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BOOK BLITZ: “Chasing Beverly” by Ashlynn Cubbison

September 30, 2019 Leave a Comment

Chasing Beverly
Ashlynn Cubbison
Published by: Acorn Publishing
Publication date: September 29th 2019
Genres: Romance, Sports, Young Adult

Two people. One chance to let it all go.

Seeking redemption, Beverly Morgan has spent the last three years building an empire that was someone else’s dream. Devoted to her work, a handful of friends, and an array of charities, she’s been able to lock away her heart and convince herself it’s dead. After an unthinkable tragedy, Beverly should know by now that a single day can change everything.

She can’t run from love forever.

Gavin has it all, a thriving business, phenomenal family, supportive friends, but an hour with Beverly Morgan makes him question his entire life and his own happiness.

She could be exactly what he needs, if she’s brave enough to open up again.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

—

EXCERPT:

I’m four days shy of my eighteenth birthday, sandwiched between two Olympic gold medalists, and preparing to race for a spot in the 2016 Summer Olympics for the 400-meter event.

How did I even make it to the finals?

Hot bile floods my throat. As sweat drips from my brow, I hear a crazy woman shouting over the crowd.

“Breathe, baby! Breathe!”

Peeking over at the gate to the right of me, our eyes connect. I realize she’s my crazy woman. With her huge smile and eyes blazing with pride, my mom always brings me comfort. My gaze slides from her encouraging face and lands on that of my boyfriend. Patrick’s crooked smile has been the same since we were kids.

Just the sight of them, here by my side, reassures me. I gulp in a deep, cleansing breath and bow my head. This silences the deafening noise, and it helps me to forget my shortcomings.

“On your marks!” a stern voice—the voice I’ve been listening for—bellows over the loudspeaker.

I step in front of my tightly spaced starting blocks, jumping one last time into the air to activate my muscles. Then I crawl backwards into the blocks, my left foot positioned in the back. As I slide my feet in, a smirk creeps across my lips. I picture Coach Schwarz in the stands, scolding me like he does before every race.

“Morgan, switch your damn feet, and space out your blocks more!”

My left knee digs into the rubbery Tartan Track. I focus on the connection of my damp skin against the hot track below. I say a silent prayer, thanking it for supporting my feet and body race after race.

Then, one last breath. I position my fingers behind the white line and await my next command.

“Set!” booms the Starter’s robotic voice over the loudspeaker.

My hips shoot straight up. Fire replaces my blood, surging through my veins.

BANG!

The starting gun reverberates through me.

I push out of the blocks, careful not to go out too hard in the first 200 meters. Keeping my eyes glued straight ahead, I don’t allow my opponents to bait me. Instead, I wait for my time. I stick close to the pack until I see my sweet spot ahead.

“Kick. Kick. Kick.” The words play like a mantra in my head as I round the second curve of the track. My body is weightless. My brain needs no prompting as it propels my legs forward. My feet become lighter, and my spikes barely touch the track before shooting forward for my next stride.

My arms pump harder as I enter my part of the race. The part in which I shine, the part I relish. The finish line is just ahead. Movement on my right enters my peripheral vision. I feel Sammy closing in. She’s right on my tail.


Author Bio:

Ashlynn Cubbison is a goal-oriented, driven woman, who owns and operates four companies with her husband. They have two beautiful sons together, and although her life is chaotic, fun, full of love and never the same each day, somehow she finds room for writing as well.

Growing up Ashlynn struggled with reading. Then, in her sophomore year of high school, a small seed was planted. After acing a literary test, her teacher looked her square in the eye and said “you’ve been selling yourself short all year. I wonder what you could achieve with some effort.” After delving deeper into books, she discovered Pride and Prejudice, and has been an obsessive reader ever since.

Eventually her love of books translated into writing. She hopes to inspire others, especially children, to find their passion as she did.

Website / Goodreads / Instagram / Facebook / Twitter


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Filed Under: Chasing Beverly Tagged With: Ashlynn Cubbison, Book Blitz, Chasing Beverly, Chick-Lit, Contemporary Romance, Romance, sports, Women's Fiction, Young Adult

EXCERPT of “First & Goal” & GUEST POST by Laura Chapman

November 18, 2015 1 Comment

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“First & Goal” by Laura Chapman

Blurb: When Harper Duquaine’s no-nonsense approach to work unintentionally ruffles the wrong feathers at her new job, she joins her co-workers’ fantasy football league to prove she can hang with the guys. Only problem: she doesn’t know a sleeper from a keeper (or any of the other lingo thrown her way).

Embroiled in a world of lineups, stats, and trades, Harper’s quest to make nice topples when her competitive streak emerges. And her promise to herself that she’ll be a strong, independent woman and leave the drama and heartache behind is seriously tested when she catches the attention of her two biggest competitors: J.J., a local celebrity determined to win a fantasy championship, and Brook, the mild-mannered coach who seems too good to be true. Both threaten her resolve to remain single… and, more importantly, her chances at winning the prize pool.

With a slew of conflicting advice in her real and fantasy worlds, Harper must figure out how to play the game and come out a winner.

**Buy “First & Goal” now: Amazon   Barnes & Noble   Kobo

* * * * *

EXCERPT

While I dig through piles of green and yellow shirts, I call my younger brother, Christopher. I need advice before the draft. I may not be in this for the glory of victory or the money, but I don’t want to embarrass myself by coming off as an idiot.

