Chick Lit Goddess

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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!

Chapters…

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I have read books that contain as little as one or two words as chapters, but I’ve also read books where the chapters are over 50 pages.  When I write, I don’t put my books into chapter because I really don’t know if it’s the right place.  Instead I use these “*****” to symbolize breaks.  Now, these breaks could or couldn’t be chapters, but I am too paranoid about it not being in the right place, so that’s why I don’t use chapters.  What I have problems with are how and when to end and begin a chapter.

I’ve heard that it’s best to put a chapter between scenes, but how do I know what scene I want to put it between? For example, if I’m writing about a certain day or time, do I wait until the next day?

This is so stressful, and I really don’t now why.  Maybe I’m making too much of it, but I really want to work on adding chapters.  So, if any of you have any advice, I’d really appreciate any help I can get.

Thanks y’all, and Happy Tuesday!

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

It’s Fun Friday

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When we think of cowboys, don’t we think of boots, jeans and sexy music?  The following sexy make my heart beat fast each time I see them.

Kenny Chesney, #10

The first time I heard Kenny Chesney sing All I Need To Know, I was hooked on him.  It was a song that was recorded on his second CD, which came out in 1995.  When I saw the video, I remember watching it over and over.  His smile made me swoon, and his voice was a major turn on.  Since then, it seems that Kenny’s music has transitioned into sounding more and more like Jimmy Buffett, hence his song No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problem, but that’s okay because he’s still got that sweet smile that can melt a woman’s heart.

Chris Young, #9

 My brother introduced me to this amazing, talented, and handsome new country singer.  His hits include Drinkin’ Me Lonely, Voices, and Tomorrow.  When I saw him in concert over the summer, he hit the notes perfectly, and of course he look great while doing so.

John Michael Montgomery, #8

When I heard I Can Love You Like That for the first time, I was in heaven.  JMM’s dimples are a guarantee way to any woman’s heart.  (Seriously, look at that cute face!)  I love his teddy bearish body — doesn’t it make you just want to cuddle up next to him?  We’ve not heard that much from him lately, but we’ll never forget his emotional and very sexy songs like I Swear, or especially the song I Love The Way You Love Me.

Toby Keith, #7

How could anyone not love Toby?  This honky-tonk bad boy has been known to carry a flask with him to award shows, not to mention be vocal about his political views.  Don’t we all love a man who speaks their mind?  His rugged bad-ass ways can charm any woman, and his smile can light up any room.  From Toby’s upbeat songs like How Do You Like Me Now and Should’ve Been A Cowboy, to the sweet heartfelt songs, You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This and Me Too, it’s hard to say how I what side of him I like the best!  He’s just an all around American made man!  Isn’t that sexy?

Clay Walker, #6

When I first heard Hypnotize The Moon by the hot and sexy Clay Walker, I was in heaven.  Every time I heard it, it was as if he were singing directly to me.  His songs are filled with so much emotion, and isn’t that attractive?  Where Do I Fit In The Picture, Fall, and Love To Be Your Last are my favorite songs that he sings.  I love his dark eyes; I could literally fall into him!  What’s not to love about this HOT man?

Keith Urban, #5

This Australian born hunk looks like he could be in band (possibly a heavy metal), but instead, he’s his one man show — and what a show he puts on.  I’ve seen him on several interviews and what I love most about him is that he’s a down-home family man!  He love his wife (Nicole Kidman) and their two beautiful girls.  When I saw him in concert, he charmed the crowd, not only with his voice, but with his sweet smile.  I could listen to him sing and talk all day long in his alluring accent, and he’s pretty damn easy on the eyes…

Jason Aldean, #4

There is a special place in my heart for Jason Aldean.  When I saw him at the Texas Stampede a few years ago, Big Green Tractor, was a new song — one I loved!  It’s a sweet slow song about a tractor.  Silly, yes, but the song is adorable!  His upbeat song She’s Country, is one of my favorite songs — it truly a country song!  His Dirt Road Anthem and My Kind Of Party are just two highly popular songs that make him who he is.  Every CD release by him is amazing!  While Jason might look a little mysterious, there’s something about him that just makes me want him more and more!  I’d love to ride on a big green tractor with him…

Blake Shelton, #3

Oh, Blake, where have you been all my life?  This 6′ 5″ man is the whole package!  He’s funny, sensitive, charming, sarcastic, hard-working, sexy, and confidant!  He doesn’t hide anything, and that’s one of my favorite things about him, (he’s been known to tweet while he’s drunk).  This past May, he married the beautiful Miranda Lambert.  With songs like Some Beach, Nobody But Me, All About Tonight, and Honey Bee, it’s hard to not love anything he sings.  I love Blake because he’s true to himself, his fans, and more than anything, it’s obvious that he’s madly in love with his wife.  What could be more sexier?

Tim McGraw, #2

Women, don’t we wish we were as lucky as Faith Hill is to be married to this man?  Tim McGraw has only grown sexier with age.  Am I right?  From the moment I heard the song Don’t Take The Girl, I knew there was something special about him.  I’ve had the pleasure of seeing him in concert twice, and each time I fell more in love with him.  What’s not to love about this fun-loving, sweet, and talented singer?  I Like It, I Love It, Please Remember Me, and The Cowboy In Me are classic Tim McGraw songs.  He is truly a classic in the country music world!

