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Interview with Jessica Chambers
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Interview with Jessica Chambers

When did you decide you were really going to try to make it as a writer?

Actually, the deciding was the easy part! I knew way back when I was very young, around six or seven, that I wanted to be an author some day. Yet, while most kids grow out of their childhood dreams—to be an actor, firefighter, astronaut or whatever—mine has stayed with me. So, when I finished Voices on the Waves, finding a publisher was the natural next step.

What is your favorite part of the writing process?

Oh, it has to be creating the characters. I love inventing true to life people, complete with flaws as well as good points, who readers can hopefully identify with even if they don’t necessarily always like them. I especially love it when my characters change and develop in ways I hadn’t anticipated when I first began writing them.

Your first novel, Voices on the Waves, covers a multitude of characters. Do you have any favorites or anyone that you could really relate to?

I always love all my characters, however unsavory they might be, but the one I most enjoyed writing in VOTW was probably Karenza Jackson. Without giving too much away, though she shows a capable, free-spirited front to the world, she is in fact far more complex than that. In the space of the novel she demonstrates a range of traits from kindness and understanding, to cruelty and indifference, and even a great vulnerability, all of which made her head a fascinating place to inhabit.

Are you working on a second novel?

Better than that, my second novel is with a publisher as we speak. It’s called Dark is the Sky, and as the title suggests, it has a darker tone than VOTW. In a nutshell, it follows the Cameron family who are still coming to terms with the tragedy that tore them apart twelve years before. It’s a tangled web of lies, love and family secrets and I’m hoping it will be released later this year.

How did you find your publisher- Red Rose Publishing?

As with so many things in life, it was mostly down to luck. I may never even have heard of Red Rose if a fellow member of the online writing group I belong to hadn’t been accepted by them. While I was checking out her novel on the Red Rose website, I decided to take a look at their submission guidelines. It just so happened that one of the few genres they were accepting from first time authors was holiday novels. Well, why not? I thought. They can only turn me down. So I took a deep breath and emailed my manuscript, and the rest, as they say, is history!

When you were five, you were diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa. Can you explain what this is and how you overcame a vision impairment to go on and publish a novel?

Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited eye condition affecting the retina, causing varying degrees of sight loss. It’s a gradually developing disease, and in my case I was able to attend a mainstream school until the age of nine. By then my sight had deteriorated to such an extent that my teachers felt they no longer had the expertise to provide me with the specialist help I needed, and so it was decided I should finish my education at Dorton House, a school for the visually impaired. Not only did I learn to read Braille and use a computer with speech software, both of which have been invaluable in so far as my love of reading and writing; I was also lucky enough to meet my wonderful English teacher, Mr. Barry, who gave me the confidence to pursue my dream.

What are your favorite genre’s to read? What are you currently reading?

I’m a total book addict and will read pretty much any genre of fiction, so long as it has an intriguing plot and strong, memorable characters. For example, I’m currently reading Melissa De La Cruz’s Blue Bloods series, and next on my to read pile are a Philippa Gregory, a James Patterson and a Catherine Alliott. For me, alternating between so many genres keeps reading fresh and exciting!

What are some of your favorite activities- besides reading and writing?

What? You mean other hobbies actually exist? Seriously, though, I have two dogs, a four-year-old Staffy and a twelve-week-old Staffy/Bull Dog cross, and I love going for long walks with them over the parks near my home. I’m also an avid soccer fan, victim to the rollercoaster ride of emotions that is life as a Liverpool supporter.

Where would be your dream vacation?

It would have to be somewhere hot. OK, so I’m a redhead and so shouldn’t spend too much time in the sun, but I can’t help it. Life just seems so much brighter when the sun’s shining! On the other hand, I’m not the sort of person who can spend all day every day lying on a beach. I love relaxing, but I also enjoy soaking up the local culture, visiting sights of historical interest. So anywhere where I can combine the two elements would be ideal. Suggestions, anyone?

What is your advice for aspiring writers?

Study your craft. Most of us, unless we happen to be a literary genius, won’t write a publishable novel on the first attempt. Read every book you can lay your hands on about creating believable, unforgettable characters and how to weave page-turning plots. Join a writing critique group, whether online or face-to-face, to get feedback on your progress that will help you improve. Most of all, love what you do and write the sort of novels you would enjoy reading!

