Beyond Her Book

WW Ladies Book Club Blurbs

Barbara Vey -- May 23rd, 2012

One of Donald's winning moves

Donald Driver won Dancing With the Stars last night. I swear it was like Super Bowl Sunday in Wisconsin. I actually screamed out loud at the tv (and I’m sure I’m not the only one). He did an amazing job and it always feels good when the one you’re cheering for wins. Sorry if your person lost, but that’s reality tv for you. And while I was watching television, the WW Ladies were busy reading.

joysann

Born to Darkness by Suzanne Brockmann

Listened to by joysann

“Mac” Mackenzie and her cohorts, operatives unusually gifted with talents like telepathy and telekinesis, are dedicated to developing the special skills that make each member a force to be reckoned with. Ex-Navy Seal Shane Laughlin becomes part of the team using his own mundane but specialized skills in a dangerous effort to tear down a criminal organization creating an addictive, deadly designer drug. Though Shane experiences the effects of one of Mac’s more exotic talents, he is determined to convince her that he isn’t so susceptible that she can’t trust the something special developing between them.

Born to Darkness kept me enthralled for non-stop hours as I listened to narrators Patrick Lawlor and Melanie Ewbank pass the story back and forth, enhancing the thrilling action, the high drama and the strong characters Suzanne Brockmann has written. The new paranormal series introduces a new team of heroes to care about and a new scary world for them to dwell in. I’m already looking forward to the next one.

Joan

Beyond the Night by Joss Ware

Read by Joan

Physician Elliot Drake and his friends are cave exploring in Arizona when suddenly they feel the earth shaking and electrical shocks, and then everything goes dark. They awake 50 years later to discover the world as they knew it is gone, and they themselves are changed in mysterious ways. They discover a small band of humans living in what is left of Las Vegas, and Elliot meets a woman to join him in facing an unknown and dangerous future.

The world that Joss Ware has created is intriguing and every page in the book pulls you further into the story. It is a thrilling mix of adventure, danger and romance. This is the beginning of a series, and I cannot wait to read the rest.

joysann

Double Dare by Rhonda Nelson

Read by joysann

In support of her father’s business merger, Louisa Honeycutt agreed to a loveless marriage, but bails out at the altar, heading for anywhere until things calm down. She spots Double Dare, Inc, offering adventures of a lifetime, and, spur-of-the-moment. Louisa deceives owner/guide Sam Rawlins into spiriting her out of town for any kind of adventure. Sam’s intrigued by Lou’s feisty nature, and finds his “no clients” relationships rule is in danger of being broken.

The cover of Double Dare just looked too cute to pass up when I came across it, and as a fast, fun read, was just what I wanted. It’s an older book, the first I’ve read by Rhonda Nelson, and I’ll be looking to see if I find her other and more recent books as clever and entertaining. The story was charming, the dialogue quick and smart, and I thoroughly enjoyed the characters’ sweet romance.

Heidi

Bad Boys Do by Victoria Dahl

Read by Heidi

Olivia Bishop has always lived by the rules. Her ex-husband Victor found it boring and predictable. But now Olivia is starting over and doing things she never has before. Including Jamie Donovan, bad boy of the bar. Jamie might be more temptation than Olivia can handle, but she isn’t stopping or slowing down. Much to the chagrin of her ex.

The heat that develops between Olivia and Jamie practically burned up the pages of the book. WOW! The jealousy of Olivia’s ex, really made the book move quickly, because you were never sure where he would show up next. Olivia and Jamie both have future goals, and it was nice to see it play all the way to the end of the book.

Kym L

Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson

Read by Kym

When she receives an invitation to accompany her sister to Edenbrooke, Marianne jumps at the chance to escape Bath for the countryside. But adventure and love await her, if she’s only brave enough to risk her heart.

Drawn by the words “A Proper Romance” on the its (very attractive) cover, I picked this book up on a whim and was further intrigued to discover I didn’t recognize either the author or publisher (Shadow Mountain). Well! What a pleasant surprise! In Edenbrooke, Donaldson has crafted a romantic Regency without blatant sexual content. This book is one that I would recommend to any Regency fan including those, like my mother, who prefer a “cleaner” read. Give it a whirl.