His sleepy voice answers a second before it goes to voicemail. “What’s going on?”

Not wasting any time, I explain the situation. After giving him a minute to get the laughter out of his system, I tell him what I need from him. “I need a crash course in drafting a team.”

“Why do you care if it isn’t about winning?”

“Pride?”

He snorts. “Fair enough. Do you have a pen and paper?”

My hands freeze on a long-sleeved green and yellow rugby style shirt. “Not on me. Should I grab some?”

He busts out laughing again. This time I struggle to stay patient while he pulls himself together. “Can we get through this?” I ask. “Today if possible?”

“Calm down, BK.”

I glare at the pile of shirts. “I told you not to call me . . . that.”

“Technically, you told me not to call you—”

“Don’t even say it. And don’t pretend saying BK is any different.” I walk over to a rack of jerseys. “Tell me your ‘rules.’”

Christopher clears his throat and begins. “Rule number one: Don’t draft a kicker or defense until the last few rounds.”

“Why not?”

“It doesn’t matter if they show up as the highest-rated available player or if someone else makes a grab for kickers and defenses early. It’s a wasted pick. The guys in your league will make fun of you for the rest of the season if you do something so amateurish.”

Noted. Saving myself humiliation is the primary objective.

“Number two,” Christopher continues. “Don’t try to draft every player from your favorite team.”

“Why not? The Packers are good.”

“Yeah, but what happens if they have a bad week?”

I feign mock outrage. “Are you actually suggesting our beloved Packers would have anything less than a perfect season? What would Dad say?”

“Trust me on this one, Harper. Your Sunday . . . or Thursday or Monday will be a million times worse if you’re dealing with a Packers and fantasy loss.”

“Okay, avoid drafting the entire Packers starting lineup. Got it.” I’m going to have to do some fast research to find out who else I might want on my team. Basically, all the players I know are in Green Bay. “What’s next?”

“Have you found out what pick you have?”

My eyebrows furrow in confusion. “Pick?”

“Where are you in the draft order?”

Oh. “Fourth.”

“The first three people have selected the top three running backs in my mock drafts.” I want to ask what he means by ‘mock draft,’ but there’s no time. “You can have a little fun with being fourth, but I say you should take the Pope. You’ll impress the guys in your league.”

“Who’s ‘the Pope?’”

“John-Paul Massa. An underrated but totally badass running back.”

“Massa it is.” I stare at the Chad Baker jersey in front of me. “When can I draft Baker?”

“No sooner than the second round, but try to hold off until the third. You want to make sure you get a solid wide receiver, and they tend to go fast after the top six running backs are off of the board.”

“But I want Baker.”

“He’ll be around,” Christopher assures me. “And if things get hairy during your draft, you can always text me.”

“Is there a fourth rule?”

“Yes.” He clears his throat again and hesitates. Content with my clothing selections, I walk toward the checkout line. “My fast and final rule: Don’t let the guys seduce you into giving them the best players.”

My gasp of outrage draws attention from the person standing in front of me. I dart an apologetic grin, before hissing at my brother. “Why would you even go there?”

“Harper, you’re smart and driven.”

“But . . .”

“You’re an idiot when it comes to men.” He releases a heavy sigh. “Maybe it’s because deep down you’re a sweet person or maybe you’re too trusting, but you have a talent for giving it up to douchebags.”

I want to argue back on principle. I am a strong, independent woman, who doesn’t need a man to succeed. But, a glance back at my dating track record gives Christopher’s commandment some weight. Maybe I should tell him I’m a new woman after what happened with the last guy. Instead, I thank him for his advice and pay for the new football gear.

* * * * *

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**About the author: Laura Chapman is the author of First & Goal, The Marrying Type, and Hard Hats and Doormats. Her work also appears in Merry & Bright, A Kind of Mad Courage, and All I Want For Christmas. A native Nebraskan, she loves Huskers and Packers football, Netflix marathons, and her cats, Jane and Bingley. Laura is currently in pursuit of a fantasy football championship while penning her next novel.

**Contact Laura:

Website   Blog   Facebook   Twitter   Instagram

YouTube   Goodreads   Sign up for Laura’s newsletter

* * * * *

GUEST POST

No two days are exactly alike. That’s the beauty of being an author. One day you’re plotting, another you’re navigating your way through a tricky passage, and on the next you’re swearing at your computer, because your marketing plan hit a hiccup. While I’m a big plotter, one of my favorite parts about being an author is that it challenges me to adapt as the situation changes—which is every day.

When Isabella asked me to write about my life as an author, I found I couldn’t put it succinctly, because it’s always evolving. Rather than speak in generalities on the subject, I figured I’d share a few days that illustrate the world of Laura Chapman: My Life as an Author.

November 30, 2010

Only 1,000 more words to go. I note the time on the display in the corner of my computer monitor. It’s after seven—plenty of time to meet my deadline, yet it doesn’t seem like enough. It won’t be the end of the world if I don’t finish. No one will die, no wars will break out, and no one will care. Except for me. I will care.

