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“Place is not simply what you see. Hit all the senses. That way the location becomes vibrant.” Q&A with Therese
Thérèse is the author of INDIA’S SUMMER, a compelling story of a single woman about to turn forty who travels to LA in an attempt to reinvent her life. The book has been praised by Jane Green, Orlando Bloom and Goldie Hawn. I invited Thérèse to answer 7 quick-fire questions and 3 expert tips for successfully using location as a character in the story (India’s Summer is set in LA & London). Find out more about the book below this fab Q&A!
7 Quick Fire Questions
1. Favorite place to write?
I have a lovely home office, but somehow during the course of the day always end up multi- tasking and my computer, papers, coffee cups and clutter ends up strewn across the kitchen table.
2. Favorite celebrity chef?
Gordon Ramsay. I love the trouble -shooting, the tears, the fury the swearing, the frustration. I’m hopeless at following a recipe though.
3. Most interesting job you’ve ever held
Well I’m not sure ‘ held ‘ is quite the word, but I suppose selling Afghan coats in Turkey proved interesting. I was a student earning my way during a summer in Europe. I would go to the market and tell the tourists who were looking at the stalls that the prices were better at Orhan’s factory, then bring them there. The best part was that it was actually true and people went away very happy.
4. Childhood obsession?
Ballet. I am still prone to the occasional pirouette around the house.
5. Last movie you saw in the theaters
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Such a delight. You want to pack your bags and head straight for Jaipur.
6. Dream travel destination
The moon
7. PC or Mac?
Mac
3 Expert Tips for successfully using location as a character in the story (LA, London)
1. You can only write convincingly about a place if when you are describing it when you see it clearly in your mind’s eye. So try writing about a place you know really well.
2. Place is not simply what you see. Hit all the senses. That way the location becomes vibrant.
3. Check out all the facts and try to avoid clichés. Your take on a place will be unique. Make it as authentic as possible.
About India’s Summer
In love with a movie star and with a burgeoning new career as a self- help guru, India is in her element until a defamatory video, filmed of her venting to Annabelle soon after her arrival goes viral. Her new life unravels. Humiliated and depressed, she returns to London where she repairs the damage with those closest to her. When her agent calls with news that he has sold her book proposal she takes control of her life. Shakily re-united with Adam and still balancing life on both sides of the pond, she returns to America to promote her book.
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August 21, 2012 Category: 7 Questions. 3 Tips, main 2 Comments 
Looking for a Critique Partner listings, August 17th 2012
It’s a scorcher here in Seattle. Whoever says it rains here all the time hasn’t met July or August Seattle. Time to don my swimsuit and sip on a cocktail… Have a great weekend lads and ladies & enjoy the two critique partner listings from this past week.
– Laura
@1000thmonkey – YOUNG ADULT
“I’m nearly done edits on my MS (end of August probably) and I’m looking for some readers to give a structural edit (so, no detail work at all, just read it through once and comment on big stuff).
I’m willing to trade for the same sort of edit, or slightly more detail, on other full MS’s, but please no Paranormal/Romance or Horror.
Here’s my tagline:
A nameless, gender-ambiguous teen rides shotgun with Triss, the driver of the car and the situation, on a mission to dump the corpse of a classmate whose death they might have, sortof, maybe had something to do with.
If you’re interested, please send me an email ”
@oshkinlobinshla – YOUNG ADULT
“Hi ladies (and gents?)
I’ve just finished the first draft of the novel I’m working on. I’m sort of a newbie in all areas… I’m new to LWC, to writing novel-length prose, and to the concept of CPs in general. I tend to be pretty private about my writing and have never allowed anyone to read it, which is why I know I need a second pair of eyes. Kind of scary, though!
If anyone’s interested in swapping a chapter or two for critique, let me know! I’m not sure how this works, if you can just reply here or send me a message, but either way is fine. I’m looking for general feedback on tone, character development, any gaping holes, that sort of thing. The plot is quite complicated, so it’s been tricky knowing where to integrate all the necessary details (currently struggling with a bit of an infodump in Ch1 – but hopefully an interesting one!), so it would be nice to see if there is any confusion from a reader along the way.
