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GETTING MY GROOVE BACK

Posted on by Melissa Chambers

Fantastic, frustrating, empowering, diminishing, a blast, depressing.

These are the things I feel on a weekly basis when writing.

I started writing a book last fall that I had to abandon for another manuscript (hopefully more to come on that soon). With the other ms complete, I dusted off the old one off and have been laboring at it for a couple of months. I don’t mean to make it sound cumbersome. My heroine in this story is my favorite heroine of mine to date. She’s goofy, self-deprecating, determined, and a complete train wreck. I adore her.

She’s the reason I keep plugging away at this story, because of all the stories I’ve written, I’ve had the most trouble with this one. But I can’t stow this girl away to never be heard from. So for the past month or so I have stared at the computer screen, sometimes only writing one paragraph over a two hour period of time, willing plot points to pop into my head.

And then I sat down with my husband for a brain-storming session one night. It was the push I needed. Slowly but surely, I got back on the horse and drove the story forward. Now, that horse is galloping full-speed ahead as I have written more words in this past week than I have in the past two months combined. This girl’s story will be told!

If the darn secondary character will quit trying to take over.

I’m telling you, this girl is bound and determined to take her friend’s story from her. I keep hushing this secondary character, promising she will have her turn in book two, but she’s damn persistent and stubborn as hell. I’m about to break out some duct tape on her. Can you believe she even made me write the first scene of her book the other night? And I’m not even finished with book one. I swear, this girl is going to have me up till two in the morning trying to get her story done. Can I please finish book one?

So if you are a writer, and you are stuck, HANG IN THERE. You will get over your hump, although it doesn’t feel like it now. And when you do, you might wish for the times when you had nothing to write about. At least you were getting a decent night’s sleep.

WHERE WERE YOU TEN YEARS AGO?

Posted on by Melissa Chambers

The other day I happened upon a stack of CD’s (remember those?) that I had compiled ten years ago of songs from our iTunes library. I had named them as “Deck Songs 2004 Volume One,” – eight volumes in total. As we sat outside, enjoying our first Friday night of the summer, my husband casually mentioned that the docking station we were listening to had a CD player…and it was on.

I grabbed those eight CD’s and didn’t look at the song titles. I wanted to be surprised by each one. I put in Volume One, and we were kicked off with Prince’s “1999.” Perfection!

I had infused such hits as Journey’s “Stone In Love” with ‘N Sync’s remake of “Just Got Paid” and Soundgarden’s “Pretty Noose” with Elvis Presley’s “Little Less Conversation,” which if you will remember, made a sort of comeback in the early 2000’s. The almost circus-like clatter of the very beginning Bruce Springsteen’s “Tunnel of Love” exited me into the smooth ride that is one of my favorite pop/rock songs. I jammed with a smile to my favorite remake ever – Soul Asylum’s version of “Sexual Healing” – and let Honeymoon Suite’s “Feel It Again” absorb into my skin like a drug.

The songs on these CD’s were both a representation of our musical tastes up until 2004 and a sign of the then current times. As Jet’s “Cold Hard Bitch” played we talked about the groups of the time that seemed to exit pop culture as soon as they came. When Maroon 5’s “Harder to Breathe” came on we discussed how we both expected the rest of their stuff to have the same grit, but how they turned out a little too pop for our taste. Funny how I had no problem head-bopping to Nick Lowe’s pop hit “Cruel to Be Kind.” 🙂

When The Outfield’s “Main Attraction” came on, I thought my husband was going to need a cigarette afterward, and he thought I’d need one after my favorite Def Leppard tune, “Photograph.” We talked about how jarring the intrusion of grunge was in the early nineties as it crushed eighties hair metal, and we debated who were the real innovators of the genre. He reminisced about the first time he saw the video for “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and how he and his bandmates couldn’t figure out if they loved or hated it. And I recalled the moment in the summer of 1993, lying on a raft in the pool, when I heard the powerful, raw first line of “Dead and Bloated,” kicking off Stone Temple Pilot’s first album and just about knocking me off my float.