When I started National Novel Writing Month on the first (Has it really been a whole month?) I was out to prove something. I had to show myself that I could do it—I could write a book if I sat down and made myself finish what I started. Finishing would be the key difference this time. The partial manuscripts rotting in a folder on my desktop were evidence of my inability to complete what I began. “Laura Chapman likes to start stories,” they seem to scream. “But she doesn’t have the follow-through to reach the end.”

Not this time. This time, I will hit the 50,000-word mark. And then I will keep at it until the story is done.

With only 1,000 words more words needed and a few hours until midnight, when I have to verify my word count online, I pack my laptop and drive to Indigo Bridge Books. The local bookstore has the vibe I need. People are always writing there, and productivity sizzles in the air. It will be good to spend some time around like-minded people. The bookstore also has another distinct advantage over staying home: it has Internet.

I’m two years out of college, and I’m still in a financial crunch. The recession hit mere months after I earned my diploma. I’m lucky to have a job, even if it doesn’t pay much. Tack on the student loans, rent, and the debt I accrued when I moved to and from Houston during the past eighteen months, and Internet is a luxury I can’t afford.

But I need the Internet tonight to verify my words. And I need to finish writing those words.

Settled in at a small table with a mocha latte and my laptop, I type away furiously. I can do this, I can write 1,000 more words tonight. I can paint the picture of Lexi Burke’s quirky world on the Gulf Coast. I can show her chemistry with Jason Beaumont. Oh man. Jason Beaumont. I may have broken the mold with this character. To my twenty-four-year-old self, he’s the epitome of male perfection. He has a good job, the motivation and drive to succeed, a sense of humor, and the everyday southern charm I witnessed countless times while I lived in Texas. And like Mr. Darcy, he has a pretty bitchin’ house. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a big sprawling home with a pool? I bet he has Internet, too.

And so I type and type away, giving pause every so often to check the time and my word count. What would Lexi do? Write it down. Keep going. Around nine, I do it. I pass the 50,000-word mark with some change. Adrenaline pulses through my veins. I did it. I wrote 50,000 words in one month. I still have a ways to go until I type “the end,” but this is a huge step in that direction.

Feeling like I just scored a six-figure advance from a major publisher, I pull up the NaNoWriMo website so I can let them know I finished. The page takes a full minute to load, and another minute passes before I get to the word verification section. I copy my document and paste the contents into the form. Blood pumps loudly in my ears. I click “verify my word count.”

And nothing happens.

The spinny wheel of death pops up and still nothing. I refresh the page, only to find I have to copy and paste my text once more. This time I wait longer. I’m about to break a pencil in half when an error message appears on the page. What the eff. I try a few more times without success. I hit up Twitter to see if anyone else is having issues. Just as I expect, the frustrated tweets flow on screen. Due to an influx of traffic, the NaNoWriMo website is having problems loading.

Well hell.

Not one to sit in my failure for long, I call a few friends with faster, stronger Internet connections until I find one who can help.

“CanIsendyoumynoveltoverifyformeplease?”

“Sure.”Of course Aja will help. We’ve been friends since first grade. We were in the same Brownies troop. Aren’t the Girl Scouts always preaching preparedness? Or is that Boy Scouts? At the very least, I’m quite certain we sang a song about being friends until the end. And this is as close to the end as I’ve ever come.

Staying on the line, I give Aja my password to log-in. I send her my document, and she runs through the same motions I had earlier. Only this time, instead of a spinny wheel of death or an error, a congratulatory message pops up on her screen.

“’Congratulations,’” she reads to me. “’You did it.’”

While she enters in the necessary information to complete my winner certification, the excitement returns. My eyes burn with unshed tears. For the first time ever, I feel like an author. I can do this. I can live my dream.

September 10, 2015

This isn’t a great time to be leaving town. My third novel launched yesterday, and there’s still a lot to do in the way of promotion. But I did my best to plan ahead. I sent out interviews and guest posts to more than thirty bloggers, and I scheduled my tweets and Facebook posts during the next few days. For the most part everything has gone like clockwork.

Except for one crucial element: one vendor still doesn’t have First & Goal available for sale. Oh, they say it’s available on the publishing dashboard, but the null searches on the purchasing side beg to differ. I suppose this isn’t a big deal—or so I keep telling myself to avoid having a stroke. It doesn’t look terribly professional to have to keep saying “It will be up soon,” to waiting readers, but what can you do?

You can have a heart attack or cry. I’ve come close to both, but to what end? I have a flight to catch for a previously planned business trip. Death and hysteria aren’t practical options.

At least the screening lines at the Lincoln Airport are fast. The small municipal airport usually gets you in and out without much fuss. That’s a good thing. I didn’t sleep much last night—or the night before. In addition to releasing a novel, I spent the previous day wrapping up a bunch of projects at my other job. Then I had to do laundry and pack my suitcase. As icing on the cake, I had to draft a crappy fantasy football team at almost midnight. It wasn’t my best draft, and there’s a lot of opportunity for heartbreak this season.

There’s always next year, I suppose.

Successfully through the TSA search, I park at the gate and pull out my laptop. Maybe there’s something I can do to help my book’s cause before I fly to Indianapolis by way of Chicago. Sure enough a new email appears from my publisher. Great news. The rogue distributor finally has First & Goal up on its site.

“We’ll begin pre-boarding for Chicago, please…”

With limited time, I update my blog and website. I post to Facebook and Twitter. Hopefully this helps me with a few more sales. Almost as quickly, I repack my suitcase and board the airplane. Crammed into the tiny puddle jumper, I check my social media pages and email until we are collectively asked to turn off our mobile devices. We taxi around the tiny tarmac then come to a halt.