George Strait, #1

King George is how most country music fans refer to my #1 man!  From his first number one hit, Fool Hearted Memory, to his most recent number one hit, Here For A Good Time (his 58th #1 hit), George Strait’s music hasn’t changed a bit.  He’s true to his roots, and that’s just one thing that his fans love most!  I loved watching him in Pure Country, where he introduced us all to one of his beloved songs, I Cross My Heart.  Along with some of my favorites, Drinkin’ Champagne, I Can Still Make Cheyenne, Does Ft. Worth Ever Cross Your Mind, You Look So Good In Love, If I Know Me, and I’d Like To Have That One Back, these are songs that will stick with me forever.  I met him once at a concert, and he was one of the nicest man I’ve ever met, not to mention attractive!  He is a true cowboy who wears his Wranglers very well!

Now tell me, who is your favorite cowboy?

I hope y’all have a very Happy Friday!

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 Bachelor (DRAMA) Girls vs. The Chick Lit (DRAMA-LESS) Girls

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If you’ve ever watched The Bachelor or The Bachelorette, you know there’s drama-and lots of it!  If you’ve ever read a Chick Lit, you know that the main character is (usually) strong, independent, and confidant.

Yes, I got sucked into watching “The Bachelor” this time around because of Ben Flajnik.  It all started when I began watching The Bachelorette only to see what practically every woman I know was talking about.  Sadly, I was hooked on watching Ashley Herbert date these guys, and sadly break Ben’s heart by accepting J.P. Rosenbaum’s proposal.  I say this because I’m not a girly girl.  I rarely get along with other women, and I highly dislike drama — of any kind.  On The Bachelorette there was some drama (remember Bentley?), but now that I’m watching The Bachelor I don’t think that I’ve ever seen, or heard, so much D.R.A.M.A. (the tears, the high strong emotions, the cat-fights…and more).  It’s obvious that these girls have a confidence issue(S) — yes, with a capitol “S!”  This just might be the last season of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, but for Ben’s sake I’m going to hang in there.

While the female main characters in Chick Lit books have struggles, they aren’t dramatic (though some have friends with a drama-filled life).  Of course these women have daily struggles, but again, they aren’t dramatic.  The characters might cry, throw things, or feel hurt, but aren’t they just experiencing the same feelings and/or thoughts that we as humans feel too?  They go get what they want, and that’s what’s so awesome about Chick Lit women, but they do it in a non-dramatic way!  (We rule!)

 

 

Why Sharing What You Read Is A Good Thing

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Books are meant to be read, right?

Well, a few months ago I joined a website called Goodreads.com, but I never realized how cool it was, until now that I’m a reviewer.  (Shelfari is also a similar website.)  I use Goodreads which is a great way to share the books you’re reading with friends, make new friends, introduce yourself to new books.  It’s also keeps track with what you’ve read, want to read, and are currently reading.  I’ve also had a friend who started a group on Facebook for readers.  We share what books we’ve read.  Through this outlet, I’ve also found several books that I want to read.

So for your readers, I have some questions:

  • How do you keep track of your books you have read, want to read, and are reading?
  • Do you share these books with others, and if so, how?
  • Have you started a group of your own, or even a book club?
  • Do you have your own idea(s) about sharing books with your friends or family members?
  • Are you on Goodreads or Shelfari?  If so, find me on Goodreads at MrsAnderson1212!

Nobody Knows Who We Are…

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I have to admit that at first, I wasn’t really into this reviewing part of the author title, but without it I wouldn’t have had the great pleasure of reading some amazing, funny, thrilling, and charming Chick Lit books!

Tonight I was sitting at home thinking how cool it is to do what I do — I’m an author and most recently, a reviewer!  As a reviewer, isn’t it cool how we can be, in a bookstore for example, and feel right at home?  In some ways, isn’t it like we’re like a PI?  We reviewers (and authors) read and review books that are sold on eBooks and in bookstores.  Well, on quite a few novels, there are most often quotes about the book which can help promote the book.  Well, how cool would it be if while I’m not yet an author, the quote came from the Chick Lit Goddess?  Since I started this blog, I’ve grown not only to focus on writing and getting my books published, but to help support my fellow authors!

Looking Over Your NaNoWriMo For The First Time

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Everyone who’s participated in National Novel Writing Month-and won, they all say to step away from it for a few months before getting back into it to start working on the edits.  They say to give yourself, and your characters, some breathing.  I took their advice and I’ve had a blast.  While I’ve thought about the thought of finishing my book and have told some about it, I’ve really not thought about what the characters went through during my time with them…that is until now.

For the first time since November 30th, I opened my NaNoWriMo book today.  I read the first few pages and I was hooked!  Damn, this is some good stuff I wrote!  I stopped reading and decided to start editing using “comments”  in Word.  Once I got started, I couldn’t stop.  I was on a roll and was loving it!  While right now I’m only on page 8 and have 112 comments (a lot, I know), I’m excited about where this 2nd draft is going.  While it’s not the easiest job to do (edit), I’m enjoying it.

As for what I plan to do with this still untitled book when I’m finished, I know I’ve told you that I’ve planned on self-publishing, I just might seriously think about sending this to publishers!  Wish me luck!

What do you think?  What would yo do if you were me?