Chick Lit Goddess

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Romance Books

It’s Fun Friday

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My post on the 1st, was about Valentine’s Day, so here’s (kinda’) a follow-up.  I hope you find it as alluring and as sexy as I do!  Both of these men have been on the cover as People Magazine’s Sexiest Man!

George Clooney

I remember when I fell in love with George.  He was wearing blue scrubs and had a stethoscope draped around his neck.  Hello, Doctor!  He was the only reason I watched E.R.  There was a mystery about him that intrigued me, so much that seeing him made me swoon.  His voice had this power that made me hang on his every word.  He was my new crush!  When he appeared on Friends, playing a doctor (not his same character), I was pleasantly surprised to see him jumping out of a drama to play in a comedic role.  (His doctor friend was played by Noah Wyle, who is also a cutie!)

One of my favorite movies George (yes, I’m on a first name basis with him) is in is One Fine Day.  I love seeing him play the role of a very sexy daddy.  Other movie roles I’ve liked him in are Oceans Twelve and Ocean’s Thirteen, where his role of power and sexy combine.

George Clooney only gets better with age, and I love his greying hair.  He’s never in the tabloids, he stays away from bad publicity, and he deserves each nomination and he receives.  For such a sexy man, I love how the leading ladies in his life (he’s currently dating the beautiful Stacy Keibler) are just as attractive as he is.  What lady wouldn’t like to be next to him on the red carpet?

Brad Pitt

I picked this picture because that’s how I’d like to remember him — when he was attractive, and when he seemed somewhat normal.  When I first saw Meet Joe Black, I was a Brad Pitt fan!  There was nothing I didn’t love about him.  His charm in the movie spoke for the man he was in real life.  He was just a good guy who happens to be once engaged to Gwyneth Paltrow, and most famously married to the gorgeous Jennifer Aniston, where they spent reported $1 million dollars on their wedding.  He is now a dad to his six children with partner Angelina Jolie.  (Can you tell I’m against his precious “Angie” and am pro-Jen!) Don’t y’all remember the picture of Jen and Brad on the beach the day before they announced their split and he was wearing a T-shirt that said TRASH!  Well, maybe it speaks for itself during their relationship.

My most favorite movie with Brad is Legends of the Fall where he plays the handsome Tristan.  If you’re a fan of Brad, you have to watch this movie, if you haven’t already.

Brad’s changed over the years, especially since he’s been in the relationship with Angelina.  I’ve not been impressed by some of his comments, or how he handles himself.  I’ve seen him on several Today Show interviews, and each time I grow less and less of fond of his cocky personality, and it’s not attractive.

In closing both George and Brad will be known for their good looks.  They will fit in the category of men (Michael Douglas, Paul Newman, Tom Selleck, Anthony Hopkins, Sean Connery and George Hamilton) who have aged gracefully.

I hope this has been a Fun Friday for you…

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

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!