Special Author Interview & Book Review with Cassandra O'Sullivan Sachar, Author of Little Miss Teacher

Cassandra O’Sullivan Sachar is the debut author of Little Miss Teacher, a novel about a young woman growing up and learning her way through her first year of teaching. The author gave me the time to answer a few questions I had for her and I hope you enjoy the interview; and after reading the interview, please check out my review of her first novel.

Cassandra O’Sullivan Sachar is currently on a blog tour, hosted by Chick Lit Plus (CLP) Blog Tours. Than you so much to both Ms. Sachar and CLP for offering me the opportunity to read, review and interview Ms. Sachar and Little Miss Teacher. For previous blogs and her next stop, please visit her page at Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.

           

Q. As a high school English teacher, yourself, how autobiographical is Little Miss Teacher?

COS: I believe that all writers provide insight into their lives and personalities through their writing.  From my title and content, it's pretty obvious that I looked to my career and experiences for some of my inspiration.  I'm well acquainted with life inside a high school, and that's part of the reason I gave Candace the job of a teacher; I knew I could make it realistic, and I've read several chick lit books about young women starting out in various careers.  We've read about fashionistas and nannies, so why not write about a young teacher?  Everyone has some idea of teachers, since we've all had them, but Candace's story isn't just for teachers; in some ways she's an Everywoman, struggling to find herself as she begins her "adult" life.  I definitely based a few of Candace's classroom adventures upon some of my own as a new teacher (including that first memorable scene... THAT was awkward!).  Still, though, Candace is not Cassandra, and I haven't modeled any single character on a real person. This is something I had to tell some of my students who read the book:  It's a work of fiction!            

Q. Who (or what) have been some of your influences on your path to becoming a teacher? A writer? Do you prefer one craft over the other or do you think you will always do both?

COS: Even before I learned to write, I was a writer.  My mother and I created these fabulous little books; I would draw the pictures and tell her how the story went, and she would scribe my words.  I have her to thank for helping me develop my talent and passion in both reading and writing.  I have folders full of early writing attempts: poems, short stories, a few ill-fated one-act plays, and several beginnings of novels.  I knew I would write a book someday, and I have always thought of myself as a writer, even when life is busy and I don't take the time to write.  When I'm not writing, I mull over ideas for my next project.  As for teaching, I never really expected it.  During my senior year of college I finally realized that I had no real plan for a career after graduation.  Many other English majors have been drawn to teaching for the same reason as I was:  love of the subject.  My friend Joe, who was an English education major, suggested that I turn to teaching.  I graduated with my degree in English and spent the next year gaining teacher certification.  For someone who never saw herself as a teacher, my profession has fit me beautifully, and I have thrived working with teenagers.  I'm currently pursuing my doctorate in education, so I see myself teaching for a long time.  I use my summers off to focus on my writing.  I can't say that I prefer one over the other:  I am both a writer and a teacher.   

Q.  I read that you also published a mystery book for middle school readers called The Hidden Diary. What made you take the leap to women’s fiction or chick lit? Do you have a preference for one genre or another?

 COS: I love mysteries and young adult literature, but I love my chick lit as well.  I actually haven't published The Hidden Diary yet, but it's ready for publication.  Since it's only available as an eBook, I've held back on releasing it, as I'm not sure that the age group does much reading at way (I've been meaning to research this as soon as I have time!).  I feel comfortable in both genres; I like reading and writing both.  Although many authors stick with one age group, sometimes I'm in the mood for one kind of writing over the other.  If there's an interest from the public, I'd love to spend another year in the classroom with Candace as a more experienced teacher, but my current project is a collection of scary short stories for middle grade readers.     

Q. As a teacher, you play an instrumental role in the lives of adolescents who are transitioning into the next stage of development. Little Miss Teacher plays on this theme of struggle and growth as well as its main character, Candace, who is also going through a transitional time in her life. What type of advice do you have for students and/or readers? Would you want your students read your book?

 COS: My advice for students and readers is to allow yourself to be vulnerable and ask for help when you need it.  Too many of us walk around wearing masks, hiding our feelings and pretending that everything is fine when it's not.  It's okay to cry, it's okay to mess up, and it's okay to get help.  Look at Megan (in Little Miss Teacher):  by not dealing with her problem, it got totally out of hand.  As for students reading my novel... it feels a little funny, like they're seeing me in my swimming suit or something!  I didn't tell my students about publishing Little Miss Teacher, but they found out anyway, of course!  Due to the adult nature of parts of the novel, I would feel a little awkward about recommending that students read it, but I am proud of the book as a realistic depiction of a young woman's life. 