If you’re interested in the genre and are writing something with a similar vibe, I’d love to “meet” you. Please only contact me if you think we’d be a good fit!
Emma”
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August 17, 2012 Category: Looking for a CP Listings, main No Comments
“Love the One You’re With (That means you, dummy)” – Q&A with Maria Geraci
Today’s quick fire questions and 3 expert tips come from Maria Geraci, bestselling author of The Boyfriend Club. Her new novel A Girl Like You was described to me as “a richly compelling story of discovering you’re the “ugly friend.”
Great premise right? Find out more about the story and find the purchase links below the interview.
Over to Maria!
==============================================================
7 Quick Fire Questions
1. Desert island food (if you were stranded on a desert island and could only eat one thing).
This is a hard one. It would be a toss up between ice-cream and bread. So maybe an ice cream sandwich?
2. If you were to write a memoir, what would the title be?
Love the One You’re With (That means you, dummy).
3. Last thing you tweeted
Some form of “thank you.” I’ve gotten lots of nice congratulatory tweets from friends and fellow authors wishing me well on my new book. The support from fellow authors has been so heartwarming.
4. Solution for writer’s block
Just write. For me, inspiration comes while writing. If you wait for it to come magically, you’ll never get anything written.
5. Favorite blog to follow
That would be my group blog, Girlfriends Book Club. Lots of great supportive women writers all cheering each other and fellow writers on.
6. Red wine or white wine?
Red.
7. City gal or Country lass?
How about small city? Preferably by the beach.
3 Expert Tips for accepting yourself for the person you were always meant to be.
1. Don’t compare yourself to others. There’s only one you and you’re special and perfect, just the way you are.
2. Surround yourself with positive people! No Debbie Downers in your life.
3. Not everyone is going to like you and that’s okay.
A GIRL LIKE YOU by Maria Geraci
Roxanne St. Claire, New York Times Bestselling author raves, ”A Girl Like You delivers the goods: unforgettable characters set in a quirky small town with a feel-good ending that lasts long after you close the book.” And Carly Phillips, New York Times bestselling author, calls it, “An unexpected delight!” Emma Frazier is smart, hardworking, and loves her job as a journalist for a Florida lifestyle magazine. Emma knows she’s no great beauty, but she’s pretty certain she has a shot with her handsome new boss, Ben Gallagher—until Emma overhears a mutual acquaintance refer to her as the “ugly friend.” In an effort to reclaim her battered self-esteem, Emma decides to impress Ben at work by promising an exclusive interview with NASCAR legend, Trip Monroe.
Emma and Trip went to high school together and although it’s been fourteen years since they’ve spoken, Emma is certain she can score an interview with the elusive super star. But connecting with Trip turns out to be harder than Emma imagined. Her quest for the interview leads her back to her tiny hometown of Catfish Cove, where old secrets and a new romantic interest shake up Emma’s views on life and teach her that maybe the key to finding true love is as simple as accepting yourself for the person you were always meant to be.
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August 14, 2012 Category: 7 Questions. 3 Tips, main 1 Comment
Looking for a Critique Partner Listings, August 10th 2012
3 very detailed CP listings this week! As always, click on their name to contact them through the direct messaging system (you need to be a member), or if no-one takes your fancy, leave a comment with your requirements!
Have a great weekend, all. – Laura
@pkanaparti – ROMANCE / YOUNG ADULT
“Hi I’m looking to find a CP that can partner up with me for long term. I write YA paranormal romance and YA/NA Contemporary romance novels and need someone that has similar tastes in reading and/or writing. To give you an idea for my work on my first novel, here is a brief synopsis:
Seventeen year old, Ren Pernell had a tough year when she lost her parents in a freak accident. Little did she know there are no such things as accidents.
Now in her world where only her supportive best friend Peyton and her brother Joshua were allowed, a stranger and old crush wiggles their way into her life. Is it a coincidence or a miracle that has been sent from above to bring her out of her stupor? Think again.
Secrets are revealed.
Strength is tested.
Destiny intervenes.