May 15, 2011
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In My Mailbox: Week of May 15
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In My Mailbox: Week of May 15

In My Mailbox: Week of May 15

Title: Priceless
Author: Nicole Richie
Received: From Cristina @ Simon and Shuster
Synopsis: Tall, blond, and willowy, this twenty-two-year-old seems to have everything going for her—she’s rich and gorgeous, a talented singer, and has just returned to her Park Avenue penthouse after a year studying in Paris. But since her mother’s tragic death years ago, her father, an extremely successful financier, has been her only family—and if she’s being honest, her only true friend.
All that changes when Jacob Williams is arrested on charges of fraud, and the SEC freezes the family’s bank accounts. With her father in jail and her partying pals suddenly scarce, Charlotte escapes Manhattan and heads to the one place she doesn’t think anyone will come looking: New Orleans.

Determined to rebuild her life, Charlotte moves in with her beloved former nanny and finds a job in a local restaurant. Between trying to make ends meet and hiding from her past, she meets Kat, a fellow fashionista who introduces her to the best of the Big Easy’s bohemian style. With Kat by her side, Charlotte begins to haunt nightclubs, securing singing gigs that soon begin to heat up—as does her friendship with a local boy, Jackson.

But Charlotte’s being followed by an angry stalker who wants nothing more than to destroy her for her father’s crimes. And with Mardi Gras just around the corner, the masquerade has only just begun . . .

From the stylish avenues of Manhattan and dark clubs of the French Quarter to the bright lights of Los Angeles, the multitalented Nicole Richie’s scintillating tale shows that the very life you run from is the one that won’t let you hide.

Title: Phone Kitten
Author: Marika Christian
Received: From Julie Smith @ BookBnimble/CLP Blog Tours
Synopsis: Marika Christian’s PHONE KITTEN introduces an absolutely unique, first-time-ever kind of female sleuth—a totally lovable, intelligent, downright hilarious down-home girl who happens to earn her living as a phone sex worker.
Shy, slightly overweight Emily would die if she had to talk dirty face-to-face—especially to her hot cop boy friend. She sure didn’t set out to do phone sex—she wanted to be a writer. But when her BFF framed her for plagiarism, she got in a tiny financial hole and saw this ad for “phone actresses”… Hey, it’s not nearly as bad as it sounds. No pantyhose or pantsuits, no regular hours, you’re your own boss, and lots of people to talk to. Guys, that is. But here’s the odd thing—lots of them want to talk about more than Emily’s imagined attributes; they start to think of her as the best friend they’ll never have to meet. Next thing you know, one of her customers gets killed and Emily knows a lot more about it than she should. But she can’t tell the nearest cop, who’s also her own true love, because then he’ll find out about her secret life. What’s a phone kitten to do? Solve the murder herself, of course—because wouldn’t it be a great story for the newspaper that wrongly fired her? It’s her ticket back to her real life—if it doesn’t get her killed.
PHONE KITTEN is your ticket to hours of giggles—so long as you’re not looking for raunch. Because this is so not it. Somehow, first-time author Christian manages to handle a potentially smokin’ subject with such sly wit, authentic detail, and clever writing that you’ll wonder why this subject was ever considered taboo.

Title: A Pug’s Tale
Author: Alison Pace
Received: From Erin @ The Penguin Group
Synopsis: Hope McNeill is a New York City gal who finally has it all—an amazing boyfriend, an adorable pug named Max, and a great job in the restorations department of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In fact, when a wealthy society woman and a major benefactor of the museum takes an interest in her and Max, Hope is thrilled and flattered.
Unfortunately, things take a wrong turn at work—a painting has disappeared from the museum and Hope’s boss is desperate to keep it quiet. Since the painting was in Hope’s department when last seen, she feels it’s up to her to get it back. Along the way she receives some surprising help from an enigmatic detective and her own intuitive pug.