Heidi

Good Graces by Lesley Kagen

Read by Heidi

A sequel to Whistling in the Dark: It’s now 1960 in Milwaukee, a heat-wave has hit, and Sally O’Malley has to keep an eye on her sister Troo and keep her safe during the summer. Because of their escape of a murderer, they are on watch for anything unusual. A series of events makes them wonder if history is repeating itself or has Sally assumed too much and only imagining the worst.Hooray!! Sally O’Malley is back, and she is just as wonderful as ever!! Her voice is so truthful for what she is dealing with while running through Milwaukee in the summer. Just when you think you know where the book is going, another twist comes along and quickens the pace. Sally brings courage, honesty and joy while working with the other characters of the story and it’s lovely how Lesley mixes the past with landmarks in the Milwaukee area. You don’t have to be from Milwaukee (I’m not!!) to enjoy this book!!

;

Bottom Line: I think Donald Driver should go on The Amazing Race next.

Giveaways

From GET LOST IN A STORY: GIVEAWAYS May 21 – 25 Mon: Ellie James; Tues: Cynthia Cook, Deadly Secrets, Loving Lies (e); Wed: Brenda Hammond; Thurs: Pat McDermott, A Band of Roses (e); Fri: Bill Allen. Just leave a comment.

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Tags: Dancing With the Stars, Donald Driver, Joss Ware, Julianne Donaldson, Lesley Kagen, Rhonda Nelson, Suzanne Brockmann, Victoria Dahl
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How to Schedule BEA

Barbara Vey -- May 21st, 2012

Book Expo America runs June 4-7 in New York and I’m going. Now comes the hard part. Picking and choosing what to do and who to see. There’s an extensive schedule and a great line. Where to start? My normal way is to wander around and talk to just about everyone, but I thought I’d try something a little different this year.

Neil Young

Luckily, the website offers My BEA Show Planner. I’ve already gone through and clicked on all the authors I want to meet and it’s quite extensive considering there will be 775+ authors signing. There are tons of events like breakfasts and lunches, but some are sold out already. Although, Neil Young is doing a free lunch event open to all attendees where he’ll be interviewed about his book Waging Heavy Peace. I can’t even imagine how crowded that will be.

There will be author stages where various authors and professionals will be sharing their take on what’s happening in publishing. Of course, there’s a lot of celebrity sightings since almost every celebrity seems to have a book out.

PW has a booth at BEA and this is the first year I’ve been asked to help man (woman) it. I’m excited to do it because people have always said to me, “I stopped by your booth, but you weren’t there.” It looks like my schedule will be Wednesday from 9-10 a.m., so stop by if you’re in the area.

I’m also signed up for the BEA Bloggers Conference which will be June 4th. This event is still fairly new, but I’ve heard such great things about it. I’m hoping to come away with lots of new ideas and make many new acquaintances.

I’ve even downloaded the BEA Mobile App to help me out. On paper, it looks like I’m very organized, but I’ve got to tell you that I’m just so easily distracted at BEA. I love to just meander up and down the aisles talking to everyone in their booth. It seems they all have such interesting products and stories. I love learning new things and meeting fascinating people.

I’ll really try to keep to my schedule, but I can’t promise I won’t deviate from the plan. Please stop me and say hi if you see me wandering. And tell me how you plan these events. Do you keep a schedule? Are you a free spirit? Any tips on how I can do it better? Anything special I should check out at BEA? Tell me now so I can put it in my planner.

Bottom Line: Going to NY and you know what that means…Robert DeNiro watch.

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Tags: BEA Mobile App, Book Expo America, Neil Young
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When Your Imagination Springs to Life

Barbara Vey -- May 18th, 2012

For some reason I’ve been having a lot of nightmares lately. You know, the kind where when you wake up you don’t know what’s real and what’s not. Like that poor guy in the television show Awake. There’s a car accident and his wife dies and his son lives, but when he goes to sleep and wakes up, his wife is alive and his son is dead. I wonder if this is how Stephen King comes up with some of his ideas, through his nightmares?