And Death once again enters her life.
Thank you and I’m looking forward to connecting with you!
Priya
priyakanaparti.wordpress.com”
@dorothy – YOUNG ADULT
“Hello, I’m looking for a hopefully perminate cp who will give me honest feedback on my WIP. Here’s my rough synopsis.
The last thing sixteen year old Saren Helmsley expected to do when she got back to school was find out she was the long lost princess of a race she never knew existed. She never thought she’d begin a furious journey across the world to find her kidnapped twin sister, or restore order to a kingdom overthrown by an evil and powerful sorcerer who seeks to destroy the twins. For only their powers together can bring him to an end.
Throughout this life threatening journey Saren will find out that she has powers beyond her comprehension, an invisible connection with a sister she never knew she had, and a growing love for the boy whose sworn only to protect her during this mission, then return to his own kingdom where he will be wed to his king’s daughter.
Will Saren be strong enough to save her sister and this magical race of people, while battling deadly assassins, a ruthless, tyrannical sorcerer and worst of all…forbidden love? But there are dark forces that will stop at nothing to make sure Saren never realizes her true potential.
If you’re interest email me @ swoonworthybooks@yahoo.com”
@twluedke – SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY
“Here’s the blurb:
Aaron Pilan is your average American Joe, 22 yrs old, passing his unremarkable days as a waiter in New York. On the way home from work at midnight he finds himself in the middle of a confrontation between undercover cops and a French escort named Michelle. Aaron is shot, by accident, and would’ve died if not for Michelle’s intervention.
As a result of her impetuous decision to save his life, Aaron awakes four days later as a vampire. Aaron dives head first into a hardcore learning curve of the particulars of vampiric life. He must adapt to his new status as a servant subject to Michelle’s authority of compulsion. She orders him around like a puppet on a string. He must learn to feed properly, without creating bloodslaves (humans addicted to the powerful drug-like effects of their venomous bite), and he’s now working as an escort in the sex trade–same as Michelle.
Amidst all the shocking and degrading adjustments, he finds that he’s falling in love. Aaron walks a tightrope of strictly controlled feeding regiments and intensely erotic sexual adventures while catering to the neurotic control-freak tendencies of his new master. He’s expected to obey or else, Michelle has vowed to eliminate Aaron if he proves too dangerous or difficult to control.
Can he manage all this and retain some portion of his humanity? Innocence is a luxury few can afford in the nightlife of New York City. In a world where sex, blood, and power over women is so readily accessible, Aaron struggles against the predatory instincts deeply rooted in his new psyche. He must find his way quickly, maintaining rigid self-control, or risk the consequences of Michelle’s wrath.”
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August 10, 2012 Category: Looking for a CP Listings, main No Comments
Looking for a Critique Partner Listings, August 3, 2012
Morning!
Anyone else a little obsessed with the Olympics? I’m hooked on the gymnastics – a childhood dream. When I saw that there was a 37 year old in the competition it gave me hope. That’s like 65 in gymnast years!
Whether you’re watching the games or not, have a wonderful weekend. Here are the critique partner listings this week. As always, if I missed you, leave a comment with your requirements!
- Laura
Image courtesy of Telegraph.co.uk
@lindseymf – SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY
“So i’m very new to this but I’m looking for a CP who wants to share stories, ideas, plots, advice and anything else that might be needed!
Here is my rough synopsis for my novel:
What happens to us after we die? Does love truly survive death?
When Cadence met Lucas, it was the closest thing to love at first sight, if such a thing exists. When he tells her he’s terminally ill, it only makes their love stronger. They spend a year together before he dies.
It’s now two years later–Cadence has no interest in dating anyone. Though she’s past the initial loss, she’s haunted with memories of Lucas.
When Seth shows up in her life, she rejects his advances though he’s charming, witty and incredibly attractive. Just when she thinks she might be able to open her heart for someone else, she’s in a nearly fatal car accident. Surviving it was nothing short of a miracle.
Strange things have been happening to her and until the accident, she’d assumed the nightmares and the voices were all in her head. Now strange is turning to dangerous. Things Cadence didn’t believe in are proving to be true in unexpected ways.