Title: Night Road
Author: Kristin Hannah
Received: Unknown/Unsolicited
Synopsis: For eighteen years, Jude Farraday has put her children’s needs above her own, and it shows—her twins, Mia and Zach—are bright and happy teenagers. When Lexi Baill moves into their small, close knit community, no one is more welcoming than Jude. Lexi, a former foster child with a dark past, quickly becomes Mia’s best friend. Then Zach falls in love with Lexi and the three become inseparable.
Jude does everything to keep her kids on track for college and out of harm’s way. It has always been easy– until senior year of high school. Suddenly she is at a loss. Nothing feels safe anymore; every time her kids leave the house, she worries about them.
On a hot summer’s night her worst fears come true. One decision will change the course of their lives. In the blink of an eye, the Farraday family will be torn apart and Lexi will lose everything. In the years that follow, each must face the consequences of that single night and find a way to forget…or the courage to forgive.

May 15, 2011
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On Tour: Love Struck by Chantel Simmons
CLP Blog Tours

On Tour: Love Struck by Chantel Simmons

Chantel Simmons is going on tour May 16-30 with her second novel Love Struck When twenty-seven-year-old image consultant Poppy Ross discovers that her handsome and…

May 15, 2011
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Interview with Laura Dave
Chick Lit Authors

Interview with Laura Dave

Q: Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?

Always. My father used to read to me every night when he came home from work, and it made me fall in love with books and writing. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to write myself.

Q: Do you have a certain writing routine?

I’m actually pretty disciplined. I go to the same coffee shop every weekday morning, put on my headphones, and write for 4-5 hours. Then I take a lunch break. When work is going well, I will sometimes have a night session also. The quirkiest part of my writing routine is that I always listen to music while I’m working–and usually the same song on repeat. The song changes with each book. For The First Husband, I listened to The National quite a bit.

Q: What is the hardest part for you during the writing process?

Starting a new project is always the hardest part. I will often write and re-write the first 60 pages of a novel for months and months. Then something will click and I can finish the book in less time than those first 60 pages took to figure out. That is the exciting part for me: When I finally know where I want to go with a story, I really start to enjoy myself.

Q: Where does the inspiration for your stories come from?

It always comes form a question I can’t stop thinking about often deriving from events in my life, and the life of my friends. With my first novel, London Is The Best City In America, the question was: how do we choose a life? With The Divorce Party, The question was: how do we forgive? And with The First Husband it is: how do we find the place we belong?

Q: How did you find your agent?

I met my agent at an amazing writer’s conference in Tennessee called The Sewanee Writers’ Conference. I highly recommend writers conferences as a place to personally connect with agents, editors, and other writers. They can be invaluable

Q: If you hadn’t been a writer, what career would you be doing?

I love music, so I’d like to say a soundtrack producer on a television show or for the movies. That’s an alternate fantasy of mine.

Q: Can you describe your latest novel, The First Husband, in twenty words or less?

When a woman’s longterm boyfriend leaves her, she marries a new man three months later in reaction. Heartbreak (and happiness!) ensue.

Q: How important do you think social media is these days for authors?

I think it can be very important. It allows you to be in conversation with your readers which is priceless. And, for me, very enjoyable. I love hearing my readers’ stories and thoughts, and hearing what they thought about mine. Social media provides a platform (like we’ve never had before) for all of that.

Q: My favorite magazine, Cosmopolitan, named you a “Fun and Fearless Phenom of the Year” in 2008. What does an achievement like that mean to you?

It means so much to me! To be honored among such inspiring women still feels like a dream come true. And I adore Kate White, Cosmopolitan’s Editor in Chief. So getting to spend time with her was special for me.

Q: What is your best advice for aspiring writers?

Commit to your writing. This could mean going to a writing program, or it could mean giving yourself two hours before work of uninterrupted writing time. The key is honoring the commitment. The same way you brush your teeth, or exercise, you should decide it is something that you just do. No excuses. And, once you are used to doing it, give yourself a word count to reach. It can be 500 words a session, it can be 250. But nothing makes you feel more like a writer than actually seeing your progress.

Q: Where would be your dream vacation?

My fiance and I took a trip to Italy last year that I could do every year happily, forever. I fell madly in love with Italy’s Amalfi Coast, and can’t wait to go back.