Q. I read on Smashwords that you enjoy many extracurriculars – in addition to your family, pets and two careers. How do you find time for it all?

COS: I am really good at time management!  I try to multi-task; I make to-do lists and grade papers while I'm waiting at the doctor's office or during my daughter's soccer practice.  When I'm on the elliptical machine or exercise bike, I do my school reading.  Still, though, I allow myself time to just relax.

Q. What do you love most about being a teacher? Least?

COS: I love seeing students blossom as writers.  So many students hate writing and/or think they're bad at it; I try to change their perceptions.  There's nothing like seeing students discover that they have the ability to write.  Teachers love their jobs because it's an amazing feeling to impact students and help them find the potential within themselves to succeed.  I'm not so crazy about grading papers... the stacks are endless! 

Q. What do you love most about being a novelist? Least?

COS: I love the creative process.  I start with a kernel of an idea and watch it grow into something so much bigger.  I really started caring about Candace as I wrote about her, even though (obviously) I knew she wasn't real.  She became real to me, and I hurt with her when she was rejected; I felt proud of her when she succeeded.  My least favorite part about writing is the publishing process.  All those rejection letters start to sting after a while, which is why I finally decided to publish Little Miss Teacher as an eBook.  I was sick of having a finished manuscript, a book I was proud of and wanted to share, simply on my hard drive with no one to read it.   

Q: Do you have a certain routine to your writing? A daily schedule? A favorite room, laptop, table, writing tool or anything else?

COS: When I'm focusing on a project, I force myself to write five pages at least every other day.  The pages might be great, or they might be terrible, but they'll get done, and that's the method that helped me finish my two novels.  I believe heavily in the revision process; the book you read is vastly different (and much better) than the one I completed almost four summers ago.  I can write anywhere- in fact, Little Miss Teacher traveled to New Orleans and Tucson with me, since I didn't want a vacation from it when I took my vacations.  I wrote part of the book in my grandmother's living room while she watched TV.  I always write on a laptop; when inspiration strikes me, I'll jot down ideas on little scraps of paper, but I always type my "real" writing.

Q. If you could “teach” wannabe writers out there one thing, what would it be?

COS: Just do it- just write.  It doesn't matter if it's terrible; you can always revise it later.  I've heard so many people say, "I should write a book," but they never do it.  Whether or not you get published, I think that the creation itself is worth it.  If you never even try, how will you know what you can accomplish?   

Q. What is something that most people wouldn't necessarily know about you (that you would be willing to share here, of course!)?

COS:  I was published for the first time when I was in high school.  My 12th grade English teacher recommended that I submit an essay I wrote for his class to a literary magazine called Merlyn's Pen.

Thank you so much to Cassandra O’Sullivan Sachar for taking the time to stop by Lip Gloss and Literature, answer my questions and allow me to review her fantastic debut. If you would like to learn more about the author, her book or anything else, please visit her on Facebook page.

And now, for my review of her debut novel, Little Miss Teacher.

Little Miss Teacher by Cassandra O’Sullivan Sachar

Little Miss Teacher was a really enjoyable debut that gave readers an inside glimpse into the first year of teaching through the eyes of Candace Turner. What I loved most about this story was the change over time and growth. In the first chapter a student proclaims to Miss Turner, "I can see through your blouse", horrifying Candace; and by the story's end Candace is able to stand her ground when, in the library, a young African American student, boldly accuses her of being a racist for asking her to adhere to the rules of the library. The transformation of character and the growth Candace shows is quite admirable to watch and look back on.

Candace’s first year in teaching is nothing short of a nine-month long roller coaster ride in education. Candace meets and goes on a date with a seemingly suave male teacher, who turns out to be a little too smooth for her liking. Luckily nothing too serious happens and it just becomes one of her lessons learned. She’s given the opportunity (and responsibility) of going on a business trip to New Orleans to learn about a new teaching program being implemented at other schools, where she must attend conferences and speeches, take notes and then present the material back to her own school administrators upon her return. Her teacher friend and confidant convinces Candace to chaperone her first prom, where she is the only adult there who gets all dressed up in a shiny new dress, circa Prom 2010. After prom, and to Candace’s embarrassment, she learns just how quickly social networking and photography can damage your self-image when a student posts their picture from the dance on Facebook. Candace deals with many self-image issues, naturally, being the teacher of so many teenagers, but one particular issue comes as a shock when best friend and roommate confesses to a serious eating disorder. Later, Candace must also deal with the heartache and pain of losing her dream crush, Charlie.  It’s definitely a school year to remember.

