Chick Lit Goddess

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Valentine’s Day

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It’s hard to believe that today is the first day of February, isn’t it?  When I was a little girl I loved Valentine’s Day!  I was that hopeless romantic who received flowers and heart-shaped boxes of chocolate – from my dad.  I had no boy in my life, but that didn’t stop me from dreaming of being in love when I grew up.

Now that I’m thirty and have been married just over two years, I look at Valentine’s Day differently.  Valentine’s Day is about showing the people you love just how much you love them.  It doesn’t have to be only your significant other, it can be anyone – a relative, a friend, or coworker.  It’s always nice to show someone how much you care about them.  I encourage you to do something for someone for the upcoming holiday.

Whether it's Innocent...
Romantic...
or Sexy...

I wish you a very Happy Valentine’s Day!

It’s Fun Friday

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While writing your ROMANCE or CHICK LIT novels, haven’t you ever daydreamed that you’re the Heroine and your boyfriend or husband is your Hero in your book?   Have you played the part in your own sex fantasy, only to wish you could have him right at that moment, but it’s the middle of the day and he’s at work?  (I have this fantasy often when I’m writing, and find it very helpful during a sex scene!)

Well, if you’re too shy to write you and your SO (significant other) into your book, I have just the right thing for you.  For Christmas I got my husband our own romance/erotic novel, “Safari Nights,” thanks to a website called UStarNovels!  If you go to this website, you can create your own books from the following categories: Romance, Classics, or Vampire.  All you have to do is fill out questions that the website will ask you each about, and then you’re done!  (If you got this as a gift, all you have to do is register it and it’ll be free).  It’s that easy!  My husband and I haven’t filled out the answers yet, but I’m hoping to sit him down and answer them this weekend.

This can be a wonderful gift, whether it’s given for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, Anniversaries, Bachelorette parties, or just because, it’s a fun way to bring something new and spicy to your relationship!

I hope you and your SO have a sizzlin’ weekend!  Happy Friday!

The Background of Fonts

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In one of my husband’s Bathroom Reader books (THIS one in particular) it talked about the background of fonts.

I admit that when I was younger, I played with fonts like crazy and made banners with my printer (the ones where you had to have the paper with the holes), and I felt cool.  I was doing something fun–especially when a birthday would come around!  I was your “banner” girl!  Fonts added attention to what was written, and when you added color to them, they added more to the text.

As writers we all know that when we submit our work into publishers they are stern about their certain requirements.  Am I right?  So, say that we get our book published and our name is thrown across the books.  That font is different from the text in your book (excluding chapter introductions and other text by the author, mostly said in character form), but why is this?  This leads me to fonts on book covers.

To many (okay, a lot), book covers are the sole reason they buy the book.  The coined phrase, “Don’t judge a book by its cover” doesn’t exist anymore, and font has a lot to do with that.  In one of my blog posts last year, HERE is another example of how it catches someone’s eye.  Isn’t my brother’s POV right?  If it’s in the Chick Lit Genre, then it’s most likely that the font colors are big and bright, but not only that, so is the background.

Now, onto another font topic.  I think it’s funny when people write emails in certain types of fonts.  Don’t you?  I know some who write their entire email in hard to read text, I know some who use color and script (for example) as their signature, and then I know some who are like my husband who uses a simple and easy to read font throughout his email (including in his signature).

Yes, I do know that there is a difference between fonts on covers and in books, and in emails, but fonts and text is a funny thing…

We see all different fonts, slogans, and texts all day long, so don’t you agree with me that there is something special about fonts?  I certainly do!

Anyway, I’d like to share some information about fonts HERE!

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!

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!

The Post I Hesitated On…But Had To Post!

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I love to read other blogs, and I saw this title “Us writer declares romance novels deserve no respect” I was curious, so I clicked on it.  HERE is that link.  Well, when I read it through without clicking the link (which I advise you to do too), I felt the writer’s passion and dismay for what she read.  THIS is the post what she read.

As I read the post by this uneducated man, I was truly upset!  I must tell you that I thought long and hard about posting this blog.  I didn’t want to give this guy (I’m not going to call him a man) the pleasure of his blog getting such hype, but then I thought why not share this?  Can’t it be an education to those that romance books are one of the top-selling genre?  Even The New York Times has articles about it!

Your thoughts and/or opinions are welcome!

It’s Fun Friday

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Betty White

Betty White turned 90 on Tuesday, so in honor of this iconic woman, I thought I’d pay a tribute to her.

I started going through pictures of her to show you how she’s aged, but the thing is with her, she hasn’t by looks, only by years.  She’s looks like the same woman I know and I love when I “met” her from watching “The Golden Girls” many years ago when she played he lovable (yet sometimes cuckoo) Rose Nylund.  She was my favorite character on that show because she was funny (everyone around me laughed), and somewhat a ditz, which is how I felt growing up — and sometimes still do.  (Note: A few months ago my husband and I were flipping through the channels and we saw an episode being played — well, I finally saw how dirty this show was, and why everyone was laughing and blushing).

Betty was an only child, and from a very young age, she was a pet lover.  During the course of her long life, she never had any children with any of her three husbands.  I remember her one time saying on a talk show that she considers her pets as her children.  Animals have been such a huge part of Betty’s life that she’s played a huge part in charities and supports animal rights.

Funny lady Betty was the oldest host of the highly populated show, Saturday Night Live, in May of 2010.  It was the first time I’ve watched SNL in years, and I thought she did an amazing job!  She played the parts perfectly, and was so funny!  If I were in the audience, I would’ve definitely given her a standing ovation!  Speaking of funny, don’t you all love that Snickers commercial of her?  She was definitely a team player!  I believe that this was a Super Bowl commercial — and I’d have to say it was one of the best!

We could talk about other highly acclaimed female comedians, but Betty tops them all.  She is a classic woman, and I’m proud that I can say that I have lived to see this lovely, brilliant, and talented woman in my lifetime.  She’s also the grandmother that we all wish we had, am I right?

Now, in no particular order, I’d like to share with you my top five Betty White quotes:

“You don’t luck into integrity.  You work at it.”

“I’ve always liked older men.  They’re just more attractive to me.  Of course, at my age there aren’t many left!  I’ve enjoyed the opposite sex a lot.  Always have.  Always will.”

“The secret to our marriage was enthusiasm. When I knew Allen was coming home, I would freshen my makeup and put on a new blouse. I don’t have a fella, but if Allen — or Robert Redford — were around, we’d have a very active sex life.”

“Friendship takes time and energy if it’s going to work. You can luck into something great, but it doesn’t last if you don’t give it proper appreciation. Friendship can be so comfortable, but nurture it-don’t take it for granted.”

“In your 20’s you dress to impress men.  In your 40’s your dress for business.  In your 80’s your dress for the bathroom.”

I love you, Betty!