May 14, 2011
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On Trend: Lace and Sheer
Chick Lit Plus

On Trend: Lace and Sheer

I have been browsing the racks, both in-store and virtual, the past few weeks searching for my fabulous spring and summer wardrobe additions. Two trends kept popping up: lace and sheer. And I love both! Designers such as Oscar de la Renta and Roberto Cavilla showcased these looks at recent fashion shows, and clothing catalogs like Victoria Secret and Venus have their take on the trend. Dresses, shirts, skirts, and even swimsuits are celebrating the light and feminine style of sheer and lace. If you are looking to add some essentials to your closet, check out a few of my favorite pieces below.

May 12, 2011
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Voices on the Waves by Jessica Chambers
Chick Lit Review

Voices on the Waves by Jessica Chambers

Faye Wakefield runs a competition at her beautiful farmhouse in Cornwall, offering a two-week vacation for nine lucky guests. The guests don’t know they are in a competition, they think they have just won a lucky stay, but Faye has another plan up her sleeve. As the days go by and the nine guests begin to know each other, Faye keeps a sharp eye out on them. Who will she pick as the winner of her mysterious competition? Patrick O’Leary- the Irishmen who can’t seem to stop drinking whisky? Sweet mannered Leah Shaw, who is hiding behind her own pain and keeping a big secret?
Voices on the Waves by Jessica Chambers is a unique story about a large amount of people all trying to find their way. Each character has their own background and story, and it was fascinating watching them all unfold throughout the pages. I felt a bond with all ten characters, which is hard to achieve, but somehow Chamber’s makes each of them shine in their own light. The ending had me tearing me up a bit, but I found this story to be touching and inspirational. I hope there might be another book in the works so readers can meet up with some of the cast again!
[Rating: 4]

May 11, 2011
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Crunch! Yoga Body Sculpt Review
Chick Lit Plus

Crunch! Yoga Body Sculpt Review

I am all about saving time, and that extends to my workouts. I knew I was needing to add another Yoga DVD to my collection, but I wanted Yoga with an oomph. I found Crunch Yoga Body Sculpt from Crunch Fitness, a brand that I have tried before and I really loved. I purchased the DVD, which promised to not only give me all the great benefits of yoga, but also tone, sculpt, and strengthen my body. Bethany Lyons, who is an AFAA and Power Yoga certified instructor, leads you through a series of yoga moves combined with sculpting moves, and it all has a very flowing feel towards it. This workout is aimed more at the beginner or intermediate levels, so I found it challenging but too much where I was frustrated. I did learn a few new moves which I enjoyed, and the ending in pigeon for a hip opener was a nice stretch. I will say that if you are a beginner, you might become confused on your breathing. Breathing is huge in yoga, and Bethany never really explains the importance or how to do it, so that would be tough. For me, I’ve been practicing yoga for a few years now so that wasn’t a problem, but I thought that should be pointed out. I also did have trouble keeping my palms together during sun salutations, but that was never a big problem. I usually ended up just separating them anyways. I thought the sculpting sessions for the buns and thighs were tough and I definitely felt it the next morning, which is always a positive sign! Overall, I thought it was a really great DVD if you are looking for some challenge in your yoga routine.
[Rating: 4]

May 9, 2011
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Emily and Einstein by Linda Francis Lee
Chick Lit Review

