Chick Lit Goddess

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

Writing

Do Football and Romance Mix?

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Yesterday was a great day, FOOTBALL season began!  After months of waiting, some even anxiously awaiting to see if there would be a season this year, I was ready for my favorite sport to begin.  I put on my Roger Staubach jersey, a tradition that I started a few years ago, (hopefully) thinking that if I wore my jersey, my team would win.  Sadly they didn’t, thanks to Tony Romo and his…anyway, where was I?  Oh yes, back to my blog.

Since I’m in the midst of my writing journey, I wondered how many romance books are entwined with football.  It turns out that there are quite a few and HERE is a link I found.  I haven’t read any of these book, but would love to, I’d even consider writing one, that is after I finished a couple, of course.  While it might seem like a challenging task of writing about something most men enjoy, it can also do you good to learn the game from them and have them teach you something.  Your SO (significant other) might even find this so attractive they you might end up having some “halftime nookie,” a.k.a., inspiration for your book!

Until next time, y’all have a great day!

Fun Friday

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I know that I haven’t been writing my usual “Fun Friday” blogs, but I have to share this with you, only because I consider writing and editing FUN!

Two days ago I went to the library to work on finishing up my editing to turn in to my editor.  I literally sat there and started at my computer and didn’t do a darn thing the whole hour and a half that I was there.  I left the library on the verge of tears, feeling very overwhelmed and unaccomplished.  It wasn’t a good day.

Today I woke up and was ready to tackle what I needed to get done — finish the edits and turn them in!  I arrived at the library and began to work.  After about two hours, I needed a break and pulled myself away from my computer and picked up a book that was sitting on the shelf staring right at me.  It’s called Seven Pleasures: Essays on Ordinary Happiness by Willard Spiegelman.  There are seven chapters which are titled the following: Reading, Walking, Looking, Dancing, Listening, Swimming and Writing.  I read the chapter on writing and I was truly inspired to continue working to make my dreams come true, especially thanks to the following quotes:

Revision is another word for patience

Whom do you dream of when you write?  To whom are you speaking?  Who is your “you?”

“Only armatures say that they write for their own amusement.  Writing is not an amusing occupation.  It is a combination of ditch-digging, mountain-climbing, treadmill and childbirth.” Edna Ferber

Like virtue, writing must ultimately be its own reward.

A writer must only sit and begin.

What is written without effort is read without pleasure.

We must accept our false starts and our full wastebaskets as the conditions for our modest successes.

The writer’s satisfaction comes not from without but from within.

Writing is easy: All you do is sit staring at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead.

I hope these quotes inspire you as much as they for me.  I have been lost and feeling a little tired, but after reading the wonderful chapter by Spiegelman, I am fired up and recharged!  I can’t wait to see what next week holds for me on this journey of being a writer!

It’s Fun Friday

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Instead of my typical Fun Friday blog I’ve decided to write about something that is fun to me — writing my second book!

Since I’ve been editing and am feeling comfortable with the work I’m doing, I decided that it’s time to pick up with the characters in my second book, Somewhere Down In Texas.  Earlier this week I read through what I had written in December and was pleasantly surprised that there were only a few changes that I wanted to make.  Once I got to a point where I could begin writing again I felt rejuvenated and refreshed.  It was a new beginning, and my characters are coming alive and the storyline is coming together beautifully!

Since writing my first book I’ve learned a lot about writing, the (sometimes) grueling process of sitting at the computer and forming words into sentences, but of all the things I’ve learned, I’ve learned the most about myself and who I am.  I am a writer and there’s nothing that I’d rather be.

Today Was Inspiring

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Like the title of this blog today was inspiring!  Last night I sent the beginning of my second book “Somewhere Down In Texas” to my writer friend Wade.  I loved what he had to say about what I had written so far and it made my day and night!  With his comments, questions and ideas, he  made me think about the direction I was headed with certain characters and thank goodness for him, they have been saved.  Okay, maybe they haven’t been really “saved,” but they have been reconstructed and certain important parts have formed deeper and come together, which have helped the reader understand a little bit more.

I strongly encourage my writer friends to find other writer friends to talk and communicate about your work in progress.  There is nothing better than to have your (best) friend read you work and give you his/her honest opinion.  I loved how Wade asked me question and had question about my story.  Those questions made me think, and they made me a better writer!

I also encourage you to email or give your story to each and every one of your friends.  It’s best to pick who you give your book to and it’s okay to be picky — you want the comments you hear back to be both, positive and negative.  I also recommend starting or joining a writing group.  Don’t be bashful (like I was), it’s okay to share you success with your non-writer friends too!  They have their own lives, right?  Well, can’t you write characters like them too?

Again, I thank Wade, and my writing friends, for being such a supporter of my writing.  I couldn’t do it without you!

**The Sex Blog**

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I check my blog stats at least once I day and the surprising thing is that the most highly read blog post was THIS blog about sex in Chick Lit books, but why?

Is it because the word sex is so alluring to our eyes? Is it because some of us are desperate housewives who crave attention from our husbands? Do we want to live our fantasies through the characters we can relate with…only to get so hyped up and nothing happens? While there isn’t a lot of actual sex in Chick Lit books, don’t we all want just a little bit more? Where is the gray area between Chick Lit and Erotic novels? Maybe a Harlequin novel…

My question to you — Why are topic about sex in books so popular?