She discovers the truth behind her car accident–the accident that was meant to kill her–and the sacrifice that was made to save her life.
If you’re interested, I’d love to hear from you! I don’t have much experience in critiquing but I’d love to make exchanges with someone!”
@agirlnamedjenn – SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY
“Hello everyone! I joined this site because I’m about 32,000 words into my current science fiction WIP. I’ve allowed two of my friends to look it over. They think it’s great but I would like to get a critique from someone who doesn’t know me personally. I will, of course, return the favor. Please let me know if you’re interested. Thanks!”
@jackie – SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY
Hello all! I’m brand new to this site. I’m currently working on my first novel, a paranormal romance. I’ve written 15,948 words so far. I’ve had two people read it and they’ve liked it, but I’m looking for somebody that writes to critique it. The story is about a Vampire named Sophie who decades ago , after her home was destroyed, moved from Royan, France to Deer Isle, Maine. She takes with her an infant human decendent to raise as her own in America. The setting is modern day. Sophie has many things to keep her busy, her human family, heading the Supernatural Council in her area, teaching Kindergarten, a family of Hunters and a sexy new Werewolf that has taken up residency in Deer Isle, Maine. If any of this sounds interesting to you, I would certainly welcome some help!
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August 3, 2012 Category: Looking for a CP Listings, main 1 Comment
Looking for a Critique Partner Listings, July 27th 2012
Some great listings this week, including an agent query. Can you help Rachel and give her some feedback on her query?
I’ve been spending lots of time outdoors in the Seattle summer and it feels great. Hopefully the weather is co-operating where you are too. Hugs! – Laura
@melissam – MAINSTREAM FICTION NOVELS
“I am unsure if my novel is more romance than mainstream, though the focus is not necessarily on the romantic relationships, but on the family relationships, there is some romance subplots. So I guess I am looking for someone who doesn’t mind that.
I don’t have the first draft completed yet, and am looking for a beta who would like to read in chunks. A few chapters here and there to make sure that things are unfolding in a straight manner and then when the draft is completed to make sure everything is cohesive.
A summary:
Noelle, about to begin her own family, embarks on a search for the mother who abandoned her family when Noelle was six months old. Her brothers, Cam and Nick, have their own problems, with the scars of a physically absent mother and an emotionally absent father. As the search gets underway, the three of them face obstacles within the family who doesn’t want the search and the problems of finding someone who apparently doesn’t want to be found.”
@aldreaalien – SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY
“Hi. I’m looking for a few people to critique my adult fantasy, Dragon ….
The dragons are being by a rival clan, their declining number leaving the kingdom vulnerable on all sides. Maayin is the only female left to avert this fate and the council’s last desperate hope. Except she’s living under the belief that she is human.
(It does have romantic elements, so if that’s not your thing …)
I tend to lean more towards fantasy in my reading, though I can get into light sci-fi and some paranormals. I’ve a little bit of critique experience, mostly giving honest feedback. Due to real life and depending on chapter length, there will be times where I may take a while to finish a critique, but you are guaranteed to get honest feedback.
Please, no horror.”
@rachel – YOUNG ADULT Laura, not sure if this is a CP listing but including just in case.
“I’ve revised and rewritten my query and I’m told it’s great. I wanted to pass it by some of you to make sure. I realize the list is breaking the rules, but I’ve seen many successful queries respectfully break the rules and the agents love it. So here’s mine. Please let me know if this makes sense. Also, I’m just posting the body of the query.
Sixteen-year-old Allura is done following rules.
#1) No hunting alone
#2) No saving humans
#3) No falling in love
So when her inner predatory switch is flipped to the “on” position while saving an injured woman, she has nobody to blame but herself. That is, until her new flesh-hungry fantasies begin to flicker through her mind like a movie, bloody scene after bloody scene. Then she has everyone to blame—her mother, her grandmother, her great-grandmother—because Allura comes from a long line of man-eaters.
But it isn’t until David, the guy she’s falling in love with, lands a lead role in her private film as her delicious victim, that Allura realizes two things. One: She refuses to live without him. And two: She can’t turn off the switch.