I remember interviewing Sharon Sala years ago and she told me that when she gets stuck on a plot line and can’t figure out what to do, she goes to sleep. When she wakes up, she has the answer. I wonder how many writers out there solve their plot problems that way?

I’ve had authors tell me they get their best ideas in the shower, while driving a car, going for a walk, listening to music and swimming. It seems like sometimes the mind needs to be needlessly engaged for something creative to leak out.

So, authors, tell me, are there any tricks you use when you’re stuck? Readers, what helps you solve a seemingly unsolvable problem? What’s worked in the past?

Bottom Line: Maybe a warm glass of milk before bed will stop my nightmares…or a shot of booze.

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Tags: author imaginations, Awake, nightmares, Sharon Sala
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Jeannie Lin: New Mom of Twins

Barbara Vey -- May 14th, 2012

Daniel and Mae Linh (nice jab with the Cardinal's outfits)

While I’m visiting St. Louis, author Jeannie Lin caught a Tweet I posted about coffee at a local cafe. She contacted me and we met up for a wonderful visit. Last time I saw Jeannie, we were guests of the San Diego RWA and ended up taking a train together back to Los Angeles late last year. It was great to catch up.

BV: You’ve had a lot going on lately. Care to comment on that?

JL: 5 months ago I wasn’t a mommy and now I am.

BV: So, what did you have a boy or a girl?

JL: Both. One of each.

BV: That is so sweet! What did you name them?

JL: Daniel Louis and Mae Linh

BV: Any special meanings to their names?

JL: Both are from my husband’s side of the family, but Mae Linh is a combination of Vietnamese and English.

BV: Any chance that’s affected your writing schedule?

JL: Hmmm…the twins are finally sleeping through the night, so I write between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m.

BV: Was that ever part of your normal writing pattern?

JL: I’ve always been an early morning person, but the babies still dictate the schedule.

BV: I’ve heard that you are committed for several books in the near future.

JL: I’m writing 2 books for Harlequin Historical and 2 stand alone books for HQN. The most recent is My Fair Concubine (you can watch the video here).

BV: So, what do you do in your spare time?

JL: Spare time? I also work a full time job, but luckily I can do it from my home.

BV: Any chance you’ll be doing a reality show like Jon and Kate plus 8?

JL: I think it would be more like Survivor.

Bottom Line: I think Jeannie can Outlast, Outplay and Outwit anyone, so my money is on her.

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Tags: Jeannie Lin, twins
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St. Louis Just For Fun

Barbara Vey -- May 11th, 2012

Enjoying frappaccinos at Barnes & Noble

Everyone knows how much I love to travel. Conferences, conventions workshops…it doesn’t matter, I love it all. But this week is special because I’m spending it with my grandkids in St. Louis. My son and his wife are enjoying the Napa Valley, but I’m the one having all the fun.

Of course, things started a little rough with a 2 hour flight delay (on a 48 minute flight), but once I got here we had a lovely dinner at J Bucks. Even though the food was good, the conversation was delightful. Alex, 11, proceeded to tell me that author Ridley Pearson visited their school. Alex was completely taken by him and for good reason, he’s a terrific story teller.

One of the stories related to me told of someone asking the author if she had permission to read his books. He assured her that anyone could read his books and was kind of confused by the question. The reader explained that she wanted to read his book in outer space. Obviously that wasn’t a request he got everyday. She went on to tell him that she would be reading the story to child every day while she was on a space mission. Some time later, he received a phone call…from space. The reader called to let him know how much they enjoyed his book. I bet every author wishes they had a story to tell like that.

Today was my first day on the job and sleeping in Alex’s room I awoke to his clock taunted me at 7:55 a.m. The kids had to be to school by 8! I jumped out of bed (maybe not a real jumped, but I moved pretty fast for me), but by the time I made it to the other bedroom I noticed it seemed pretty dark outside. I checked my phone and sure enough it was only 5:41 a.m. I grumbled back to bed, all the while planning ways to get back at Alex for not having the correct time on his clock.