Accomplished Writers Motivate Me

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Today I watched “Something Borrowed” by my favorite Author, Emily Giffin. This book was a great read and it will forever be on my Top 5 Favorite Book list. As the movie played on I began to feel somewhat of a closeness with the delightful and sweet (Rachel) and it’s all-about-me (Darcy) characters, just like I did when I read the book. Though the movie didn’t follow the book exactly, it was pretty close. I relived a few of my favorite scenes and wow…I congratulate Emily on what I can only dream about. Having her bestselling books (I heard that “Something Blue” is in the works), become movies, it makes me want to work harder to get my book published and hopefully have it turned into a movie.

For more inspiration HERE is an interview which I loved, especially her answer to the 4th question. Am I stubborn? Absolutely!

Chick Lit Writing Contest

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Fears. We all have them when we write, but I’d say that my greatest fear is entering a contest. I have often thought about entering a contest and this year I think I might, only after seeing THIS blog.

Some might think that writing a book is something to be more afraid of, but I disagree and here’s why:

1: The Anxiousness: I am a worrier, so turning in something to win terrifies me! I’d be panicking from the time I send off my work to the time I hear any type of result.

2: The Requirements: Again with the worry, no matter how many time I check over what is required and how and what’s required of me, I (think) that I’m bound to not do something right, which might mean that I’d be disqualified — not cool on my part!

3: The Work: I am not the best writer, but by submitting work into a contest, it makes me want to be a better writer. My ideas that I come up with aren’t easy, but once I got going (sometimes) I can’t stop.

4: Confidence: Since writing and completing my book I have come a long way and I have confidence in my work and want to share my work. I want to be known so what better way to get my work out there than to say I’ve entered and won a contest? Nothing at all!

On a final note, I encourage you to enter (a) writing contest(s) for fun! Go for it and give it a try! I will if you will!

It’s Fun Friday

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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!

Adding A Little “Hump” To Your Wednesday

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**WARNING: MATERIAL MIGHT BE RACIER THAN NORMAL AND MIGHT CAUSE YOU TO NEED MOUTH TO MOUTH RESUSCITATION A.S.A.P.**

Happy Wednesday, ladies!  Wednesday is also known as “Hump Day,” so I’ve decided to put a little spark back in to your week, and in mine as well.  Today’s high in Texas is 110 and I am in need of a better excuse to be hot, instead of just the unbearable temperatures.

FANTASIES…We all have them, so you might as well enjoy and indulge your mind…and body

It all starts with a kiss.  Now I’m not talking about the kiss that your grandmother would approve of, but the behind closed doors kiss, the kiss that sends chills up and down our body.  This kiss is best when done spontaneously and with a light amount of aggression, followed up by the light brush of lip on lip action.  The intensity begins to grow and grow, until the sweet and saltness of his lips make you hungry for more of him.

It’s been a cliché that these kisses only happen on soap operas and in movies, but I beg to differ.  While relationships grow and evolve and everyday life begins and those little quirks that you use to think were so cute are now annoying, that’s when we (men and women) need to ignite fireworks to remind your significant other, or even rekindle the passion you two have for one another.

Eduardo Verastegul

I would like you all to be introduced to the man who inspired me to write this blog today, thanks to Kathie Lee and Hoda on The Today Show this morning.  They replayed a clip of their first episode extension of the morning show.  HERE is the clip.  Instantly, I fell in lust with him, and couldn’t remember wanting someone so bad, not even Bradley Cooper.  Now, it might have been the way he was dressed, only because I am drawn to attractive men in suits.  He is a very sexy Latino…HOT, HOT, HOT!

Pretend your on the beach and it’s just you and your man.  How much sexier can it get?  Not much!  There is a reason why so many couples want to go to a beach destination for a (romantic) vacation — and it’s all because of the intimacy that two people can share on what can be such an erotic location.  Think about it…you laying on dry sand and your man hovering over you, and there’s no one around.  When he’s kissing you and his hands are arousing your body.  All of the sudden get drenched thanks to a wave — at first your surprised and a little bit caught off guard, but then you ignore it and keep paying attention him, who has now eased his way down to your shoulders.  Instantly, your nipples begin to harden and chills cover your body…(I would keep going, but my own beach fantasies have taken over).

Some people might think of Texas men as non-attractive, well they are so wrong.  Cowboys are VERY sexy!  From head to toe, cowboy hat to cowboy boot and of course what’s in between!

There is something so sexy about a real cowboy, whether it’s the way they talk in that sweet charming accent from the south, or the way they are manly men with a touch of sensitivity.  These men are hard workers, on the land and in the bedroom.  Cowboys are known for waking up early, ready to take on the day of physical labor, and from what I hear just because the sun goes down doesn’t mean that they are ready to stop working, wink wink!  Their bodies are built to work overtime — and on you!  They take pride and cherish the women they are with.  **For quick sexy reads about cowboys click HERE.

This weekend I watched both Bridget Jones’s movies (Bridget Jones’s Diary and Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason) and fell in love with Mr. Darcy!

While Hugh Grant’s character, Daniel Cleaver, is that bad boy we always like for some reason and his smile makes me blush, everything about Colin Firth’s character, Mark Darcy, melted my heart.  I loved how he never bashed Daniel for sleeping with his ex-wife, I loved how Mark was honest about everything he said to Bridget, good or bad.  While he always acted strong and macho, he didn’t act like it, nor did he need to, to win Bridget’s heart.  Above is a picture of the movie where he says my favorite line.  While at first I didn’t think that Mr. Darcy was sexy at all, not even attractive, his actions made me love him and his words stuck with me.

I encourage you all to watch these two movies and find out why you love Mr. Darcy.