But the coolest part was enjoying these songs with the same guy I sat with ten years ago on our deck at our old house. I held the same black dog in my lap while the same brown dog sat across from me in her own chair just like she always did on that deck ten years ago. Except now we have a fifth Chambers family member who loves music just as much as his mom and dad does.

I can’t think of a better way to have kicked off the first official weekend of summer. 🙂

Happy Memorial Day weekend to you and yours!

DO YOU CARE ABOUT REVIEWS?

Posted on by Melissa Chambers

Whether or not I choose to read or listen to a book has absolutely nothing to do with good reviews or the number of stars assigned to it. Not to say I don’t read reviews — I actually enjoy reading them…after I’ve read the book. I’m that weirdo that closes a book I adored and marches straight to Goodreads to search out the one star reviews.

I’m not sure why I do this. Sometimes it’s to see how someone else could have possibly found fault with the masterpiece I’ve just read or heard. Or maybe one or two things bothered me about the book, and I want to see if there’s anyone else out there in agreement — sort of like being a fly on a wall in an online book club discussion.

Some of the reviews crack me up. I guess I get off on watching people get all worked up — and boy, do they get worked up. I can envision arms flailing, faces turning beet red and steam shooting out of ears. Why? I never can understand why people are so bitter in reviews. It’s as if they are angry at the author for wasting their time and don’t realize that the author is an actual live person with feelings. Would these angry reviewers confront these authors at a party and say the same things? Probably some of them would. But I’m guessing many would not.

It’s all so subjective, and we’re all so different. I could not get into Silver Linings Playbook to save my life, but clearly the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences along with most of the rest of the movie-going population would disagree with me. But I’ll watch Death to Smoochy for the umpteenth time and love every minute of it.

I’ve always had difficulty writing an unfavorable review and especially do now that I write books myself. Even if I thought a book was the worst thing ever written, I’d never get online and scathe that book because now I know how much hard work goes into even the worst of books. It’s easier to feel okay about slamming a really popular book because you feel like that author has been well compensated and is SO totally out there for review. But billionaire or not, even those people bleed when they are cut.

So when I love a book, I give it five stars. If I don’t, I just shut up about it. I know people argue that I’m not contributing to the greater good, being honest so I can help others make buying decisions. But who’s to say my trash isn’t their treasure or vice versa? Because come on, name me one other person who loves Death to Smoochy.

MOTHERS AND OTHERS

Posted on by Melissa Chambers

On Mother’s Day a couple of years ago, I saw a Facebook post that reminded us to be mindful of those women who long to be mothers on this day. I’ll admit, I felt some shame at my own lack of empathy, especially since I once was one of those women who were told they would likely never be able to carry a baby to term. (My child came three days PAST his due date by the way.)

I will never forget when my husband and I moved to our first house. There was a community garage sale going on down the street, and several of the neighborhood ladies were lined up in chairs in the front yard of one house. I decided to walk down and introduce myself. All the ladies greeted me with smiles and welcomed me to the neighborhood. The first question was, “Do you have kids?” When I answered, “No,” I got a collective, “Oh,” which sounded similar to the air being let out of a balloon. The ladies lost interest in me at that point and began looking past me for a mother somewhere, presumably.

Then there was the time I was at a Bunco table and a mother was complaining about her four kids. She actually said, “I’m envious of these women who have trouble getting pregnant. I get pregnant at the drop of the hat and don’t even want these kids!” (Insert hysterical laughter…from only her.)

As I remained childless through the years, I found that others around me who started having their own children started drifting away. And I got it. I really did. Their lives were changing. There was not room for me anymore. But when you are in that place where you long for a child and you are trying your damndest to have one and are coming up short, it stings when those who have what you want shun you.

What’s worse is whether they realize it or not, people don’t just discriminate against you if you don’t have children. Now that I have a child, I find that I get the boot by some would-be friends because my kid is not the right age for their kid, or because I only have one child, lacking that second kid who can play with this particular parent’s other child who is older or younger, or a different gender than my kid. Trying to find a good match is akin to finding a flattering swimsuit. Which, by the way, can be done. My friend found the most flattering swimsuit that I’ve ever seen, and that was from a place called Hermoza, so I must make time to have a look at the apparel that they have on this site because I might finally be able to find a gorgeous swimsuit. And yes, I’m in desperate need of one!

