Chick Lit Plus by Samantha March

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Cat Lavoie on Breaking the Rules Release
Updates

Cat Lavoie on Breaking the Rules Release

Well, the day is finally here! BREAKING THE RULES is being released by Marching Ink and the pile of marked-up papers on my desk has become an actual book. The last few months have been a whirlwind of excitement and anticipation and I’m so happy that I finally get to share Roxy and Ollie’s story with all of you. They feel like old friends now—I’ve been living with both of them for so long—and I’m very proud of how far they’ve come. Yes, I know they’re not real people… but sometimes I kind of wish they were.
I hope you enjoy BREAKING THE RULES and thank you so much for reading!

August 8, 2012
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Letter From the Publisher: Breaking the Rules
Updates

Letter From the Publisher: Breaking the Rules

I got an email one day many months ago from Cat Lavoie, inquiring about my editing services. We did the usual back and forth banter: services provided, turn around time, queries about the MS, etc, and then I asked her to send me the first few pages, so I could get a feel for her writing and offer her a price quote. Those first five pages drew me into her story like no other, and I practically begged for her to choose me as her editor. Mainly – I just wanted to keep reading! After getting through the story (and groaning when I had to take breaks) I realized I had a big decision in front of me. When I published my debut in October 2011 (Destined to Fail) I bought the rights to my own publishing company, Marching Ink LLC. The goal was to eventually publish other author’s work besides my own, but that goal had a date of 2013. But Breaking the Rules was staring me face, and I knew deep in my bones that I loved this book. I love the book the way I’ve heard publishers are supposed to love the novels they select to put out to the public. So I took a chance and made an offer to Cat, asking her if she would be interested in having Marching Ink release her debut.
After a lot of hard work, long hours, a bazzilion tax questions to my accountant, and more re-reads than I can count, Breaking the Rules is now for sale. As Cat’s editor-turned-publisher, I say with all my heart that I hope you love this book as much I do. Cat’s writing lured me in, and Roxy Rule’s story about love, friendship, and self-discovery was simply one that needed to be shared. I want to thank Cat for taking on a small publisher and believing in me that I would put everything I could into making her book a success. I want to thank my assistant, Sara, for all the hours you put in as well and your enthusiasm for working for a possibly insane woman that will never stop using smiley faces in emails. And I want to thank the countless bloggers that have and will be hosting Cat along the next couple of months. Thank you everyone, thank you readers, and please enjoy Breaking the Rules.

August 8, 2012
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Novel Spotlight: The Way by Kristen Wolf
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Novel Spotlight: The Way by Kristen Wolf

Anna is a fiery tomboy living in ancient Palestine whose androgynous appearance provokes ridicule from the people around her and doubt within her own heart. When tragedy strikes her family, and Anna’s father—disguising her as a boy—sells her to a band of shepherds, she is captured by a mystical and secret society of women hiding in the desert. At first Anna is tempted to escape, but she soon finds that the sisterhood’s teachings and healing abilities, wrapped in an ancient philosophy they call “The Way,” have unleashed an unexpected power within her.

When danger befalls the caves in which the sisters have made their home, Anna embarks on a hazardous mission to preserve the wisdom of her mentors by proclaiming it among ordinary people. Her daring quest and newfound destiny reveal, at last, the full truth of her identity—a shocking revelation that will spark as much controversy as it does celebration.

Anna’s story is one of transformation, betrayal, love, loss, deception, and above all, redemption. Readers will cheer for this unforgettable protagonist—and for debut novelist Kristen Wolf, whose beautifully written book both provokes and inspires. A compelling mix of history, myth, and fantasy, The Way is a fascinating exploration of the foundations and possibilities of human spirituality.

August 6, 2012
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Q&A with Victoria Connelly
For Writers

Q&A with Victoria Connelly

1. What is your story about?

My new e-book is called It’s Magic and it’s a collection of 3 novels which were originally published in Germany: Flights of Angels, Unmasking Elena Montella and Three Graces. They’re all romantic comedies with a touch of magic so expect to meet five naughty guardian angels, a magical Venetian mask and an opinionated eighteenth-century ghost!