Mission statement

After dropping the kids at school, on time, I went in search of a Paneras and ended up at the Saint Louis Bread Co. (That’s what they call Paneras here). I parked at a meter and only had a $1 worth of change. I’d need to drink fast. When I came in to order, I was told to drop my money in a box in front of the register. I asked about this and was told that this was a Saint Louis Co. Cares Cafe. This non-profit cafe works on donations. Patrons are encouraged to leave the suggested amount or more if able. Anyone in need can donate less and anyone without means is asked to donate 1 hour of volunteer time in exchange for a meal. I’m telling you that this brought tears to my eyes. What an amazing program.

As I sit here writing this, I’m amazed at the amount of people who are greeted by name. There is such a warm and inviting atmosphere here. I know if there were one of these in my area, I would frequent it often. I go to Paneras all the time the way it is. So, if you are in the area, stop by and leave a nice donation. If not, I’m sure your local food bank would love to see you.

Bottom Line: After the kids get out of school, we’re heading over to Barnes & Noble…this will be the best week ever!

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Tags: Ridley Pearson, Saint Louis Bread Co.
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When Facebook Makes Me Smile

Barbara Vey -- May 9th, 2012

From Susan McGeown

I enjoy trolling through Facebook. Yes, it can be a time suck, but I consider it research for my job. People post interesting articles, comments, bits and pieces of their lives. (I follow my family separately, for good reason.) It can be a great tool for authors and others to get the word out on their products and I admit that I’ll pick up on a book I may have otherwise missed. Yesterday alone I downloaded 3 books of authors I hadn’t read before because they were free reads. Sometimes there are nice surprises.

But, most of all, I get a kick out of some of the pictures and sayings posted (although I think there should be a whole different stream for cat and dog pics). So, I thought I share a few of the ones that caught my eye this week.

From Jessica Trapp

From Kristie Leigh Maguire

From Tim Trail

From Bizzaro Comics

From Neil Low

From Tonya Kappes

Please feel free to send me any that you find interesting and I’ll consider doing a follow up.

Bottom Line: Today is School Nurse Day…do you remember your school nurse? I do.

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Tags: Facebooks, smiles
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How Do You Define Chick Lit?

Barbara Vey -- May 6th, 2012

I recently got into a discussion with an author about Chick Lit. It wasn’t really about Chick Lit itself, it’s more about the definition of Chick Lit.

Wikipedia defines Chick lit as genre fiction which addresses issues of modern womanhood, often humorously and lightheartedly. The genre became popular in the late 1990s, with chick lit titles topping bestseller lists and the creation of imprints devoted entirely to chick lit. Although it sometimes includes romantic elements, chick lit is generally not considered a direct subcategory of the romance novel genre, because the heroine’s relationship with her family or friends is often just as important as her romantic relationships.

Melissa Amster who writes for Chick Lit Central blog says, “I define chick lit as modern women’s literature featuring a female character ranging in age from 20-40, dealing with issues in the fields of career, romance and family (or even a mix of these items). In more recent times, a lot of chick lit has centered around fertility issues or pregnancy and divorce or infidelity. Some authors that stick out as chick lit for me are Sophie Kinsella, Marian Keyes, Jane Green, Emily Giffin and Carole Matthews.”

My conversation with this issue started with me saying I didn’t think that Jennifer Crusie wrote Chick Lit. I think of her books as romantic comedy. Even though this is close to Wikipedia’s definition, I think that Jennifer Crusie does have more romance in her books (which is fine with me). To me, Chick Lit is more about women’s issues or maybe some of the more perceived notions of shopping, shoes and clothes (not anything that really interests me in real life). Kind of like Sex and the City is to TV and I do think of the Sophie Kinsella books that way.

So I went out and asked people on the street their definitions of Chick Lit.

Sue, 51: I think of magazines about fashion and celebrities as Chick Lit.

Britney, 22: Books that are light and fluffy like shopaholic books.

Mary, 37: Anything my husband wouldn’t read.

Rhonda, 49: Romance…straight romance.

Sherry, 52: Shoes, shopping, Sex and the City.

Rose, 36: Girlfriends, Kinsella, Weiner.