A few minutes later, the captain’s voice booms over the intercom. “We’re experiencing some slight delays getting into Chicago. They’re a little backed up on account of some weather in the area. We’re going to hang out here for half an hour, but we’ll get you there as soon as possible.”

Sneaking out my phone, I check the status on my other flight. Still on time. Normally that would be great, but I only have a forty-five minute layover. And my gates are on opposing sides of the airport.

I guess that’s why the phrases “just one of those days” and “it’s always something” exist. Hell.

February 23, 2020

“Just five more minutes,” I plead. “I’m almost done with this scene.”

I said the same thing ten minutes ago, but this time I mean it. I know we should be out the door an on our way already, but there’s no stopping inspiration when it strikes. I’ve always written when the mood arises. I did it ten years ago when my stories were ideas, and I do it now that I’m a best-selling novelist. I can’t change who I am just because someone is in a hurry to hit the Red Carpet.

Not that I can blame him. My husband is up for an Academy Award—again—but this time I have no doubt he’s walking away with Oscar gold. He’s deserved it every time he’s been nominated, but the Academy would have to be crazy not to reward his ingenuity on screen. Besides, this year he has his good luck charm—me. At least that’s what he told me when he walked away with his Golden Globe and SAG awards earlier this season. I’m not sure if there’s any truth to the superstition. But if there is, well, my lucky charm skills can only be stronger now that we’re good and truly married.

(That’s between us right now, though. How we managed to sneak off to Germany for a simple, but beautiful, wedding with only our families and closest friends without alerting the media is still a mystery to me. But it will only be a secret for a few more hours. I snuck a peek at his acceptance speech—the one he won’t carry on stage, but has memorized. I distinctly saw a note to thank his “magnificent wife.” He actually called me magnificent. I’m living a fairy tale.)

I guess luck really is on our side this year. I’m married to one of the sexiest and most brilliant men alive—who is hours away from having “Academy Award winner” attached to his name—and my last five novels have hit number one on the bestseller lists.

And not to toot my own horn too much, but the screen adaptation for one of those books begins filming next month. The hubby and I are headed to the set after we take our overdue honeymoon. I helped pen the screenplay, so who knows? Maybe I’ll be adding “Academy Award winner” to my list of accolades one of these days too. For the moment I’m perfectly content with everything I have, including the scene I am just about to finish—

“My dear,” he calls out. “You know I could sit here and watch you write all day, but the studio will kill me if I don’t make a couple of stops on the Red Carpet. I’d hate to have Harvey tell me I’ll never work in this town again.”

I tear my eyes away from the screen and freeze. No matter how many times I see him in a tuxedo, I never seem able to keep myself from gaping. It’s hard not to—the man looks like he was born wearing an Armani suit.

Swallowing hard, I find my voice at last. “I’m done.” I slam the laptop shut, not caring whether or not I’ve saved the current draft or finished the scene. I rise from the desk in our hotel suite and gently smooth out any wrinkles that might have formed in my vintage Oscar de la Renta gown. “Sorry to keep you waiting.”

He captures my hand and raises it to his lips. “Worth waiting for.”

My stomach tumbles. It’s just like I’m seeing him for the first time when we met at that bookstore in London. He was picking up a couple of books to take on a shoot. I was finishing up a signing. That was almost two years ago, and here we are now.

He nods toward my laptop. “Are you at a good place for stopping? We can take a few more—”

“It’s good—great,” I correct myself, squeezing his hand. “And anyways, we can talk about the book later. You won’t have much of a choice when we’re on our way to Fiji. But tonight is about you.”

I can’t resist straightening his already perfect tie, just because I can.

“Your phone is charged?” I nod. “Then you can sneak in another scene in the car or during the commercials. And if any of the acceptance speeches go too long . . .”

Laughter about to erupt, I silence him with a kiss. We pull apart at last, and I can’t even remember what we were talking about. He does that to me. With my thumb, I smooth off the lipstick I inadvertently left on his lips. My shade of red does look nice on him though.

“Shall we?” he asks, taking my hand in his once again.

I nod. He leads me out of the room, down the elevator, and through the lobby to the waiting town car.

The driver scurries to open the door for us. “Ms. Chapman. Mr. Fassbender.”

If this isn’t living the dream, I don’t know what else could possibly compare.

* * * * *

**GIVEAWAY**

**Click HERE to enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

* * * * *

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**Click HERE to see other stops on Laura’s Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours!

Filed Under: First & Goal, First & Goal - Excerpt, Laura Chapman Tagged With: Author Guest Post, Books, Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours, Excerpt, First & Goal, Giveaway, Guest Post, Laura Chapman, Romance, sports, Women's Fiction

AUTHOR FEATURE: Laura Chapman

November 5, 2015 1 Comment

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About the author: Laura Chapman is the author of First & Goal, The Marrying Type, and Hard Hats and Doormats. Her work also appears in Merry & Bright, A Kind of Mad Courage, and All I Want For Christmas. A native Nebraskan, she loves Huskers and Packers football, Netflix marathons, and her cats, Jane and Bingley. Laura is currently in pursuit of a fantasy football championship while penning her next novel.