2. Did you draw inspiration from your personal life?

I did! Flights of Angels was inspired by when my husband was sent to a war zone just six weeks after our wedding. I panicked and truly believed I was going to become a widow and, in the split second that the thought crossed my mind, the writer in me kicked in and I thought, wouldn’t that be a great idea for a book? So, once my husband was safely home, I started writing a book about a young widow who has her own group of tiny guardian angels to take care of her.

Unmasking Elena Montella started with my love for Venice – we were staying there and I really fell in love with the city and became fascinated by the world of mask making and began to wonder if the masks were magical …

Three Graces was inspired by my love of old country houses and I couldn’t stop wondering what it would be like to live in one – a haunted one!

3. When did you know writing was for you?

I’ve always wanted to be a writer and I started my first novel when I was fourteen. I used to take it to school and pass it under the table for my friends to read during Maths lessons which used to get me into trouble with the teacher but I was well and truly hooked by that age.

4. How would you describe your books?

I say that I write ‘romantic comedies’ rather than chick lit as that term has been around a lot longer and it’s the romantic comedy films of Doris Day, Deanna Durbin, Gene Kelly and Marilyn Monroe that inspired me to write.

Don’t look for designer labels, references to popular celebrities or high heels and handbags in my books. They’re usually set in the country and they’re often inhabited by characters who wear Wellies and the occasional mad dog!

5. What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?

The waiting! Everything takes an absolute age from when you wait for feedback from your agent or editor to the length of time publication takes. I also find the physical aspect of writing quite hard as I suffer from RSI and often have to use voice recognition software and dictate my novels onto the computer which is really frustrating as I’m a touch typist and find that a lot quicker.

6. What are your favorite genres to read?

Romantic comedies of course! I love writers like Sophie Kinsella but I adore books from yesteryear too and some of my favourite authors include HE Bates, Miss Read and John Hadfield (who wrote one perfect novel – Love on a Branchline).

I do like the occasional thriller too – something dark and edgy like Scott Mariani’s Ben Hope books or adventures by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child.

7. What do you want readers to take away from your story?

I hope that my stories make people happy. I don’t attempt to write stories with life-changing messages or stories that will win literary prizes. I just hope I can raise a smile or two and make somebody happy and allow them to escape into another world for a few hours.

8. What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you as an author?

That I absolutely love writing and that it’s a real privilege to be able to connect with other people through my stories. I love hearing what readers think of my stories and I will always respond to messages from them.

9. How important do you think social media is for authors these days?

It’s very important to have a presence online and I have to say that I’m a bit of a fan of Facebook and Twitter. You can find me on both (@VictoriaDarcy on Twitter). These forums are a wonderful to connect with readers and it’s great to give them a shout when your new books come out. Publishers are very happy to encourage this!

10. What would be your advice to aspiring writers?

Never give up! My book, Flights of Angels, had hundreds of rejections from agents and publisher from all over the world and took years to get published but it was then printed in four different editions and made into a film. If I’d given up at any stage, I’d never have had that amazing experience!

Also, love what you do. Really love it! Choose a genre you’re passionate about. Read lots and write lots and LOTS. Learn your craft and be patient. If you are willing to work hard and truly love writing, you can make it happen!

August 6, 2012
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My First 5K: Week Eight: Busy!
Chick Lit Plus

My First 5K: Week Eight: Busy!

Well, this week has been a bit crazy. Newly engaged, traveling to see family and venue spaces…what a whirlwind! I’m writing my 5K post at 10pm instead of my usual afternoon slot – which was booked today with, you guessed it, looking at venues for my 2013 wedding. So this one will be short and sweet. I’m happy to say that even with being busy, I still made time to get all my training done this week. And with the 5K sneaking up way too fast (um, is it seriously August?!) the runs are only getting longer and more tiring! But just like I tell aspiring writers – if you really want this, you will put pen to paper or finger to key every day – I live that motto for being healthy as well. I was going to have this post be a bit more about health and why I work hard on completing workouts and watching my diet, but I’m a bit tired from our 9+ hours of driving we’ve done between Friday night and this afternoon, so I’ll just leave you with my workout schedule and a promise to do better next week!
Monday: Run 5 minutes, walk 1 x3, 30 min Jillian Michael Yoga Melt DVD
Tuesday: Walk 15 minutes, 50 sit-ups, 10 minute cardio DVD – abs, 30 minute run interval – treadmill
Wednesday: Run 6 minutes, walk 1 x 4, 60 minute elliptical
Thursday: Walk 15 minutes, 50 sit-ups, 60 minute treadmill – incline walk, 30 minute run interval – treadmill
Friday: Run 6 minutes, walk 1 x 6, 30 minute treadmill – incline walk
Saturday & Sunday: Day Off