So as much as I want to wish all of the hard-working mothers out there a fantastic Mother’s Day, my hope is that we can keep those in mind who long to be mothers and fathers, not just today, but all days. My other hope is that if I’ve ever been such an asshole as described above to any of my child-free friends, that you will give me a swift kick in my behind for it. I would deserve it!

 

WHO DOESN’T LOVE A SERIES?

Posted on by Melissa Chambers

I don’t know about you, but I sure love a series. I can’t tell you how often I’ve finished a book that I thought was just okay, but knowing it was part of a series, I still went looking for that next one. Then there is the delight of reading a book you don’t realize is part of a series, and then you find out there is a whole slew of books in that town or with that family or circle of friends, and your mind is set to ease knowing you don’t have to separate yourselves from these people just yet.

There is something so comforting about settling in with characters you are already familiar with. Even if the new hero and/or heroine have just been side characters in the first book you read, you feel like you know them a little — and if the author has done it right, you know just enough to make you want to know more.

I recently listened to the first book in Laura Kaye’s Hard Ink series, Hard as It Gets, and she gave us the slightest hint into this one character’s life that piqued my curiosity. As soon as I finished the book, I went directly to Goodreads to read the blurb about book two with fingers crossed. Sure enough, that character earned the position of heroine in the second book in the series, Hard as You Can. Well done, Ms. Kaye.

I’ve been listening to a couple of books from Lorelei James’s Blacktop Cowboys series, which by the way is an excellently written series about bull-riders, bull-fighters, farming cowboys and all kinds of other rough and tumble guys dreams are made of. This author gives us a closer look at the side characters, even taking a detour from the story at hand to allow a look into their own points of view at times.

But I’ll tell you a little secret. It’s not just the readers that love the series. Us writers become so close to our characters through the writing process that it’s sometimes difficult for us to let go. So I believe series are a win-win for everyone!

Finally, I can’t talk about series without introducing you to a few of my favorites. Lisa Kleypas’s Travis series inspired me to write a series of my own. The fourth book in that series comes out later this year. I’ll be screaming from the rooftops about that when it releases.

I became quite addicted to James Patterson’s Michael Bennett series last year. But who can resist a single father with ten kids?

When agents or editors ask me what authors my own books are similar to, I always mention Erin McCarthy’s Fast Track series. While I haven’t been clever enough to hone in on such a unique world as stock car racing, I feel like her characters have an authenticity that I hope I am achieving as well in my own writing. We also have similar heat levels in our writing. (You’ve been warned.)

And while we all love Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series, I would love her to take a break and write just one more in her Alex Barnaby series. Don’t read Metro Girl in public, unless you want to be stared at for laughing hysterically by yourself.

I’d LOVE to hear about your favorite series! I’m a book junkie and it doesn’t take much to convince me to read or listen to a good one. Let us all know about your favorite series here in the comments.

And as always, happy reading!

CHANGE IS GOOD…ish

Posted on by Melissa Chambers

So change is good, right? Right? *crickets*

This week I got a message from my website provider that they were doing away with both my website builder program and my blog program. Sorry ’bout your luck!

After a good bit of pouting followed by hiding under the dining room table staring down my computer like it was a loose cobra, I finally decided to figure this shiz out. So I got on the phone and hung up a half-hour later with a brand new online world waiting for my magic fingers and arthritic wrist to explore and make myself a new online home. It is always best to do your research first and see which website builder will be best for you to use – WordPress versus Wix? You’ll be able to decide once you’ve got all you need.

The result…I love it! No really, I do! I now have just one fabulous online home — melissachambers.com Here you will find my blog on the landing page nestled right along with my other website pages. It’s what I’ve always dreamed of. *sniff*

So here’s the sucky part. The one thing that did NOT come over with all my other blog and web stuff was my BLOG SUBSCRIBERS. 🙁 This puts me back in pouty mode.