DARK WATERS is Dexter meets Splash, where the deadliest of female folkloric creatures are placed in today’s society and commanded to play well with others.”
@peach – SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY
“I’d like someone to critique the beginning of my story, just two pages.
It is a book about a young man, Will, who kills himself after the death of his girlfriend. The story starts with him wandering through a forest to the Acheron River (Styx depending on who your reading). The spirit Ariel guides him to the ferryman’s daughter who, as a favor, brings Will back to life when he expresses regret to the ferryman’s daughter .
Born again he can see all manner of supernatural things. The ferryman’s daughter sends him with Ariel to mental hospital as patients to help “a girl in trouble”…
I would love to help any one too though I just joined the site.”
@risu – SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY
I’m looking for a few people willing to give me feedback on my fantasy novel prologue. Length is 2807 words. I can provide a word document, or point you to my blog. My blog has a survey attached at the bottom from when I attempted to get feedback from my friends. I came to the conclusion that it’s a bit long to read in a blog setting, but it’s available nonetheless.This is my second draft and I’m proceeding through my story chapter by chapter in my revisions.
Link to blog post:
http://www.lonitownsend.com/blog/2012/07/08/thanmir-war-prologue/
I’d love to return the favor if anyone wants to swap.
Thank you,
Loni
heping – YOUNG ADULT
Hi, I’m a bit of a newbie with a story set in a dystopian world populated by faeries, demons, vampires, mages, etc. about a homeless girl cursed by a vengeful faery for ‘harvesting’ faery wings (i.e., cutting off and selling on the black market). If you are interested, send me an e-mail at mvgmss@gmail.com. Thank you!
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July 27, 2012 Category: Looking for a CP Listings, main No Comments
Looking for a critique partner listings, July 20th 2012
Lots of CPs wanted this week!
Just click on the hyperlink to be taken to that member’s page. From there you can message them – happy critiquing!
- Laura
carolynbrown – YOUNG ADULT
“I have only just joined this site and am looking for a long term critique partner who would enjoy reading steamy love scenes, with vampires and other paranormal creatures. (Not erotica) but some scenes in my stories have descriptions which would be unsuitable to a younger age group.
I have self-published my first novel (54,000 words) in a series and have almost completed writing my second story (60,000 words) and am looking for interested partners to critique this new work. I would be happy to critique your work in an exchange.
I work in the education industry and have experience editing student work. I have also critiqued other writer’s work previously, so I have some experience.”
jadziab – YOUNG ADULT
“Hi all, I’m Jadzia and I write all sorts of Young Adult. I am still a YA myself (Yes, I am eighteen) so I feel very close to the genre.
Blurb for my novel I’m looking for feedback on:
When Veronica is eighteen, her mother dies, leaving Veronica and her brother, Danny, to live with their aunt, Fiona. But Danny refuses to come to terms with the changes in his life, instead choosing to move in with his druggie friend, smoke, drink, and attend parties in his spare time. As Veronica deals with her mother’s death, the new life she has living with Fiona, and her once-best-friend Cornella stealing her crush, Adam, she must also deal with her rebellious brother, who seems to be walking himself closer and closer towards a dangerous ledge.
I’m not just interested in being a partner to someone who also writes contemporary, but anything YA is fine with me. As long as you’re okay with the genre of my book and we connect with each other’s stories. 
”
hiroko – SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY
“I have a sci-fi novel here
…and I would like a critique partner/beta reader or two to help me polish it up.
It is science fiction, like I said, and the plot centers around two people, a human girl and a mechanical boy. Without giving too much of the plot away, the two of them embark on a train trip that both opens both their “eyes” and almost kills them.
If anyone’s interested, I can send more information. ”
iamdwreck – YOUNG ADULT
“HI, I’m Derrick
I’m not new to the writing and critiquing scene. I’m in the first edits of a novel close to my heart that I’ve been working on for a while. Its one of those stories, you know the kind you write about a little bit but then give up on. Insistently, the story and characters don’t give up on you and keep scratching at your back door begging to be written about. Help me edit this novel to its full potential, I’m in this 100% Lets Help Each OTHER!