August 5, 2012
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In My Mailbox: Week of August 5
Chick Lit Plus

In My Mailbox: Week of August 5

In Samantha’s Mailbox:

Title: Bond Girl

Author: Erin Duffy

Received: From William Morrow

Synopsis: When other little girls were dreaming about becoming doctors or lawyers, Alex Garrett set her sights on conquering the high-powered world of Wall Street. And though she’s prepared to fight her way into an elitist boys’ club, or duck the occasional errant football, she quickly realizes she’s in over her head when she’s relegated to a kiddie-size folding chair with her new moniker—Girlie—inscribed in Wite-Out across the back.

No matter. She’s determined to make it in bond sales at Cromwell Pierce, one of the Street’s most esteemed brokerage firms. Keeping her eyes on the prize, the low Girlie on the totem pole will endure whatever comes her way—whether trekking to the Bronx for a $1,000 wheel of Parmesan cheese; discovering a secretary’s secret Friday night slumber/dance party in the conference room; fielding a constant barrage of “friendly” practical jokes; learning the ropes from Chick, her unpredictable, slightly scary, loyalty-demanding boss; babysitting a colleague while he consumes the contents of a vending machine on a $28,000 bet; or eluding the advances of a corporate stalker who’s also one of the firm’s biggest clients.

Ignoring her friends’ pleas to quit, Alex excels (while learning how to roll with the punches and laugh at herself) and soon advances from lowly analyst to slightly-less-lowly associate. Suddenly, she’s addressed by her real name, and the impenetrable boys’ club has transformed into forty older brothers and one possible boyfriend. Then the apocalypse hits, and Alex is forced to choose between sticking with Cromwell Pierce as it teeters on the brink of disaster or kicking off her Jimmy Choos and running for higher ground.

Fast-paced, funny, and thoroughly addictive, Bond Girl will leave you cheering for Alex: a feisty, ambitious woman with the spirit to stand up to the best (and worst) of the boys on the Street—and ultimately rise above them all.

Title: Second Time Around

Author: Erin Kaye

Received: Unsolicited, Avon Books

Synopsis: A heart-warming tale of love in the face of family and friendship, perfect for fans of Cathy Kelly and Maeve Binchy Divorcee Jennifer Irwin has it all – a successful interior design business and two loving children. But as her 45th birthday approaches and her children prepare to start their own lives, Jennifer is left feeling lonely in her empty nest. That’s when she meets Ben Crawford – a man 16 years her junior – as their attraction heightens, Jennifer realises what she’s been missing. But mindful that the small-town Ballyfergus residents would never approve, they conduct their affair in secret. But a secret is never a secret for long…As the affair surfaces, Jennifer encounters opposition from friends and family, especially her daughter Lucy. Enraged by her mother’s relationship, Lucy seeks comfort in the arms of charismatic but troubled, Oren. Jennifer knows that Oren is not the man he seems, but can she convince her daughter of that? And with everything going against them, can Jennifer and Ben’s love survive? Or will she risk losing her daughter to be with the man she loves?

Title: The Wedding Diaries

Author: Sam Binnie

Received: Unsolicited, Avon Books

Synopsis: The first in a brand new series introduces Kiki Carlow, a woman on a mission to create her perfect wedding.

Kiki Carlow is shocked but delighted when boyfriend Thom proposes. Planning a wedding is easy, right? That’s as long as you ignore:

1. The utterly bankrupting price of the only dress you’ll ever truly love.
2. Your suddenly pregnant sister – surprise!
3. The celebrity wedding you’re covering for work which is devouring your every waking thought.
4. The Mother of the Bride. Entirely.

Kiki soon discovers that planning the perfect wedding might just bring total chaos to the rest of her life. Can she stop being a Bridezilla in time to marry the man she loves?

Heart-warming and hilarious, The Wedding Diaries will make you laugh, cry, and want to watch Bridesmaids all over again…

In Sara’s Mailbox:

Title: Summer Nights

Author: Allie Spencer

Received: Philippa @Random House

Synopsis: Could getting dumped on her birthday and stranded in San Francisco actually be the best thing that could happen to Flora?