So to all of you precious people who signed up for my blog previously, and to anyone else who would like to sign up (bless your heart!) may I ask that you please do that here? There’s a convenient little signup button thingy at the top right of this page, and all you need do is put in your email address. If you choose to sign up for this blog I will love you and hug you and kiss you and call you George. 🙂 I post only on Sunday mornings, and as always, I promise not to flood you with useless, humorless crap.

Thank you kindly, my sweet friends! And welcome to my new online home!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW-LAUREN SMITH

Posted on by Melissa Chambers

All of you historical, regency fans, have I got a special treat for you today. Author Lauren Smith is here to talk about the first release in her League of Rogues series, WICKED DESIGNS.

For too long Miss Emily Parr has been subject to the whims of her indebted uncle and the lecherous advances of his repulsive business partner. Her plan to be done with dominating men forever is simple—find herself a kind husband who will leave her to her books.

It seems an easy enough plan, until she is unexpectedly abducted by an incorrigible duke who hides a wounded spirit behind flashing green eyes.

Godric St. Laurent, Duke of Essex, spends countless nights at the club with his four best friends, and relishes the rakish reputation society has branded him with. He has no plans to marry anytime soon—if ever. But when he kidnaps an embezzler’s niece, the difficult debutante’s blend of sweetness and sharp tongue make him desperate for the one thing he swears he never wanted: love.

Yet as they surrender to passion, danger lurks in Godric’s shadowed past, waiting for him to drop his guard—and rob him of the woman he can’t live without.

Warning: This novel includes a lady who refuses to stay kidnapped, a devilish duke with a dark past, and an assortment of charming rogues who have no idea what they’ve gotten themselves into.

Hello, Lauren! Tell us a little about yourself — who you are and what you write.

Hi Guys!  I’m Lauren Smith. I’m an attorney by day and writer by night who hails from Tornado Alley (Oklahoma specifically). I write in the following subgenres of romance: historical, Regency, contemporary, new adult, modern gothic, paranormal. If there’s a good story out there, it’s my dream to share it with readers!

From the blurb, I see that Godric kidnaps Emily. So, are dealing with a bad boy hero here? Because, you know how much we romance readers just hate those bad boys.  

Yes! Godric is very much a bad boy. Each member of the League of Rogues is a bad boy. You might even find them contemptible in the first couple of chapters. They don’t apologize for who they are, they embrace the bad boy aspect of their lives. But, the second they kidnap Emily, everything starts to change and soon she has all of those bad boys eating out of the palm of her hand and fighting to the death to protect her. Wicked Designs, as the first book in the series, shows Emily as the catalyst for opening the rest of the League up to the idea of falling in love. But before that happens, readers will definitely get a fun sense of wickedness from Godric and his friends.

What’s the heat level on a scale of 1-10? (Closed door bedrooms being one, 50 Shades being ten.) 

Heat Level for Wicked Designs is probably about an 8.

Hot damn!

Oh, how us readers love our series. When will the next book be released, and tell us a little about the series style. Will each book take on a new heroine or will we follow Emily and Godric through further adventure?

The next book His Wicked Seduction will come out November 11, 2014. Each book in the planned six book series follows a different member of the League of Rogues as they fall in love, but all of the other League members make an appearance in each book so readers will get to see how the lives of the other couples progress over time.

Just for fun, what do you drink while writing? Coffee? Diet Coke? Vodka?

Diet Dr. Pepper. Can’t live without it!

What celebrities would play the roles in this book? 

Henry Cavill is my ideal actor to play the role of Godric. He’s the perfect brooding, dark-haired Englishman. Skylar Samuels would be the perfect actress to play the young, intelligent and innocent heroine Emily. She’s sweet but also playful.

What is your writing process? Plotter or Pantser? Or Planster? 

Definitely a panster with a touch of plotting! HAHA. I usually have a vague idea of where I’m going with a story and as I write each page, I let the characters tell me exactly how they want to get where they are.

What’s your current work in progress? 

I’m currently writing a book called The Gilded Cage which is the second in a contemporary romance series that will be published by Grand Central next year. It’s very steamy (think close to 50 Shades of Gray). The Gilded Cage is about a bull-rider name Fenn who was a victim of a childhood kidnapper and was raised away from his rich family and through the feisty actions of a east coast socialite who is determined to bring him home, he is reunited with his family and finds out the truth behind the kidnapping.