**Connect Laura: Website   Blog   Facebook   Twitter   Instagram   YouTube   Goodreads

Sign up for Laura’s newsletter

* * * * *

INTERVIEW

Describe your writing style in five words: Based on reality, but playful.

When did you know you were an author? Even though I spend so much of my time writing, thinking about writing, and talking about writing I don’t always feel like an author. There are a few moments that pop up here and there where it really hits me that I am an author. Each time I hold the print copy of my book or have someone ask me the same questions I would ask other authors, it will strike that, “Hey, I’m an author.” In a way that’s funny, because I have spent most of my life knowing I would write books someday. But it’s not such a bad thing to forget I am living that dream sometimes—it keeps me humble.

Tell us about your writing/editing/publishing process: This one is tricky, because my writing, editing, and publishing processes keep evolving. The one constant is that I set goals for myself to accomplish. I don’t always—okay, almost never—meet each of my goals within the time period outlined, but I give it the old college try just in case. And like my approach to most things in life, I tend to obsess about whatever part I am working on in that moment followed by periods of downtime. Someday, I’d like to be more consistent. Once I figure out how to do that with my writing, I’ll also make sure to spread that to my diet, exercise, and sleep regimens.

If you could meet any other author, who would it be? There are so many authors I admire and respect, but if I had to pick one, I would love to have a glass of wine with Nora Roberts. I’ve been reading her books since I was twelve and borrowing them from my mom and my friend’s mom. She’s prolific and seems gracious to her fans, while also owning her success—as she should. She’s a total badass. I’d also like the chance to meet Julie Garwood, Colleen Hoover, and Sophie Kinsella, because they’re other authors I admire. (And I secretly hope some of their amazingness would rub off on me while I was in their presence.)

Hard/paperbacks or eBooks? Even though I have embraced eBooks and appreciate their convenience, there are few things I love more than curling up with a paperback book. It’s more of an experience when I’m curled up with a book that fills both hands, with pages that I flip rather than swipe across. And I prefer paperback to hard cover, because I’m always worried about dinging up the edges or tearing the jackets on the hard covers.

How do you come up with the titles of your books? I typically have a title idea before I start writing. It’s one of the elements that come to me during the researching and plotting phase. That said, none of my books has published with the original working title, even though I thought I was so clever. All of my titles have just come to me at some point in time or another, usually while I was in the middle of writing or editing. And it’s always a bit of a thing when it comes to deciding whether to stick with the original or go with a new idea.

At what time of day do you think you work best? This really varies. I wish I was someone who could consistently write first thing in the morning, because that would be convenient. But it takes me a while to get going. I usually have to leave for my other job right about the time I seem to be getting in a groove. For now, I tend to do most of my writing on nights and weekends. That’s more out of necessity than anything else. I do like writing in a couple of half-hour pockets then taking longer breaks unless I’m truly caught up in a story and have to keep going.

alty or sweet? Both—my cravings shift throughout the day, and if I have salty I usually want something sweet a bit later and vice versa.

Do you have any writing rituals? If I’m writing at my desk—which is only about 25 percent of the time—I tend to have a cup of coffee or bottle of water with me. And then for some reason I toast the framed photo of hockey player Brad Richards that is sitting on my desk. (The photo is a long story, but in short, it was a gift from my brother, and it cracks me up.) When I’m writing at a coffee shop, I have to put in my head phones, select a playlist, and have a notepad and paper next to my computer before I start typing. I also reward myself with a star sticker every time I write 1,000 words. I put them on a chart that helps me visualize just how long my story is growing. And I like stickers.

Every author must have (a): Sense of humor. Even if you’re writing serious books, I think it’s good to be able to laugh at yourself or a situation every once in a while. It never fails that something challenging or upsetting happens at some point during the writing and publishing process. And while I’m all for taking a moment to be bummed or sad, at a certain point you have to move on. That’s where the sense of humor comes into play.

What do you want people to take away from your books? Mostly I hope people are entertained and engaged while they’re reading the story. I hope that a character will maybe stick with them. That’s what I love most when I read a book—having one that stays with you even after you’ve finished the last page. And I hope people will smile, and maybe develop a case of the feels. And I hope readers will feel a connection the characters. I try to write characters based on reality, and I hope that comes through. But like I said, I mostly hope a reader finishes the story and feels good about the time they spent reading it.

What are you working on right now? It’s November, which means I’m participating in my sixth consecutive National Novel Writing Month. I’ve passed the 50,000-word mark each of the past five years, so wish me luck on keeping the streak going this year. I don’t really like to talk a lot about what I’m writing while I’m writing it—that is a mix of superstition and also a personal fail-safe in case the WIP flops. But, I can tell you about a couple of completed (or nearly completed) projects. On November 11, I have two Christmas novellas coming out in All I Want For Christmas, a holiday collection by Marching Ink. Making Christmas is a story about two lonely people striking up an unlikely friendship while setting out to add some cheer to their holiday season. And What Happens at Midnight is about a woman rediscovering her whimsical and romantic side with the help of chance encounters on consecutive New Year’s Eves. And in January or February, we will release Going for Two, the follow-up to First & Goal. Outside of writing, I’m working on not gorging myself on leftover Halloween candy and pumpkin-flavored everything going into the holiday season.

