Chick Lit Goddess

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

Romance Books

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!

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  Is it just the unpublished authors who are jealous of the authors who are published?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  Not only do I think that Chick Lit writers, unpublished and published, should help encourage and help publicize each other, so should writers in all genres.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

Jennifer Coburn

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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

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!

Chick Lit Central

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Amy Bromberg
Melissa Amster

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

Amy on Twitter

KMSPR, LLC

KMSPR on Facebook

KMSPR on Twitter

Naming Your Book

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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!

The Book I Wish I Would Have Written

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Have you ever read a book to finish it and say, “Wow, that was good.  I wish I had written it.”  Whether it’s a book that’s in your writing genre, a #1 Bestseller, or even a simple paperback you bought at the grocery store, there are books that have had you in such awe, and left you wondering if you can/would’ve written something to amazing.

I’ve read 5 books like that and I’d like to share them:

#5)  The Mitford Series by Jan Karon

#4)  THE NOTEBOOK by Nicholas Sparks

#3)  ROGUE by Danielle Steel

#2)  Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin

#1)  WIDEACRE by Philippa Gregory

I thought about sharing a little bit about why I’d love to say that I have written them, but what I’d love more is for you to read them yourself and see what you think.  So, how about reading these books in 2012 (if you haven’t already), and letting me know what you think?

Another thing to think about is, what book do you wish you would’ve written?

What I Got For Christmas & Some VERY Exciting News

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Merry (Belated) Christmas everyone!  I hope you all had a wonderful holiday.

When I was growing up I always got the question, “What do you want for Christmas?”  “Books,” I would reply.  Well I’m now thirty and my answer hasn’t changed.  If anything my want for books is even more so now.

Christmas Books, 2011

In my family at Christmas we all draw names to see who will be one another’s Secret Santa.  Well, I got really lucky this year and the youngest member in the family (she’s 5) drew me!  I made a list that consisted of grammar books and pajamas; she didn’t disappoint!  Along with a set of comfy pajamas, here are the two books she got for me:

Essentials of English Grammar: The Quick Guide to Good English is a must have for writers!  It is a great resource if you want a simple review of grammar.  This book answers any and every question that you might have about anything about grammar and style.  Whether it’s about how to write certain types of numbers (ages, dates, or times) in sentences, or knowing where to place the right punctuation, it’s all in this book.  It doesn’t matter if you’re a writer or not, I highly recommend this book to anyone who writes!  (I encourage you to walk-no, run-or click-to the nearest bookstore and get this book.  I promise, you will not be sorry!)

Clean, Well-Lighted Sentences: A Guide to Avoiding the Most Common Errors in Grammar and Punctuation I recommend this book to anyone who is in the editing process of their book, or just wants a refresher on making strong sentences.  From learning how to use adverbs the right way, modifiers, and tenses, this book will help you put the finishing pieces to your work.  I predict that I will be carrying this book with me everywhere I go since I find myself obsessed with the editing process.  (Yes, I know I’m a grammar nerd.)

Here is a very special thank you to my favorite little girl!  I love the books, and I love you!

My husband really scored when it came time to open his gifts.  He got me 3 books that I’ve never seen before, and a little something special which I cannot wait to share the news with y’all!

Lust: A Dictionary for the Insatiable is a book that any romance and/or Chick Lit writer needs to have!  In this 155 page book, it is filled with lustful terms with simple definitions for the sometimes very kinky words.  I was pleasantly surprised to find so many words that I didn’t know.  This is a book I will definitely be using when I write another book in 2012, whenever that might be.  As a Chick Lit writer aren’t I allowed some scenes that almost push you (the reader) to the limit and drive you wild with desire?  Well, this book is here to help with that, and what a help it will be.  (Is erotica in my future?  Just maybe!)

Have you ever wondered where certain expressions come from?  In Spilling the Beans on the Cat’s Pajamas explains from A to Z the heritage of where the slang terms come from.  While some think that this book might not seem like it pertains to writing, I think it does because I see it as a great way help define a character in a story.  I’m on page 30 of the 160 page book, but so far my favorite one is “All the cats love fish, but fear to wet their paws.”  This is “a traditional saying, dating back to at least the early sixteenth century, used to describe a person who is eager to obtain something of value, but who is not bold enough to make the necessary effort or to take the risk.”  It says that William Shakespeare referred to in Macbeth.

Descriptionary: A Thematic Dictionary (Facts on File: Writer’s Library) is an amazing book!  Every writer has to have this book!  If you know the word, but want to elaborate on it, it lists types of adjectives for a certain type of anything and then gives the definition for that word.  For example: If you say, “She was eating bread,” but by having this book it can help you strengthen the details to change it to, “She was eating bannock while she sipped on her coffee.”  This can also help readers gain knowledge through vocabulary.  I cannot tell you how much I love this book!

As you can see, it was a wonderful Christmas, and I got these amazing books that will help continue to help me down the path of my writing journey…

Oh yes, that’s right, I said I had some news to share.  Well, I hope I’ve kept you in enough suspense, so here goes!  As one of my presents from my husband (the IT guy), he told me how he had been working on updating my website.  Many of you know that my website is from the wonderful WordPress.com blogging site, but it’s now been upgraded.  You’re wondering what that means, right?  Well I was too, until he showed me in “presentation” form of how it will be different.  I cannot yet share the much-anticipated NEW blog with you yet, but I can promise that BIG and EXCITING changes are coming to the Chick Lit Goddess website!  In advance, I thank my faithful readers for being with me from the beginning, and to my new followers, I thank you for stopping by.  I hope that you come back very soon!

