed the file name on my computer, just typing the title melted my heart. I had written a book.

Well, as many of you know, I won my first NaNoWriMo! (Yay!) I have sat back and only this past weekend did I open the file again to start fine-tuning it. I’m very proud of this book. It was my heart and soul for a whole month. I even think that I love this book more than my first one. When I submitted my NaNo book into their word counter and it told me that I won, I was awarded a certificate. I’ve filled in my name several times, but can’t bring myself to fill in a title. I have no idea what to name this book. I’ve discussed it with my husband and several other family members, but still I have nothing. I want nothing more than to print it out, and to hang up in my office! I want people to ask about NaNo and about my book. Now, if I could only come up with a title…

I ask you now:

How do you come up with the title of your book?
What do you do when you’re racking your brain to come up with a title?
Help!

It’s Fun Friday

January 6, 2012 8 Comments

It’s Friday, so you know what that means! New movies come out in theaters. Whether you like to go to movies or not (I don’t), you must have a favorite movie or movies.

I’d like to share my 3 favorite romance movies with you. Now these just aren’t my favorites, they are more like a comfort blanket to me. I’ve watched them during each sad, happy, confusing, miserable, and sick time in my life, and each time I’ve felt better after I did.

These are in no particular order. I love them all the same:

From the first moment my mom showed me the 1959 movie Pillow Talk, I fell in love with Doris Day, Rock Hudson, and Tony Randall. I wanted this sweet love story to be my life. I had fallen in love with Rock Hudson and I wanted to be Doris Day. Granted, I was only a little girl, maybe not even in my teens yet, that’s when I fell in love with being in love. This movie is a true classic of what romance movies are all about.

Once again, I’d like to give credit to my mom for introducing this laugh-and-cry-at-the-same-time delightful and wonderful movie. The first time I saw P.S. I Love You, I went through half a box of tissues. I laughed and cried until it hurt, but because I could relate to the characters. This movie is for anyone who has or is in love, and knows what it’s like to be in love. After watching this movie, I promise you that it will teach you not to sweat the small stuff in any relationship.

Oh, come on now, you know that When Harry Met Sally had to be on my list! I don’t know where or how old I was when I first saw this movie, but what I do remember is that for thee days in a row when I was sick, I watched this movie over and over, and over and over. “Why can’t I have that life?” I wondered. I had a male best friend when I was younger, and life (on-screen) seemed so easy. (Oh, and don’t forget about the fake orgasm scene — it’s kinda’ famous, ha, ha!) Who wouldn’t want to fall in love with their best friend? This movie shows how over time things and people can change, but how love can grow, even when you didn’t think it was possible!

I’d love to know, what are your favorite romance movies and why?

Have a great weekend!

New Blog, New Ideas?

January 4, 2012 Leave a Comment

Like I’ve mentioned before, there will soon be changes to Chick Lit Goddess! Since one of my Christmas gifts was an upgrade to my WordPress hosted website (read about my Christmas gifts HERE), I can now add all the buttons, widgets, themes, and everything else I could imagine.

Right now I’m in the middle of setting up the new layout, and I can’t decide which one I like. I didn’t know how difficult this would be, nor do I want to be changing it all the time — I want to be known for a certain layout, colors, and design. I am the Chick Lit Goddess, hear me roar! One thing I can tell you is that I have decided what the main colors will be, (my wedding colors if this give anyone a clue).

What I need help is on knowing what you, the reader and faithful follower would like to see more/less of? What widgets, apps, and/or links would you like to see?

Any advice, comments, or ideas would be most helpful!

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