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First& GoalCoverPic**Blurb: When Harper Duquaine’s no-nonsense approach to work unintentionally ruffles the wrong feathers at her new job, she joins her co-workers’ fantasy football league to prove she can hang with the guys. Only problem: she doesn’t know a sleeper from a keeper (or any of the other lingo thrown her way).

Embroiled in a world of lineups, stats, and trades, Harper’s quest to make nice topples when her competitive streak emerges. And her promise to herself that she’ll be a strong, independent woman and leave the drama and heartache behind is seriously tested when she catches the attention of her two biggest competitors: J.J., a local celebrity determined to win a fantasy championship, and Brook, the mild-mannered coach who seems too good to be true. Both threaten her resolve to remain single… and, more importantly, her chances at winning the prize pool.

With a slew of conflicting advice in her real and fantasy worlds, Harper must figure out how to play the game and come out a winner.

**”Buy “First & Goal” now: Amazon   Barnes & Noble   Kobo

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**GIVEAWAY**

**Click HERE to enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

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**Click HERE to see other stops on Laura’s Chick Lit Plus Blog Tour!

Filed Under: Laura Chapman - Interview Tagged With: Author Interview, Books, Contemporary Romance, First & Goal, football, Laura Chapman, Romance, sports, Women's Fiction

RELEASE DAY: “First & Goal”

September 9, 2015 2 Comments

First& GoalCoverPic

“First & Goal” by Laura Chapman

Set your lineups and pull out the old game tape—football is here. This year, you can experience fantasy football vicariously through (or commiserate with) Harper Duquaine in First & Goal by Laura Chapman.

What begins as a way to make nice with her new co-workers soon becomes an obsession for Harper as she navigates the ups and downs of managing a fantasy football team. Add in a pair of meddling brothers, a crew of quirky colleagues, and a league-mate who makes her toes curl, and Harper’s football season has plenty to keep her interested.

This new romantic comedy is now available from Marching Ink on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo. Join in the fun and cheer Harper on as she takes on the old boys club.

If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Then beat them.

F&G play it safe quote

Blurb: When Harper Duquaine’s no-nonsense approach to work unintentionally ruffles the wrong feathers at her new job, she joins her co-workers’ fantasy football league to prove she can hang with the guys. Only problem: she doesn’t know a sleeper from a keeper (or any of the other lingo thrown her way).

Embroiled in a world of lineups, stats, and trades, Harper’s quest to make nice topples when her competitive streak emerges. And her promise to herself that she’ll be a strong, independent woman and leave the drama and heartache behind is seriously tested when she catches the attention of her two biggest competitors: J.J., a local celebrity determined to win a fantasy championship, and Brook, the mild-mannered coach who seems too good to be true. Both threaten her resolve to remain single… and, more importantly, her chances at winning the prize pool.

With a slew of conflicting advice in her real and fantasy worlds, Harper must figure out how to play the game and come out a winner.

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F&GNowAvailableBanner

**Get your copy of “First & Goal” now: Amazon   Barnes & Noble   Kobo

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LauraChapmanNewPic**About author, Laura Chapman: Laura Chapman is the author of First & Goal, The Marrying Type, and Hard Hats and Doormats. Her work appears in Merry & Bright, A Kind of Mad Courage, and a forthcoming Christmas anthology from Marching Ink. A native Nebraskan, she loves Huskers and Packers football, Netflix marathons, and her cats, Jane and Bingley. Laura is currently in pursuit of a fantasy football championship while penning her next novel.

**Contact Laura: Facebook   Twitter   Instagram   YouTube   Goodreads   Blog   Website

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Check out Laura’s other books:

TheMarryingTypeCoverPic“The Marrying Type”: Amazon   Barnes & Noble   Kobo   Marching Ink

Hard Hats and Doormats
“Hard Hats and Doormats”: Amazon   Barnes & Noble   Kobo   Marching Ink

Filed Under: First & Goal Tagged With: Athletics, Books, Chick-Lit, First & Goal, football, Laura Chapman, Marching Ink, New Release, Romance, sports, Women's Fiction

Writing a Novel Really is Like Winning the World Series or Super Bowl

October 23, 2013 3 Comments

I know you’re probably thinking, “Two blog posts from Isabella in six days?” Well, you’re right!

If you follow sports, then you probably know that tonight is the first game of the World Series. For the National League, the St. Louis Cardinals will be playing the American League Champions, the Boston Red Sox. (For those of you that know me, you know how hard it was to write the words, American League Champions and Red Sox, right?)

Non-sports fans, I will stop boring you now…

Practice: If you’re a writer, you know that it’s best to write every single day. Whether it’s 100 or 1,000 words, it’s important to just get something down. This is especially important if you’re on a deadline. Practice, practice, practice = write, write, write! (Blogger note: After “The Right Design” is published in January, I need to learn to take my own advice to write each day!)

The Game: Yay! You’ve written a book! Sit back and relax! Take a week off (at the most, two), but be prepared to come back to your novel, knowing the hard part is just beginning! “The hard part?” you ask me. “YES!” Playing the game, is the hard part! If this weren’t true, being a writer would be easy, but it’s not. It’s the part where you look back over your MS, and even dabble in the thought of sending it out to beta-readers (I loved mine) and to anyone else who you think would like to read it over. The most important part of this process is picking people who will give you honest and helpful feedback.