Emily and Einstein by Linda Francis Lee

Sandy Portman is ready to finally tell his wife Emily that he wants a divorce. Before he gets that chance, he is hit by a car and dies. Sandy is granted a second chance, and his soul now resides in a dog, which is soon adopted by none other than his wife. Emily finds an odd comfort in the little white dog, which she names Einstein. Emily, an editor at a publishing house and volunteer at the animal shelter, needs comfort after her husband’s untimely death. And even more comfort after she is being evicted from her family home. Sandy’s family comes from old-money wealth, and even though Sandy promised her their home, he never got around to changing his will. As if that betrayal wasn’t enough, as Emily is going through Sandy’s office, she stumbles across numerous affairs her husband had while they married. Emily is devastated, and relies on Einstein to help keep her spirits up. She doesn’t realize that Einstein is now her husband, who is being forced to watch the pain he inflicted upon his wife play out. Can Sandy help Emily move on from the mistakes that he made in his human life? Will it grant him a second chance, or will be destined to stay a dog forever- or simply fade away?
Emily and Einstein by Linda Francis Lee was quite interesting. The book is written both in Emily and Einstein/Sandy’s point of view, which I think was needed to understand both characters fully. While I loved Emily’s character- a hardworking, faithful wife, good spirit, I truly hated Sandy. It was to the point where I almost wanted to stop reading because he turned me off so much. He took no regard for any of the mistakes he made, always blaming someone else- usually Emily- for the actions he took in life. It was disgusting. The ending saved this book for me though. Finally, towards the very last pages, Sandy appears somewhat remorseful for putting Emily through so much pain. If that hadn’t happened, I’m not sure what I would have rated this book. While I disliked Sandy’s character so much, I disliked a lot of other people in the book as well. I wished there would have been more, well, nicer, people being written about. But Sandy, his mom, Emily’s sister, Emily’s co-workers, boss, are all plain mean people. I know there are plenty of terrible people in this world, but to have so many in one book was a little overwhelming. At the same time, Emily and Einstein really made me think, about life, the people we share it with, and how to overcome challenges. If I focus on that, along with what I thought was a great ending to the story, then I did enjoy this book. You can see from my review that I was clearly on the fence, but I would recommend this read. See what you take away from the characters and their journeys, and I hope you enjoy.
[Rating: 3.5]

May 9, 2011
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In My Mailbox: Week of May 8
Updates

In My Mailbox: Week of May 8

In My Mailbox: Week of May 8, 2011

Title: With Just One Click
Author: Amanda Strong
Received: From Amanda Strong/Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours
Synopsis: “Reluctance is matched with a pit in my stomach; once I joined, anyone could randomly find me … did I really want to be found?” Chloe, a successful movie reviewer and serial dater, is added as a friend by her first love … the one who left her standing at seventeen with a note in her hand as he simply walked away. Faced with a decision to confirm or ignore a person she once hated, resented … and cared for, will she risk opening old wounds and allow him back into her life? Morgan, a loyal stay-at-home mother and wife, is blindsided one day with a discovery … one of her husband’s friends is his single and very flirtatious ex-girlfriend. Overcome with jealousy and obsession, a once confident wife turns into a paranoid woman on a mission. Will she hunt for the truth at any cost and risk her once solid marriage?
Brynn, a lonely mom to two distant teenagers and workaholic husband, becomes immersed in Facebook … the one place she finds solace, hope, and herself again. When she revisits the past with one of her friends, her world is turned upside down with regret and indecision. Will her deception ultimately destroy her family?
Three lives changed forever with just one click. Confirming a friend isn’t as easy as it seems … but do these women have more in common than just Facebook?

Title: Riversong
Author: Tess Hardwick
Received: From Katherine @ BookTrope
Synopsis: When Lee Tucker’s husband commits suicide, he leaves her pregnant and one million dollars in debt to a loan shark. Out of options, she escapes to her deceased mother’s dilapidated house located in a small Oregon town that, like her, is financially ruined, heartbroken and in desperate need of a fresh start. Lee’s resilience leads to a plan for a destination restaurant named Riversong, to new chances for passion and love, and to danger from her dead husband’s debt as her business blooms.
Author Tess Hardwick assembles a colorful cast of endearing small-town characters and takes you on a journey that will make you believe in the possibilities of life – even in the face of overwhelming adversity and unimaginable grief. Lee Tucker is the kind of woman you find yourself rooting for long after the last page is read.
A surprising mix of romance, humor, friendship, intrigue and gourmet food – Riversong entertains while reminding you of life’s greatest gifts.

Title: A Proper Charlie
Author: Louise Wise
Received: From Louise Wise
Synopsis: Charlie Wallis has everything a girl could wish for. A loving boyfriend, a nice flat and a fantastic job as a journalist for London Core. Trouble is, Charlie’s boyfriend’s a waster, her job title really reads ‘clerk’ and her flat, at the top of a high-rise, isn’t that nice after all. Her new boss, Ben, is a huge bear of a man. A gentle giant, with chocolate brown eyes that hold a secret.While London Core investigates the murders of local prostitutes, Charlie wants in on the action, deciding that dressing as a hooker and walking the streets is good research.Bumping into Ben was the last thing she expected.A story of opposites not only attract, but ignite!

May 9, 2011
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