Chick Lit Goddess

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

Reading

Thanks To Technology, Are More or Less Books Sold?

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If you’re like me, you look around your surroundings (where it be an airport, a doctor’s office, the beach, etc.) and take note of what other people are reading. Well, a few days ago, I was at the nail salon and I observed something. With classic love songs being played in the background and my fake nails were being put on, I saw a lot of other women around with their iPads and iPhones, swiping pages. This leads me to think they were reading. Well, what book was it? Was it something along the lines of “Fifty Shades of Grey” that they wanted to hide, or was it more tame, like a wonderful summer read I recommend, “Finding Lucas” by Samantha Stroh Bailey? Nobody knew that I was reading “In Need of Therapy” by Tracie Banister, which had me laughing out loud.

This led me to observe something else. While word of mouth is good for book sales, how much does seeing a book matter? Being a visual person, I think it means a lot. I like to see where pages have been turned down and bookmarks between pages because it makes me think it’s a good book, so they kept going, at least that’s what most people I know do. I’m most likely to go buy a new book if I see someone reading it, and of course, because of the cover. For me, covers really so sell, but how do I see the pretty cover if they’re reading on an eReader?

Don’t get me wrong, I love technology a lot, especially its convince. I can be anywhere and be reading! How cool is that?! Does the fact that you can  buy books with just one button, or since so many people are self-publishing and sell their books for low-cost, truly matter anymore?

Part of me thinks that books will be obsolete, which saddens me. I still have my .99 cent 1981 version of Cinderella, which was the year I was born. To me, that’s priceless, but these days, kids don’t know what a paper book is. I could go on and on about how much I think it’s important for kids to read “real” books, but these days “real” books are iBooks/eBooks.

I want your opinion. Thanks to technology, are more or less books sold?

50 Shades of Grey

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As promised, here is my review of “50 Shades of Grey,” by E. L. James.

Out of curiosity and wanting to see what all the hype was about, I began this book in April.  Just this past Saturday, I finally finished it — WHEW!

Getting through the first 150 pages was so hard, which was one reason why it took so long to finish.  E.L. James has admitted that she’s not a good writer and I agree with her!  While not only is she not a good writer, neither did she have a good editor.  The editor could have done a better job, making the writing stronger, especially for such a popular book.  Isn’t that an editor’s job?

While the storyline was good, with very enjoyable characters, dominate Christian Grey and submissive, Anastasia Steele, I expected more from the so-called “mommy porn.”  In Megan Hart’s books, the sex scenes had me blushing, but as I was reading “50 Shades,” I kept rolling my eyes.  I’ve even written stuff more sexual!  The sex scenes were laughable, but I see why so many are rushing out to buy this book.  James has stated in multiple interviews that this book is written on her fantasies and I can see why; she’s a married mom of two.  This book is for moms who have traded whips and handcuffs for bottles and bibs.  As a married woman without children, I was more swept away with Christian’s dominance than with the sex.  It was Christian who had my toes curling, along with his mysterious ways…Damn, he’s a sexy Hero!

There is talk about “50 Shades” being a movie which I would be interested in, especially if they get my imagination of Christian right.  (Who do you recommend playing him?)

While I do plan on reading the other books, Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed, I’m really in no hurry to start them.

I give this book 3 out of 5 stars, based on the characters and plot, not the writing or the sex scenes.

This Week at Chick Lit Goddess

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I thought this would be a good quote to help you with your goals that you’ve set to accomplish this upcoming week!  Not only do I love it because it’s by one of my favorite female country singers, Reba McEntire, but because I find it very inspiring!  What goals do you plan on accomplishing this upcoming week?

I’ve had a wonderful weekend with my amazing husband and our cat, am sad it’s coming to a close, but I’m excited about what’s coming up this week on Chick Lit Goddess!

Monday: Blog post: “How Important Is the Writing?”

Tuesday: Read my review of “Love By Design,” and a Q & A with the author, Liz Matis

Wednesday: Blog post: It’s Hump Day (50 Shades of Grey) Wednesday

Thursday: Blog post: “Why I Love Helping New Authors!”

Friday: “A Fun Friday” post will be up about my favorite Chick Lit blogs and websites! (If you’d like me to share yours, leave a comment with a link to it and I just might add it to my list on Friday!)