Championship Games: If you’ve revised your book and are happy with it, now it’s time to play the game. Since you have coaches (um, I mean, editors), then you should feel in safe hands with them as they guide you down the field (or, in this case, page by page). Every whistle they blow (comment they make), time out they call (email they send you to cheer you on or answer a question you had), they’re there for you. If you have talented people to help you along the way, then you’re bound to learn to play the game the right way, and I’m sure you’ll learn a few things in the process.

World Series or Super Bowl: Congratulations! You’ve made it to the World Series or Super Bowl! How do you feel to have your manuscript completed? Now that it’s gone live for the world to see (meaning you’ve pressed “PUBLISH”), it’s time to be welcomed out onto the field. Whether you’re the starting pitcher or quarterback (a well-known author) or you’ll be playing in the outfield or wide receiver (a debut author, who’s being welcomed into the world of publishing), it’s time to start gathering your fanbase. While it’s nice to have your friends and family support you, it’s also important for others to do so, too. Using social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter are the two places I highly recommend. Create Facebook and Twitter pages and enjoy receiving “Likes” and “Follows” along the way. **Blogger tip: When using Facebook, do not create a page using your book’s name, use your author name. This will be easier for when you playing in the World Series or Super Bowl again and your fans know what you’re up to.

The most important step in playing this game is to know that you won’t win each game. Sometimes, you’ll just come to play (publish a book and just having it just do okay). Don’t worry, there will be next games (books you’ll write), and you might even win the World Series or Super Bowl. When you do, it’s important for you to take time to enjoy being in the spotlight. Tell yourself, “I can do this! I’m an author!” (It might take even weeks for it to hit you that you’ve written an Amazon or B&N top ten list).

My question for you is, “Are you ready to go to Disneyland?” If so, start practicing! 🙂

Filed Under: Isabella Tagged With: baseball, Books, Chick Lit Goddess, football, Romance, sports, Super Bowl, World Series, Writing advice

Toni Aleo

January 24, 2013 1 Comment

ToniAleo

About author, Toni Aleo:  My name is Toni Aleo!  (and I’m a total dork!)  I am a wife, mother of two and a bulldog, and also a hopeless romantic.  I have been told I have anger issues, but I think it’s cause of my intense love for hockey!  I am the biggest Shea Weber fan ever, and can be found during hockey season with my nose pressed against the Bridgestone Arena’s glass, watching my Nashville Predators play!  When my nose isn’t pressed against the glass, I enjoy going to my husband and son’s hockey games, my daughter’s dance competition, hanging with my best friends, taking pictures, scrapbooking, and reading the latest romance novel.

I have a slight Disney and Harry Potter obsession, I love things that sparkle, I love the color pink, I might have been a Disney Princess in a past life…probably Belle, and did I mention I love hockey?

INTERVIEW

Welcome back, Toni! Since your last interview, what you been up to?  What havent’t I been up to is the real question!! Things have been insane. I finished Blue Lines and thank goodness HOCEKEY IS BACK!

Congratulations on being published by Random House! How did you find out?  Well it is the craziest thing. I remember being a dinner and I got an email on my author account and it was from the publisher but I thought it was fan mail and I was like, I’ll get to it when I get home because I didn’t want to be rude and type out a response, so I didn’t even read it all. Well I get home, and I read it and I swear I screamed so loud, running through the house telling my husband that RANDOM HOUSE WANTS TO PUBLISH ME! It was insane. I found out at the end of September that they wanted me and signed the contract in December.

What did you do to celebrate?  We had a big party and it was so great. All my friends and family celebrating my accomplishment. It was a blessing.

You recently finished “Blue Lines.”  Can you tell us a little bit about it?  I am seriously excited about this book. It will be different from the other three in the fact that the Hero will not be chasing the Heroine. He will be running from her while she tries to convince him that she is a sure bet. It is going to be great.

Who and/or what motivates you to write?  Hockey, my husband, and Shea Weber. 🙂

Are you characters and/or events in any of your books based on real life?  Yes, all of it. Lol. My friends read my books and some get mad, while others laugh so hard they can’t breathe. People aren’t safe around me. I get inspiration from everything.

Walk us through a day in your life:  Well, I wake up, get my kiddos off to school, come home, clean, run errands and then write. On special days, I get to go watch my daughter dance, my husband play hockey, my son play whatever sport he is doing at the time, and then of course, I go to as many Nashville Predators games I can get too!

You’re a huge hockey fan, but have or would you ever incorporate other sports into your books?  I don’t know. I like to write about what I know. I know hockey, so I don’t think I’ll ever stray into another sport. Now I do plan to completely leave the sport behind one day and write something different, but for right now, I am happy with my little hockey romance.

What author(s) would you like to meet?  Rachel Gibson, Richelle Mead, Kristin Higgins, Julie James, and Nora Roberts. They are all my heros 🙂

How do you come up with the titles of your books?  By complete luck. I sit there and think of the book and then hockey terms and by the grace of God, they come to me! Lol.

If you weren’t an author, what would you be?  A nurse. I quit my job as a nurse to become a full time author.

Tell us about your upcoming projects:  Well I am about to start writing book 5, Breaking Away from the Assassins Series, but I also will start a new adult series with the first booked called Rush of Love. I am pretty excited, scared and nervous for the new genre but excited.