Flora Fielding has been dumped on her 30th birthday, and left stranded in San Francisco. With nowhere else to turn, she seeks out her cousin Bella who has been working as a nurse in the city for the past few years. But when she arrives at Bella’s apartment, Flora is shocked to find that her cousin’s in even more trouble than she is—because instead of leading the fast-paced life of an emergency room nurse that Flora has imagined, Bella is eking out a living as the lead singer in an Abba tribute band. But as Flora soon learns, although life in San Francisco with Bella may be uncertain, it’s never ever dull. What with the tense Battle of the Tribute Bands, the threat to the local area by an evil developer, and the attentions of a very persistent computer geek, Flora soon begins to wonder whether she wants to go home at all.

August 5, 2012
4 Comments
Challenge 2012:Post Reviews:August
Updates

Challenge 2012:Post Reviews:August

August Reviews

See past reviews

January Reviews

February Reviews

March Reviews

April Reviews

May Reviews

June Reviews

July Reviews

Please note this is not the sign up page. To sign up, click here

To see what challengers are reading, click here

Only signed up challengers are eligible to win

Prize for August: Two (2) winners will receive a print copy of Breaking the Rules by Cat Lavoie, and two (2) will receive a Kindle or ePub version. This will be open to US/Canada residents only. In order to qualify, you must post the link to your review in the Mister Linky below. This can be to your blog, GoodReads page, or other sources such as Amazon.

August 2, 2012
23 Comments
Author Profile: Dee Ernst
Chick Lit Authors

Author Profile: Dee Ernst

Author Name: Dee Ernst
Website: http://dernst2010.wordpress.com/
Bio: Dee Ernst was born Elizabeth Diane Ascoli in Newark, NJ. Her family moved to Morristown, NJ when she was still a toddler. She started writing stories on a battered Royal typewriter when she was about ten or twelve, and she graduated Morristown High School determined to pursue a career as a writer in some form or another (she considered advertising, but luckily came to her senses). Creative writing majors were hard to find in 1974, so she attended Marshall University as a journalism major. That wasn’t working, so she tried Education, but that didn’t quite work either. Several jobs and years later, staying home with a three-year-old and trying to figure out what to do when she grew up, Joan Hamburg on WOR radio in New York was interviewing someone who said if you wanted to know what to with your life, remember what you were playing when you were ten, and try to turn that into a career. Since Dee was writing stories at ten, she sat down and wrote her first novel. It went nowhere. Her second novel got her a terrific agent and upwards of fifteen rejection letters (She reread them all in preparation of this biography). Her third novel, Better Off Without Him, garnered even more rejection letters from a much higher caliber of editor. Undaunted, she self-published Better Off Without Him in October 2010. She is now waiting patiently for fame and fortune.
Titles: Better Off Without Him
See my review for Better Off Without Him!
Bio retrieved from dernst.com

August 2, 2012
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Happily Ever After by Maggie Greene
For Writers

Happily Ever After by Maggie Greene

Happily Ever After

Thanks so much for having me here today!

I hear from a lot of people that they don’t like reading romances because the ending is implied. I’m sure you won’t be surprised to learn that these books end with a happily-ever-after. That’s actually what I love about it. When I pick up a romance, I know that no matter what the characters go through, they are going to wind up together in the end.

To be fair, romance isn’t the only genre this happens in. When you read a mystery, you expect the detective to solve the crime, right? Otherwise it wouldn’t make it a very good story. We like to see good win out over evil.

We also like to see love conquer the world. I strongly believe in the power of love to heal wounds created by the rest of the world. Of course, I also believe that it is important to make the characters work to get there. So you know what you’re getting with my book. Two characters who each have a host of personal problems, who want to be together but are pulled apart by circumstances, but who find a way to overcome those issues and end up together in the end.

Alright, time for the fun part. I’m having a large giveaway as part of my blog tour. Comments on each of the stops will count as an entry in the contest. Winners will be drawn on August 1st andwill receive a gift basket from me complete with some book swag, bath products,and honey. For more details (and chances to enter), you can visit my blog (http://www.authormaggiegreene.com).Please make sure you leave an email address.

July 31, 2012
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