BLURB: A Contemporary YA novel about a shy pretenious teenager. At first glance Avery has everything, but just because he attends an elite school, has great friends and lives in a penthouse doesn’t mean life is easy. His mother left him to go overseas for treatment. His OCD has gotten the best of him, and the new girl won’t give him the time of day.
Contact me @
iamdwreck@gmail.com
on Twitter @IAMDWRECK”
Linda Fausnet – WOMEN’S FICTION / CHICK LIT
“Hello all,
I need a crit partner to review my novel Singles Vs. Bridezillas. It’s technically a first draft, but it’s based on a screenplay I wrote earlier that has been through numerous drafts.
Right now, I’m looking for macro / big picture critique. What’s not working, what bored you, what do you think I should expand on etc?
The first draft is done, but it’s okay if you only have time to look over a few drafts at a time. I am available to critique as well.
Thanks!”
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July 20, 2012 Category: Looking for a CP Listings, main 1 Comment
“Write characters you love. Let your characters fascinate you.” 7 Questions, 3 Tips with Joy Castro, author of Hell or High Water
I ADORE these answers from Joy Castro and I think you will too!!
I can’t wait to dig into Hell or High Water, a novel set in the years following Hurricane Katrina. I haven’t made it to New Orleans yet, but it’s certainly on my wishlist of places to visit over the next year or so. Whether you’ve been to New Orleans or not, I’m assured that Castro’s novel will entertain and rivet. Find more details about the story below.
Onto those questions – take it away Joy!
- Laura
=========================================
7 Quick Fire Questions
1. Any childhood imaginary friends?
Yes! Lots, actually. We moved often, and I’d lose the friends I’d gotten attached to, so I made up a little pantheon of best buddies to keep me company. My very best imaginary friend was Jack (who looked suspiciously like the Artful Dodger in the movie Oliver!, which I’d seen at a formative age). Jack was my bad-boy alter ego who got into trouble, whereas I was an obedient good girl. I really believed he existed; I was in love with him. I insisted on setting a place for him at the table each evening, pulling out a chair, conversing with him, etc. My parents were patient people.
2. What did you have for dinner last night?
Carry-out pad thai from Blue Orchid, one of our favorite restaurants here in Lincoln. When my husband and I first moved here five years ago, we lived in an apartment in the same building as Blue Orchid, and they got to know us a little too well. I’d call, and as soon as they heard my voice, they’d be like, “One yellow curry with tofu, and one pad thai?” Chagrin. Yes, please.
3. Author you most admire
The living author I most admire is Kate Atkinson, because she blends all the best qualities of literary fiction with an exciting, forward-driving crime narrative. She’s brilliant! I also admire Sandra Cisneros tremendously; she came from a difficult past, her work is gorgeous, and she’s devoted so many of her resources to helping other writers.
4. Best piece of advice you’ve ever received
“Don’t take it personally. Any of it.” That’s genius advice, applicable in every realm.
5. Favorite way to relax
I love being out on the water. Wind, waves, sunshine—they soothe and energize me. I haven’t tried it yet, but being out on a boat with friends, food, and wine might just be heaven.
6. Worst job
Scooping ice cream on the Riverwalk in San Antonio—too tempting! I also had a teaching job, straight out of graduate school, in an all-male college. Teaching women’s literature and feminist theory to rooms full of young men was challenging, to say the least. But I learned a lot.
7. Ice cream or Fro Yo
Either, all, any time! Team chocolate. And dulce de leche, if I can get it.
3 Expert Tips! Three Tips for Writers:
1. Write characters you love. Let your characters fascinate you. Let them have layers. Let them be contradictory, vulnerable, flawed, real. The whole time I was writing Hell or High Water, I kept discovering things about my characters, and when I wrote the sequel, Nearer Home, they kept right on surprising me. (Who knew Bento could fly a plane?) Let your characters grow, change, and talk back. You’ll be surprised.