Cassandra O’Sullivan Sachar provided a very detailed description of every character and each scene. As a reader, I felt like I was right alongside Candace, starting out as a teacher at a high school and just beginning to enter the real world of work, love and friendship. I thought it was really smart, fitting and cute how the author set up each chapter as a “Lesson” learned and then proceeded to detail one event or situation after another. The story, overall, read very true to life. It makes one wonder about the divide between fact and fiction. I would love to read another book by Cassandra O’Sullivan Sachar. She definitely did her homework in writing this book!

3 STARS

Special Author Interview & Book Review with Kaira Rouda, Author of Here, Home, Hope

I felt so lucky when Book Sparks offered me the opportunity to become a part of their fantastic book tour and book blogging program for Kaira Rouda’s novel Here, Home, Hope. Here, Home, Hope tackles issues related to families, parenting, marriage, and friendship. There is plenty of drama, conflict and excitement in this standard-sized novel of women’s fiction and a thoroughly excellent debut from Kaira Rouda. As a reader, I could not have asked for much more. Stick around for my book review but first, here is a glimpse at the life and works of Kaira Rouda, author of Here, Home, Hope, herself.

10 Questions with Kaira Rouda, Author of Here, Home, Hope

Q. I’m so excited to have you on my blog dedicated to everything Women’s Fiction/Chick Lit. As a woman who is so greatly involved in empowering women of all ages.

do you ever get flack for being labeled a “chick lit” writer? What’s your take on the whole debate over the label?

I’m thrilled to be here! Thank you for having me. And as for being labeled a “chick lit” writer, I’m happy to be labeled in the fiction world at all at this point! It has taken me so many years to finally see my dream of publishing a novel come true that you can call it whatever you’d like – as long as you like it! In fact, HERE, HOME, HOPE just won a 2011 Indie Excellence Award in the Chick Lit Category. So I’m celebrating my chick-lit ties.

Seriously, though, I do understand the debate, and I would love to come up with a description for what it is I write that doesn’t imply frivolity, which is the problem with this particular label. Labels in general are limiting. While the tone of my work overall tends to be light, there are deeper messages in all of my novels and the characters certainly aren’t all “chicks”. There are hens, too.

I’ve found throughout my career that women are the toughest on other women. So if we all stick together, celebrate each other’s work and voices, our differences and our common struggles, labels fall away, and we all are elevated. Together women are unstoppable.

Q: Congratulations on all your charitable contributions and business awards! How do you find time for everything?

Thank you! It’s funny, when I look back at the awards and the like, the ones that mean the most to me are the ones that signify a milestone accomplishment – starting a shelter for homeless families; starting a fast-growing business; creating a brand. I love the creation process – whether it’s business or books. It’s my passion.

I learned a long time ago that balance is something I swing through on the way to something else. A priority to me, in my life, always has been giving back to the community. I truly believe we need to LEAD the change we want to see in the world. We cannot just complain about what’s not right – we need to do our part to help solve the problems.

And, for me, I am blessed with a supportive husband and partner who stands beside me every step of the way, and kids who understand that when I’m happy and fulfilled I’m a better mom. 

Q.  As an entrepreneur and very accomplished business woman, do you have any advice you could offer women who are in the process of building their careers and/or pursuing their dreams?

     Well, yes, I have a bunch of advice, actually and that’s why I wrote my first book: REAL YOU INCORPORTED: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs. (Wiley) The book is packed full of inspirational profiles and an 8-step process for articulating your personal brand and bringing it to life as a unique competitive advantage. While I wrote the book for entrepreneurs, I’ve been thrilled to find that women who are pursuing more corporate career paths also find it important to define their personal brands. In our world of 140 characters and constant information, it’s critical to be able to articulate your strengths and passions.

Another key point: Don’t let others get in the way of pursuing your dreams. Hurdles are for jumping. If I let a 15-year stack of rejections stop me, I wouldn’t be doing this interview today.

Q. What advice do you have for wannabe writers out there?

See above. But also, embrace the power of choice that is available today. There are so many more ways to facilitate the dream of publishing your work. Publishing is in the middle of a tremendous shift. Keep an open mind – and never give up.

Q. I read on your web site that you spent much of your growing up years moving around. How did this affect you? Do you have a favorite place and why?