From my family to yours, I wish you a wonderful holiday season!

Nikki Jefford

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Nikki Jefford is one of the funniest girls I know.  I “met” her when I was taking a Romance writing course from Gotham Writers’ Workshop.  Since then I’ve gotten to know this wonderful woman!  Her blog posts make me laugh out loud, as she tells it how it is!  I have had the pleasure of reading her book, Forbidden Footage, and loved it!  She is an amazing writer, and I am honored to have her as a guest!

When did you start writing?  From the moment I could hold a pen. My stories really started improving once I learned to form words.

What is your genre, and why?  More and more I’m becoming a genre juggler. I’ve written short stories, a memoir, historical romance, erotica and now young adult. I’ll tell you what I love: Romance. I was an entertainment reporter back in Anchorage trying to break in as a literary fiction writer. Then I realized I wasn’t having fun doing either. When I wrote my first historical romance it was a Eureka moment. This is what I love to do!

Congratulations on your book.  I noticed you’re under a pseudonym, Louise Harvey.  Why?  Thank you. I chose a nom de plume for my erotica because I wanted to keep that genre separate from my – I’ll call it true pursuit – and especially not use the same name when I’m writing spicy content for adults on one hand and material for young adults on another. I dipped my pen into erotica as a way to bring in money (or try bringing in money), but it’s not the genre I want my name associated with. Don’t get me wrong, erotica’s a blast to write!

How long did it take you to write your first book?  My first fiction novel was finished in a month. I’d just read about National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), but it was February and I was too impatient to wait till November so I did it on my own, unofficially, in April 2005.

Why did you choose online publishing?  Online publishing offers many more opportunities. As far as online marketing, it’s easy to post links via blog and other social media outlets. You can spread the word instantly and I have to say, I love the quick turnaround.

How did you go through the editing process?  In the case of my erotica, my editor made the edits. I was never given a chance to look them over. Let that be a lesson to everyone: Take the time to research the publisher you go with. Funny enough I had doubts after reading the contract and never signed it. Then one day I received an email saying the stories were going live. I stressed over it then finally decided to basically write those stories off. Ultimately you learn, let go and move on.

What’s a day like for you?  I’m lucky in that I only have to work part-time. At the beginning of the year I had Tuesdays and Wednesdays off and it was the most productive writing time in my life. I wrote two novels, two short stories and one novella in three months. Ever since I changed my day job in July I’ve been working five hour shifts five days a week and lost my most productive time: Mornings. I know I should get up early and write before work, but I don’t feel like it. Sleep is a priority for me. As is a 3 mile+ hike with my dog, a home cooked meal and spending time with my husband. No exceptions. Starting in January I’ll be forced to take a 2-3 month hiatus from my day job and I’m already anticipating another round of crazy awesome productive writing time.

Who is/are your favorite writer(s)?  I’m a huge Jane Austen fan. I consumed her novels like candy in high school. For historical romance: Susan Carroll, Philippa Gregory, Candace Camp (excluding her latest series – so disappointing!), Sherry Thomas, Sophie Jordan and Loretta Chase. I love Michelle Moran’s books based on past events and people like Nefertiti and Cleopatra. Bill Bryson and David Sedaris are both a hoot. For chick lit: Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding!

What are your greatest strengths in writing?  Humor and dialogue.

What are you weaknesses in life?  Food! Particularly bread, sweets and snacks. I treat all symptoms with food: angst, boredom, depression, stress, sorrow, fatigue, joy, happiness… When my husband first met me he thought I’d done time in prison because he’d practically get stabbed in the hand by my fork anytime he took something off my plate.

What would someone be surprised to know about you?  My last name changed four times before I reached 20. I went to 13 different schools before graduating from high school. My mind has always been in the gutter. In fifth grade my teacher had to talk to me about bringing a naughty picture book to school. Shame on the snark who ratted me out! Very uncool.

Where do you see yourself in five years?  On Orcas Island in a home of our own, growing veggies and at least a dozen books published!

What would your perfect day consist of?  The house to myself all morning with five hours of uninterrupted time to write. Really good leftovers or takeout and a chewy chocolate chip cookie at lunch. Reading on the couch with a cup of tea and dog by my side. A hike with my husband, our good friends and our dogs (in the warm sun). Dinner out with everyone (dressed up) and two glasses of champagne

Do you have any upcoming projects?  If so, explain.  Heck, yeah! I’m jazzed about my latest YA romance: Entangled. It’s a dark comedy with magical elements. A condensed version of Entangled will be included in the anthology Death By Chocolate, a selection of six lip-smacking YA paranormal romance stories we chocolatiers plan to self-publish and release for Kindle Valentine’s Day 2012.

I’m especially excited about the release of Bob Friel’s The Barefoot Bandit: The True Tale of Colton Harris-Moore, New American Outlaw (available March 20, 2012). The chance to be Bob’s research assistant was the opportunity of a lifetime. Not only was this one of the most outlandish true stories I’ve ever heard, but Bob’s writing puts you right in the action and his humor cracks me up.

Do you consider yourself a writer?  Totally. Writing is one of my only skills. And it does wonders for boosting self-morale when you bounce from one crap job to another: When you’ve got eight screaming kids climbing up the walls or Cruella De Vil snapping at you to schedule her facial or a grumpy old millionaire watching as you weed on his plantation and making you paint the floor of his meat locker or having a woman throw her bill in your face at the reception desk… you drift off into dreamland and tell yourself, “This is only temporary. I am a writer.”

**For more information on Nikki Jefford, visit her blog:

http://www.nikkijefford.blogspot.com/