Additional comments by Toni:  Thanks so much for having me!!

**Contact Toni!:

Toni Aleo

Facebook

Twitter

**Click HERE to read my review of “Taking Shots” and to read my first interview with Toni!

Filed Under: Toni Aleo Tagged With: Author, Books, Guest Interview, hockey, Nashville Predators, sports, Toni Aleo

It’s Fun Friday

August 5, 2011 1 Comment

As a Chick Lit writer and an avid sports fan, I’d like to put these two together and talk about my five favorite attractive men in sports.  Often when I’m at a Texas Ranger’s game or am watching football, it’s a perk to see these guys in action.

#5

Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers QB

I grew up being a Green Bay Packers fan!  I even have a cheese-head, though it’s in the shape of a cowboy hat — the best of both worlds, since I’m also a Cowboy fan!

A few years ago my dad bought me tickets to the Green Bay Packers vs. the Dallas Cowboys.  I was in heaven and I was beyond thrilled to go see a legend play, Brett Favre, was once my favorite quarterback.  Unfortunately, I was late to the game, but got there just in time for the second quarter to start.  I remember it like it was yesterday and I kept my eyes on the (old) QB, Favre, nervous that he was going to get hurt.  Well, sure enough that’s what happened, and guess who was his backup?  Aaron Rodgers!

Handsome!

Some might not think that he’s all that handsome, even at first I didn’t think he was that attractive, but as I’ve become to “know” this fun-loving man, I love everything he stands for.  From the time he was the new starting QB, not once have I seen this sexy man not seem focused on his job and his team.  Earlier this year he took his team to the Super Bowl and they won, reclaiming what belongs in Green Bay, the Lombardi Trophy!

#4

Mike Fisher plays for the Nashville Predators

Beautiful!

I didn’t know who this hot NHL player was until he married a certain American Idol winner, but one thing’s for sure, I was sure missing out!  From the moment I saw his picture in celeb magazines, he became one of the sexiest men I had ever seen.  (Just look at that sweet, sexy, adorable, charming smile).  He even looks great in a suit!  Recently he was traded from the Ottawa Senators to (ironically) be closer to his wife in Nashville, to play for the Predators!  (Aww…I know, how sweet)!  While his name is Mike Fisher, he’s also known as Mr. Carrie Underwood.  Yes, what a lucky lady she is and just imagine how beautiful their children are going to be.  I wish these two a lifetime of love and happiness

#3

Tom Brady, New England Patriot's QB

This man has it all — the looks, the personality, the build, and who can forget those seductive eyes and lips?  Tom Brady is one of the sexiest men in the world!  He’s a leader on and off the field (and I’m sure in the sack too).

MMM...yummy!

Why I haven’t been a fan of the Patriot’s, Tom Brady is definitely a reason to become a Pat’s lover!  This family man is very protective of his wife and son.  (His model wife, Gisele, is one lucky lady.  I love how she lets her man take the lead and get all the attention on the red carpet, what a sweetheart)!

#2

Oscar De La Hoya, Retired Pro Boxer

I grew up watching the greats fight…you know, Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield and George Foreman, just to name  a few, but when I watched a fight with Oscar De La Hoya, also known as “Pretty Boy,” I thought I had died and gone to heaven – I mean, look at him…and look at that chiseled sexy body!

Sexy

When he was in the boxing ring, no matter how bad it got, the handsome boxer never gave up and he fought for the many titles he won!

Sadly a few years ago, this man retired , but he will always be my favorite boxer…and of course, I’ll remember his (fill in the blank here).  Is there really another boxer as sexy as he is?  I dare you to name at least one…

Whoever tags this man is certainly a lucky lady!  This man is certain to be a lover and a fighter!

#1

Josh Hamilton, Texas Ranger's Outfielder

Oh, my Josh, how I love you!

As a Texas Ranger’s fan and a season ticket holder, I have grown more fond of the game baseball, mainly since last year when we were in the MLB playoffs, but unfortunately we lost the World Series.  One man who helped get us so far was Josh Hamilton.

Aww, how cute is this face?

I pick Josh as my #1 main player because he is the full package wrapped into one.  Not only is he adorable in a manly way, his eyes have this calming look to them that makes me want to look at him forever, couldn’t you?  Besides him being attractive, he clearly has everything a woman could want — he’s respectful (each time I’ve seen him on camera), he’s funny (each time I’ve seen him on a talk show), he’s a family man (he talks about his family quite a bit).

He has had problems with drugs and alcohol, but Josh has been clean for quite a while now, and it shows to his teammates and fans.  He’s a likable guy in the clubhouse and it’s obvious.  (I loved how when we were in the playoffs, the team celebrated with Ginger Ale not champagne, when Josh was in the room, and then Josh left so that everyone else could have their celebration).  See, he’s just a good guy!

When I’m at the games and his name is called, it’s clear (to anyone) that he wants to do his best, that he is a team player and that he wants to be there and that he wants to win!

The Main Man in Action

As a fan of baseball, I will forever be a Josh Hamilton fan.  I’m also hoping that the Texas Ranger’s organization will retire Josh’s number, so that he will forever be a Texas Ranger!

Filed Under: Fun Friday Tagged With: baseball, boxing, Chick-Lit, football, Friday, hockey, Images, Isabella, Random, sports, Writing

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