That’s a great question! Actually, that piece for my website is the first time I’d written about my rather nomadic upbringing. What I believe it gave me was a distinct feeling of place, of setting. I longed, not surprisingly, for roots. But, I also enjoyed the time spent experiencing different parts of the country. All in all, it was the best of the roots and wings childhood.

My favorite place in the world is beside the ocean, with family and friends. Any ocean. I’ve been that way for as long as I can remember. And now that we are living in Southern California, my Midwestern friends come to visit, and I’ve been blessed with great, new friends here. 

Q: How did you come up with the fictional town of Grandville? Does it draw from the various places you lived?

Grandville is very much the setting of my life: Upper middle class suburb, often adjacent to a well-respected college. Setting to me is the backdrop that allows my characters to wander and become. I would love to attempt a novel not set in the suburbs, but for now, that’s the setting that speaks to me.

Q. Sounds like you’ve always known you wanted to be a writer. How did you make the final leap from behind the scenes, writing for marketing and advertising copy, to the front lines, writing your own novels?

I’ve been on the front lines, so to speak, for many years, too, just not as a fiction writer. I was the Central Ohio society columnist for 10 years, and I’ve written for numerous regional and national publications during my career. In fact, it was important to me to keep writing for publication even if my day job involved marketing or business writing and later management. Secretly, at night mostly when the kids were asleep, I’d work on my novels. I finished the first manuscript back in the mid-1990s. You’ll never read that one, but it was a start. I’ve been writing and submitting queries and receiving rejections ever since. Two years ago, when my husband and I sold our company, I decided it was now or never. I put my full heart into my longest-held dream – much like I’ve told numerous other women to do – and finally, my dream has come true.

Q. What do you love most about being a novelist? Least?

I love the creation process. Sitting down and starting a story. I am the worst at revisions. As we speak, I should be revising. Perhaps I’ll procrastinate a bit longer.

Q: Do you have a certain routine to your writing? A daily schedule?A favorite room, laptop, table, writing tool or anything else?

I need a laptop, a cup of tea and my dogs. Right now, I don’t have a daily schedule as I’m really working hard to spread the word about HERE, HOME, HOPE. The way I figure it, if almost 2,000 books are published a day, it’s up to me to let people know mine is one of them. When I walk into a large bookstore it’s daunting and exciting. Exciting to see your novel on the shelf ~ mine is often next to Phillip Roth, no less ~ but daunting to realize just how many choices readers have today. And that’s just in the physical bookstore. So more than anything, today, my routine involves trying to tell people about HERE, HOME, HOPE.

Maybe someday, if I can create thewriting career that I dream of creating, if people enjoy my stories enough, if my kids are all happy and grown, then I could enjoy a pure writerly life. Although, I’m not sure I have the temperament for that. I love my life right now. I feel truly blessed.

Q. What is something that most people wouldn't necessarily know about you (that you would be willing to share here, of course!)?

Most people are surprised to discover that I am a reluctant public speaker. I suppose given my years in marketing and in business, the assumption is that I’m comfortable with that component of this process. I’m not. I, like most writers I have met, love to write. Not talk to big groups. I love being behind the scenes and I love creating. Self-promotion, including public speaking, is a tough but necessary part of being a writer today. That said, I have had a blast so far during my book tour, meeting people, answering questions about the novel and travelling to new places. So far, I’ve had stops in Santa Monica, Malibu, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Capitola, Sacramento, Piedmont, Dayton and Columbus. Next up are Dallas, Phoenix and Indianapolis. Once I get going, start talking, the audience makes it easy. It’s just the starting that’s the tough part.

 Thank you so much for including me here! I’ve really enjoyed answering these questions! 

Thank you so much to Kaira Rouda for stopping by Lip Gloss and Literature today and taking the time to answer my questions.

To visit her on her own site, follow this link: www.kairarouda.com or check her out on Facebook or Twitter.

I absolutely love learning more about my favorite authors and what goes into their creations and hope you will check out my review, next, of Here, Home, Hope.