An Exciting Day: March 12th, 2012

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Many of you know that the number “12” is a very lucky number for me!  This brings me to Monday, March 12th, 2012, which is tomorrow!  As I sit here drinking my white wine, I’m finding it difficult to contain myself.  THIS might help explain why!  Yes, it’s only a book tour, but it’s my first time to be a part of something like this – GO ME!  I have a feeling that this is only a the beginning of what will be a great Monday for me!

How do you plan on spending your Monday?

To end, I’m leaving you with a quote that inspires me — especially on Monday’s!

Sexy Thursday: Reading Erotica

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This blog post is a follow-up to one I wrote awhile back,

Adding A little “Hump” To Your Wednesday.

"Come, I'll show you the way..."

What turns you on?  Is it a love scene on you favorite soap opera or movie?  Is it the scent of your boyfriend or husband’s cologne?  Is it the kiss you got from your partner before they left for work – the one you can’t stop thinking about?  (Come on, I know  there’s some of you who are still hung up on that kiss).  Or are you a busy mom and/or career woman and it’s THIS that seems to be the only thing that can get you to take off those granny panties and spanx?

I recently came across THIS article.  It got me thinking how some women are ashamed to read these “trashy” novels, and need the “okay” to venture out of their June Cleaver minds.  Well, there’s nothing trashy about them.  For example, these novels by MEGAN HART aren’t only erotic, but the story-lines seem so real, that they seem more believable – the career mom, the desperate housewife…you name it, and you got it.  I think that’s the difference — “trashy equals fake” and “erotica equals real.”

Go ahead, go get yourself an erotica and enjoy it.  Your boyfriend/husband might even be surprised by your behavior when he enters the door after a hard day at work.  Go ahead, surprise him…you might even surprise yourself too!

Writers and Their Cats

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Almost every writer I know has a pet to keep them company as they go through the steps of the writing process, from start to finish.   Some days we will complain about the neediness of the pet and how they distract us from our work, but on those hard days where we stare at the computer and nothing comes to us, we’re glad they’re there.  I know I’m thankful for the way my little man (Thorndike) paws and meows (constantly) at me when I’m the one who needs the attention — and I believe he knows that.

On the days where I’m feeling very productive, my 12-year-old little man loves to be the center of attention.  He practically begs to be played with, cuddled (which most times during this process he falls asleep and begins to snore loudly), and of course, he loves to be pet – a lot, and doesn’t want me to stop.  Wait, let me rephrase that – he doesn’t want me to stop until his daddy gets home.

Then there are times when I’m reading for a book review or tour, and I get up to get more tea or take care of the buzzing washing machine, that he plops himself down on the book.  I can’t resist taking a picture of him because he’s just too cute!  (Notice how the book title “Good In Bed” goes as a perfect caption for him?)  Does your cat do this too?

The Writer’s Workspace cartoon is something that I think we as writers can relate to.  (However, if you’re on The Dream, then I envy you!  Can you share how you do it?)

Simon’s Cat is a little comic strip of what most of my writing and editing days are like with my little man!

Do you have any pets that keep you company?  How does he/she keep you motivated?  Do you have a funny or sweet story you’d like to share about you and your pet(s) during your writing process?

Gone, But Not Forgotten

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Hi, y’all!  It’s been about two weeks since I’ve blogged and I’m so happy to be back!

During my hiatus there’s not been a second where I’ve not been thinking about my books (editing my first, and thinking about what to do with my second – self publishing?), reading book for my reviews, my upcoming guests, and of course my fantastic followers!

In the next few weeks I’ll be busy with a few book tours, featuring some wonderful writers (Elizabeth Marx who wrote “Binding Arbitration,” Kathleen Kole who wrote “Favorable Conditions,” Toni Aleo who wrote “Taking Shots,” and Liz Matis who wrote “Love By Design!“)  I also have a few guest posts/interviews that I’m excited about hosting!  And in the midst of it all, I’ll be dedicating the rest of my time to the books I’ve written!

Once again, I’d like to thank my fans, followers, friends, and family for sticking by me.  Your support has meant so much to me!

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)!