Ah, you just made your first sale on that story. Love the bull-riders!

Is there anything else you’d like us to know about Wicked Designs or the League of Rogues series?

I’d really recommend the League of Rogues series for readers who may not have ever read historical before or thought they weren’t fans of historical. I write across all genres, and I wanted Wicked Designs and the League to appeal to all lovers of romance stories. So if you’ve never picked up a historical and are worried you’ll get lost in historical details, give Wicked Designs at try! It’s all about the adventure, humor, steaminess and the love story of course! 

You totally just described me. I’m definitely going to check this one out. Thanks, Lauren for being here!

Wicked Designs is available on Amazon Barnes and Noble and iTunes

About the Author
Lauren Smith is an attorney by day, author by night, who pens adventurous and edgy romance stories by the light of her smart phone flashlight app. She’s a native Oklahoman who lives with her three pets—a feisty chinchilla, sophisticated cat and dapper little schnauzer. She’s won multiple awards in several romance subgenres including being an Amazon.com Breakthrough Novel Award Quarter-Finalist and a Semi-Finalist for the Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Award.

Check her out at www.laurensmithbooks.com. You can follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LaurenDianaSmith and on Twitter at @LSmithAuthor. Her blog is theleagueofrogues.blogspot.com.

THE METABOLISM OF A ROMANCE HEROINE

Posted on by Melissa Chambers

It seems like in every romance novel I read lately, the heroine has this luscious body with curves in all (and only) the right places, a thin waist and a nonexistent belly pooch. These amazing bodied-ladies never exercise (possibly because they are too busy having sex) and eat like pigs. Many of these ladies indulge in ice cream, usually around midnight, and are almost always eventually joined by the hero in their pig-out sessions, who is, of course, enchanted by their woman’s ravenous appetite. These men are impressed — not turned off — by the fact that these ladies can eat a steak and potato at 8:00 at night and then a large pepperoni pizza after a long love-making session at 3:00 in the morning, and still manage to rival Gisele Bundchen in a bikini.

Some of these ladies will even make it a point to brag about their quick metabolisms. I get this is the author’s way of justifying this fantasy-exclusive, consequence-free behavior. But I pose this question — when was the last time you felt empathy and a kindred-spirit for a woman who could eat half a lasagna and still rock a string bikini?

Just a thought.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW-GINA KELLEY

Posted on by Melissa Chambers

So excited for the release of this sweet picture book authored by my good friend Gina Kelley, or “Crazy Mrs. Kelley” as her theatre arts students call her.

The littlest monster is a story about learning that it’s ok to be different. Realizing, that if you follow your heart, you will find your own path to happiness. And knowing that where you find happiness, you’ll find friends who will like you just the way you are.

Hello, my sweet friend! And welcome to the blog. Tell us a little about yourself — who you are and what you write.

I like to write children’s books because there are certain things that I want kids to know. There are just some simple little things that I know at 46 that took a long time to learn in my life, like hey, “It’s ok to be different.” Snowflakes are all different, but each one is pretty cool. The same is true with flowers, raindrops and stars. I imagine, if I would have known this fact a little earlier in life, I might have saved myself lots of heartache.

The Littlest Monster is an inspiring story about finding your place in the world. What made you want to write about this subject?

It’s a basic human need. As humans we are pack animals. We instinctively search for a community to belong to, a family of like minds where we can be safe to be who we are. We all search for this.

What draws you to writing children’s books?

I am drawn to writing children’s books because of the simplicity of the communication. Kids say what they mean, straight out, in the most direct way possible. Childhood is a magic time where kids’ hearts and minds are completely open. It’s important that all kids of every race, creed, color or socioeconomic background get the right messages during this time. For me, understanding the simple concept that if you follow your heart to your happiness you’ll find a community there who will accept you, include you and love you just like you are, is an essential concept for impressionable, young minds. It sends the message that it’s okay to be who you are and follow your own dreams no matter what your situation may be.

What’s something about you that people would be surprised to know?

I had a stroke when I was five and grew up with a physical disability that helped form my psyche. It was hard to be different, but it’s better now.