2. Champion the work of other writers. Not only can writing be lonely work, but it’s incredibly competitive, so writers can be assailed by envy and despair. The best antidote for these painful, isolating feelings is to work on behalf of others. Find writers whose work you genuinely love, and then do everything in your power to promote and help their work. Expect nothing in return. It’s not a tit-for-tat thing. Do it because it’s good for your soul.
3. Be fearless. Writing a crime novel was so far outside my comfort zone. I’m trained as a literary academic, a scholar of modernism (Joyce, Woolf, Faulkner, Stein): long, winding sentences, lyrical epiphanies, and so on. To write a lean, mean thriller full of action and suspense, I had to completely retool, and that was sometimes nerve-racking. But learning new approaches is fun. It keeps you uncertain, unmoored, and reaching, and that’s an exciting way to live.
About HELL OR HIGH WATER (7/17/2012): Nola Céspedes, an ambitious young reporter at the Times-Picayune, catches a break: an assignment to write her first full-length investigative feature. It’s a far cry from the club openings and plantation tours she usually covers and could become a story that will send ripples through New Orleans in the two years since Hurricane Katrina. The piece is about sex offenders who have fallen off the grid since the city was evacuated.
While Nola speaks with survivors, offenders (some still on the registry, others not), and experts, she also becomes fixated on the search for a missing tourist in New Orleans. As Nola’s work leads her into darker corners of the city, she has to hide her work from her friends and ultimately must re-visit her painful past of living in the housing projects as a Latina where there are few people of her ethnicity.
Vividly rendered in razor sharp prose, HELL OR HIGH WATER brings New Orleans to life in a riveting journey of trust betrayed and the courageous struggle toward recovery.
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July 18, 2012 Category: 7 Questions. 3 Tips, main 2 Comments
Where I Write with Dina Silver, author of Kat Fight & One Pink Line
We’ve been treated to yet another insight into an author’s
magicwriting room. Today we’re in the hands of Dina Silver, whose new book Kat Fight is out TODAY.Congrats Dina!
Find out more about Dina and Kat Fight below the post, and check out her kitty – what a cutie!
- Laura
====================================================================================================================
My office is my favorite room in the house, and pretty much where I do most everything. It’s a really wonderful room right off the front entry that gets tons of light, and has room for a big couch as well. Typically, there is a cat either on the desk, on my chair, or on the computer. The reason I have my laptop in front of my larger desktop screen, is because my desktop computer functions only on every other Thursday, and is a complete dinosaur in the tech world…but I can’t bear to part with it quite yet.
I spend/waste a great deal of time in this room, and am so grateful my husband hasn’t attempted to infiltrate it with sports memorabilia yet.
About Kat Fight from Dina Silver
The seriously funny, fabulously flawed Kat Porter has arrived, and she may just steal your heart—not to mention your boyfriend.
Readers everywhere will revel in this sharp-witted, well-meaning whirlwind in author Dina Silver’s hilarious new novel, Kat Fight. In her quest for love, Kat makes every wrong turn, juggling two men, one best friend, and her own deeply confused heart’s desires. Kat Porter is a consummate romantic, eager for her chance to find love and commitment. But after her boyfriend of four years, Marc, begins to grow apathetic and sends her calls straight to voicemail one too many times, Kat finally musters the courage to confront her so-called sweetheart, who seems more interested in dodging her than courting her. Though she’s no fan of ultimatums, Kat is at the end of her considerable wits, and lobs a massive one his way, completely confident that he’ll make the right decision when faced with losing her. He doesn’t.
With radio silence from Marc, Kat’s lifelong dream of finding a husband and forging a family is decidedly on the skids. That’s when her childhood friend Julie steps in, forcing Kat on a blind date to help her move beyond the break-up. Not only does Kat botch the setup, she instead finds herself in hot pursuit of Julie’s love interest, Ryan Sullivan. A man who, in addition to literally taking her breath away, is the living, breathing personification of everything Kat wants in a husband.