Liz, 22: Never heard of Chick Lit…what is it?

Love this sign in a Norway bookstore

,I’ve discovered, over the years that how books are categorized can be very important to some people. While they will read one genre, they will not read another because of where it might be placed on a book shelf even though they might really enjoy the book if they ever gave it a chance. I’m all in favor of trying things at least once.
.

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What about you? How do you define Chick Lit? Does it matter? Do you read it? Has it received a bad reputation? Suggest a great Chick Lit book for me to read.

Bottom Line: Yes, I’ve said it…I hate to shop.

Giveaways

From Eric Glover: Enter for your chance to win a copy of Melissa Fay Greene’s new book No Biking in the House Without a Helmet – a touching story about the creation of Melissa’s unique family, which gives rise to wisdom on subjects of profound interest – unmapped by experts and unknown to outsiders – to parents everywhere. To enter, please visit Media Connect’s Facebook page and tell them why you want a copy of Melissa’s book.

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Tags: Chick Lit, Jennifer Crusie, Jennifer Weiner, Sophie Kinsella
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Brenda Novak Auction for Juvenile Diabetes

Barbara Vey -- May 1st, 2012

It’s May and everyone in the publishing world knows what that means, time for Brenda Novak’s Online Auction for Diabetes Research. In it’s 7th year, this charitable event shows no signs of slowing down. To date Brenda has raised $1,368,598 for the Diabetes Research Institute.

New York Times Best Selling Author Brenda Novak and her son Thad

According to the press release:

Every year, for the month of May, New York Times and USA Today Best-selling Author Brenda Novak runs an online auction for diabetes research. The auction takes a full year to plan and pull off, but it’s a labor of love—an effort to help all the people who, like her youngest son, suffer from diabetes. Her very first auction ran in 2005. It started small but has grown every year by leaps and bounds.

There are items like a week in Scotland or Dublin, a chance to meet Celine Dion, lunch with your favorite author, jewelry, becoming a character in a book, e-readers, evaluations and critiques for authors, special items for readers and many autographed books. Of course, the list goes on. Take your time perusing the site and bid often.

Since I don’t have guest bloggers on Beyond Her Book, I give away 24 hours of blogging to include pictures and video (to be approved by me of course). Feel free to bid on this and I’ll even help you put it together. You can pick the date as long as it’s not during a conference I’m attending or my anniversary week in March. Otherwise, you can use it to launch your book, your website or your brand. All for a good cause. Here’s the link to the auction.

This year I am also offering a seat at my Barbara Vey Reader Appreciation Luncheon to be held Saturday, April 27, 2013 in Milwaukee. The lucky winner will sit at keynote speaker James Rollins‘ table, get a package of 4 autographed books from him and one night hotel stay at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Milwaukee for the event. See the details here.

Plus, I’m also donated an autographed book of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Family Caregivers that contains my story about my mom. Details here.

So, please check it out and I guarantee you will find something for yourself or someone you care about.

Bottom Line: I’ve got my eye on that trip to Scotland, so don’t overbid me.

Giveaways

From Jungle Red Writers: The women of Jungle Red went to all the best mystery and book events last week and this week they’ll be sharing their swag with readers and commenters every day from Monday through Saturday. Stop by, leave a comment and even check the earlier posts starting on Monday. Three winners every day to be announced on Saturday, when they’ll be celebrating with a virtual Cinco de Mayo party.

From Samhain Publishing: In May, Samhain Publishing is excited to offer a the first book in a Georgian historical romance series and a horror novel as our giveaway titles on Kindle at Amazon.com, Nook at BarnesandNoble.com, Sony at ebookstore.Sony.com and iTunes on their iBookstore.

The first date is the day the book price flips to $0.00 and the second date is the final day discounted before it returns to regular price.

Begin Date

End Date

Book Title

Author

5/1/2012 5/14/2012 Yorkshire Lynne Connolly

5/15/2012 5/28/2012 Ancient Images Ramsey Campbell

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Tags: Brenda Novak's Diabetes Auction
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Chicago Spring Fling

Barbara Vey -- April 30th, 2012

Guest speakers Dianna Love, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Simone Elkeles

This past weekend I attended the Chicago-North RWA Spring Fling. Held every other year, it’s one of my favorites and not only because it’s within driving distance. This sold out conference had something for everyone, an easy laid back attitude and was smoothly run.