The illustrations in this book are fantastic. How did you and Drew Pope come about collaborating on this project?

Every chapter in life happens for a reason. Drew and I worked together at a local design studio in Nashville many moons ago. We have crossed paths creatively more than once over the years in a very serendipitous kind of way. He was the first person who came to mind when I wanted someone to bring my written characters to life. We have a nice, fun connection. He’s easy to laugh and create with.

When you were small, what were some of your favorite picture books?

My VERY FAVORITE CHILDREN’S BOOK OF ALL IS OUT OF PRINT!!! I lost it many years ago and I am dying for a copy of it. It’s called THE THING IN DELORES’ PIANO by Robert Tallon. My second favorite is WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE by Maurice Sendak. But there are so many amazing, legendary children’s book authors out there. Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein are also favorites.

Are you currently working on any other picture books?

Working on a couple of ideas for the Littlest Monster’s next adventure.

Where does Littlest Monster get his hair done? How does he get his spikes to stand up?

Well, let’s just say that snake stew isn’t very tasty, but it’s good hair product.

Is there anything else you would like us to know about The Littlest Monster?

Just that I hope it gets to where it needs to go. I gave it to a High School student of mine who is struggling with life changing issues and decisions. I just want the message to find those that need to hear it, when they need to hear it.

The Littlest Monster is now available on Amazon 
And locally in Nashville at BookManBookWoman’s Books in Hillsboro Village.

“Crazy Mrs. Kelley” is the name affectionately given to the author by her students. Gina teaches Theatre Arts, directs high school theatre productions and is the Choral Director at Overton High School in Nashville Tennessee, the largest English as a second language school in the state. There are over forty languages spoken in the hallways of her school and hundreds of students who have relocated to the United States feeling very scared about being “different.” Gina is married to the love of her life and they have raised “three monsters of their own” along with two cats, two dogs and a garden full of organic vegetables.

Follow The Littlest Monster on Facebook, Twitter and Good Reads.

TODAY’S YOUNG HEROINES

Posted on by Melissa Chambers

So I finally got around to watching Brave. Yes, I realize I’m a couple of years late here, but that’s my life. I came across it on Starz, and my kid was willing to actually watch it with me which is unheard of for him to sit still for ninety minutes. But it was spring break, and we were bored, yada yada.

**SPOILER ALERT** (even though we’re two years past release)

As I watched this movie, I kept wondering when the prince would arrive. Where was the handsome guy – the love interest? As each of the sons of the leaders was introduced to Merida, I kept thinking the prince would be next, and when he wasn’t, I kept looking for him to emerge from the crowd, or show up later on…because that’s how it works, right?

Then when Merida pulled out that bow and said that she was going to compete to marry herself, I sat up. A movie with a princess and no prince? What was this? How did I feel about it? Without a romance, would it hold my attention? I got my answer as soon as the queen turned into a bear but retained her own personality. A permasmile etched itself across my face from that point on until the end of the movie.

I LOVED this concept (says the romance novelist). I know, I’m the last person who needs to be loving a romance-free princess adventure, but for a movie aimed at the ten and under crowd, what a unusual treat – a girl who hones her skills at archery and decides she wants to control her own destiny rather than settle for a guy she doesn’t love. No starry eyes. No crush to distract her. Just a girl going for what she wants.

You hear a lot about the changing times, and apparently things were so much better during “simpler times.” (When have times ever been simple, by the way?) But I got to say, one thing certain writers are doing splendidly these days is offering heroines for our young girls to look up to. Just like Katniss in The Hunger Games (the books, not the movies – you get the picture so much clearer in the books). Yeah, there’s a romance there, but it takes a way, way backseat to her survival and protection of her family. As I read that first book in the series, I wished I had a daughter to hand it to so she could read about a girl who figures out how to hunt and barter and survive in the woods. And that’s before she enters the games.

So kudos to these writers who are working to set examples for our youngsters. (Wow, I just aged myself off the charts.) Please keep these stories coming, and hopefully they will aid in helping us to rear a generation of confident young ladies…or bossy little girls, possibly. Whatever works!