Can Kat connect with the man of her dreams without hurting two of the people she cares most about? At the same time, she must also contend with the quips of her beloved catty coworker Adam, her bi-polar boss Brooke, and a string of comic, unpredictable plot twists. All the while, Kat’s cheeky perspective and generous heart will leave readers adoring every moment of her journey while chuckling and cheering for the ever cute, razor-sharp Kat as she fights to land the love of a lifetime.
About the author
A graduate of Purdue University, Dina Silver has spent the past fifteen years feeding her red wine habit by working as a copywriter in the advertising industry. In addition to writing ad copy, she formed Dinas Ideas (dinasideas.com), a greeting card company, in 2003. Dina serves as the sole writer and designer for the business and has penned over 300 greeting cards since its inception. After seeing the bulk of her professional prose on brochures and direct mail pieces, she is delighted to have made the transition to novelist this year.
Additionally, she enjoys talking about herself in the third person.
Find out more about Dina at http://www.dinasilver.com/
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July 16, 2012 Category: Author Interviews, main, Where I Write 4 Comments
Looking for a Critique Partner Listings – Friday 13 July 2012
It’s Friday, whoop! That means it’s time for critique partner listings. If I missed you leave a message in the comments. Happy critiquing..
Are you superstitious about the fact today is Friday 13th? I’d love to hear! Join the conversation on Facebook :)
- Laura
krissyj511 – WOMEN’S FICTION / CHICK LIT
“Hi ladies
I’m in the process of doing the 2nd big revision of my novel and I need one more person to read and critique it. Check out my bio and if you’re interested, please let me know.
At this point, I don’t have a ton of time to devote to critiquing anyone’s novel (I have 1 partner already and a 2 year old and we’re moving in 3 weeks, so life is beyond hectic). But I’d be glad to return the favor come September.
Thanks,
Krista
email kristajquinn at aol.com”
cherylanne – YOUNG ADULT
“I’m looking for a few critique ninjas interested in building a long-term partnership. Along with critique, I’m happy to bounce ideas around, work through plot issues, character development, world building, etc. Basically, anything and everything, with the end goal being publication. 
I’m currently seeking feedback for my WIP, Where There Is Dark, set in a world ravaged by darkness. Here’s the quick blurb:
Devastated when her father is murdered by rebels, seventeen-year-old Jazzlyn taps into her ruthless side in order to avenge his death, but her fear trumps hatred when the same group takes her boyfriend hostage and demands a trade, Tristan’s life in exchange for a rare Lumenian light-stone located in the one place the rebels cannot travel.
Surviving on little more than mushrooms and hope, Creperians languish beneath black clouds that divide them from those who thrive within Lumen’s City of Light. Jazzlyn’s knows her immunity to the Star’s deadly rays makes her the only person who can retrieve the stone and keep Tristan from sharing her father’s fate. She doesn’t know her trip above the clouds will begin unraveling the secret behind Creperi’s perpetual darkness and that everyone—Tristan included—has something hide.
If interested in swapping stories, I’m thinking a chapter a week, maybe? My email is cherylanneham@gmail.com and I’d love to hear from you!”
elmason – ROMANCE
“Looking for love… just kidding! Looking for a critique partner!
I’m currently working on a new Contemporary Romance. I think I’ve started something pretty interesting, which includes a sassy heroin and a lovable, yet possesive man. Contains, love, laughs and lot of intense passion. I a few chapters in and could use a little insight. If you are interested in helping me out, I’d love to hear from you!”
Marianne – MYSTERY
“I am looking for someone to critique the sequal to my debut novel. It is also a supernatural mystery. Thanks.
Marianne”
carolynbrown - ROMANCE, PARANORMAL
“I have only just joined this site and am looking for a long term critique partner who would enjoy reading steamy love scenes, with vampires and other paranormal creatures. (Not erotica) but some scenes in my stories have descriptions which would be unsuitable to a younger age group.
I have self-published my first novel (54,000 words) in a series and have almost completed writing my second story (60,000 words) and am looking for interested partners to critique this new work. I would be happy to critique your work in an exchange.
I work in the education industry and have experience editing student work. I have also critiqued other writer’s work previously, so I have some experience.”
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July 13, 2012 Category: Looking for a CP Listings, main No Comments
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