The writers workshops were well attended and recorded, so no one had to feel like they might be missing something. After the party atmosphere of RT a couple of weeks ago, Spring Fling was all business as writers were lined up to learn their craft and sell their books to prospective agents and editors.

YA author Simone Elkeles was the kick-off speaker and pulled no punches as she told her story of getting published. She attributes a lot of her success to her local RWA group. Simone just completed a 3 week European tour, where her books sell extremely well, and she told the story of the a 14 year old girl who stood in line for 2 hours to meet her and then started to cry. I’d say that’s a pretty good sign that your books are having an impact on readers.

After Simone’s talk, the three keynote speakers who included Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Dianna Love did a Q&A for the audience. The moderator asked great questions that kept the speakers on their toes and the audience entertained. EX: Do your books start with an idea or an outline?

SEP: Never an outline.

DL: I’m a plotter…I get an idea that’s unusual and go with it.

SE: What’s an outline?

Question: A mistake you made and how you fixed it?

SEP: Argued with editor about every revision on first book. Learned not to argue, just say, “Oh.”

DL: Told her story idea out loud and someone picked it up. Keep your ideas to yourself.

SE: Found out “Perfect Chemistry” cover was a stock photo that was also used as an STD ad.

Agent Panel

There were agent and editors panels, but unfortunately they were at the same time as the bookseller/librarian get-together. I opted for the latter. This group was so interesting that I wish I would have had a chance to meet them all. I did connect with Monique who runs her library’s book club. They do it kind of different. A theme is picked and readers can read any book that fits the theme and then discuss it at their meetings. Monique does provide suggestions for those who need a list to choose from.

Editor's Panel

Librarian Helen Pinder

A while ago, I downloaded the Overdrive app for my phone and iPad, but I finally met someone who could explain to me how to work it. Librarian Helen Pinder from West Chicago was there with her mom (who is a librarian at a different library) and she set me up so I’m now able to download both books and audio versions to my devises. Can’t wait to try it out at home.

I stopped in the Kensington Spotlight where Martin Biro was telling authors not to write for the trend, but hot right now are firemen, cowboys, Texas and it’s always good if a cat is involved. He assured writers that Kensington accepts unagented authors and all queries are read.

Luncheon Keynote Dianna Love related writing a book to fishing (something else she loves). She grew up with tools instead of dolls and quickly learned she could find any answer in a book. Knew she was destined to become a writer when she couldn’t write a grocery list without a twist.

Barbara Vey and Courtney Milan

There was a very successful book signing and I was fortunate enough to sit next to Courtney Milan. She had an app on her iPad so she could sign e-books. Even though she is a traditionally published author (love her historicals), she also had a self published book that was selling like hot cakes, so she then showed me her credit card reader that attached to her iPad to take payment for those books. I tell you, I always seem to come away from these conferences learning something new.

Lots of smiles from writers who were asked to send in partials and full manuscripts, but I noticed one in particular who was bouncing around because four people asked to see her work.

Susan Elizabeth Phillips finished off the conference by telling the attendees that “innovation is the author’s job, not the editor’s.” She assured everyone that “We are all individuals and one size does not fit all.” Susan also talked about reviews. “No one is going to like everything you write, some won’t like anything you write…get over it.”

Conference Committee

Cici Edwards Workshop Chair wasn't around for the group photo

Awards were given for the Fire and Ice Writing Contest and you can find the winners here. There also was a silent auction benefiting “Literacy for All of Us.” The event raised over $4200 and is receiving matching funds from the Sol R. Kaufman Family Foundation. Kudos to the conference committee for the amazing job they did on a very success Spring Fling.

Bottom Line: Today is National Honesty Day…wonder how many people will participate in this?

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Tags: author conferences, Chicago Spring Fling, Dianna Love, Literacy for All of Us, Simone Elkeles, Susan Elizabeth Phillips
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