Here, Home, Hope by Kaira Rouda

In this story Midwestern mom and wife, Kelly Mills Johnson, is about to go through a midlife crisis...or so she thinks. She’s got her T2C –Things to Change – list kept all over the house, little yellow notes strewn about on post-its, reminding her to, be good to herself, try a yoga class, and many other self-help and inspirational mantras. As much as she tries to stay true to her plans and goals, she can’t help this feeling of emptiness inside her; and with her boys at camp for the summer and a successful husband, Patrick, who works long hours, Kelly's been feeling more sad than ever. Just as she’s on the verge of crying at the drop of a hat, again, she is approached by good friend and neighbor Kathryn, who presents her with an opportunity to get outside of herself. Kathryn asks Kelly to look after and care for her anorexic daughter, Melanie, for the summer while she and her husband try to work things out in their disintegrating marriage. Kelly, instinctively agrees and hopes she might be able to be a role model to Kathryn’s troubled teen and if nothing else, maybe she can learn a thing or two to prepare for her two own sons’ teenage years.

In addition to caring for a brooding and health-challenged teenager, Kelly’s other best-friend, Charlotte, introduces her to the real-estate related career of home-staging, and Kelly helps her turn around a home for sale by redecorating it to appeal to the masses of buyers. Within a week the home is sold and Kelly’s found her calling in an illustrious career. Determined to go into business for herself, Kelly doesn’t seem to even have the time to feel sorry anymore. However, ideas and dreams of partnering with Charlotte go out the window when it’s brought to Kelly’s horrified attention that the house Kelly’s just fixed-up has been sold to Charlotte and her new lover, and Kathryn’s soon to be ex-husband. How can Kelly go into business with a friend who’s dating the father of the troubled teen who’s been living with her all summer long?

Kelly confides in her husband Patrick, whose always been supportive and rekindles a relationship with an old high school friend, who turns out to be just the role model Kathryn’s daughter needs to cope with her eating disorder and family melodrama. Before Kelly even realizes it, she just might be the glue that holds her family and friends together (and probably always has been).

Just when everything’s teetering on the edge of disaster, it inevitably blows up. Charlotte and Bruce’s affair is revealed. Progress with Melanie’s eating disorder hits a crucial point. Charlotte receives life-changing news about her own family and soon to be ex-husband. At a time when everyone needs love support and above all, a little hope,  will Kelly and her friends be able to come together?

                                                  4 Stars

This novel tells several stories of courage, change and growth in one. The author sets up the book in expertly defined sections, giving the book its aptly named title: Here, Home Hope. I recommend this book to women of all ages, as there’s a story for women at each stage of life in here. You might find yourself, turning page after page, racing to the end to find out just what exactly Kelly and her friends will do for each other, what they will learn and how they will grow. This was a very heartfelt, poignant, moving novel. A-plus.

View the book trailer of Here, Home, Hope Here. For a reading Guide for anyone seeking to Read Here, Home, Hope as part of their book group, can be found Here or to purchase your own copy of Here, Home, Hope, click Here.



Sneak Peek: The Art of Forgetting by Camille Noe Pagan

Sneak Peek at the Pages of....is a new feature I'm going to post periodically at Lip Gloss and Literaturein which I will feature books I'm currently reading, about to read or want to read. Some of these may be debut novels, new releases and others may be oldies but goodies. I hope with "Sneak Peek", I can introduce you to more, great women's fiction and chick lit novels to check out. Enjoy and don't forget to check back later in the month for a Review of the Sneak Peek featured book.     

The Art of Forgetting is the debut women’s fiction novel by Camille Noe Pagan and it is one of my MUST READS of 2011. I have only started it this past weekend but I can already tell you that I am hooked!

          Everyone has that one bff who they share everything with – love, disaster, excitement, sadness; someone to gossip with, confide in and even compete with. Imagine planning to meet that friend in the city for dinner one night, only to watch her get hit by car right before your eyes. Will she be okay? Will she survive? Will you be okay? How will you both cope with life and each other after such a tragic accident? That is exactly what happens between best friends Julia and Marissa, who have been living in New York in their twenties, growing up together and building their careers. I anticipate a fantastic story about friendship, growth, self-discovery, trauma, memory loss, and I think you won’t be disappointed by this new novel. It’s a real page turner.

The following synopsis was found on http://www.camillenoepagan.com/taof.html

The Art of Forgetting by Camille Noe Pagan

Forgive and forget—but not necessarily in that order.

Marissa Rogers never wanted to be an alpha; beta suited her just fine, thank you very much. After all, taking charge without taking credit had always paid off: vaulting her to senior editor at a glossy diet magazine; allowing her to keep the peace with her critical, weight-obsessed mother; and enjoying the benefits that came with being best friends with gorgeous, charismatic Julia Ferrar.

Sure, coming up with 15 different ways to lose five pounds month after month could be mind-numbing. And yes, Julia was a walking, talking reminder that Marissa would never be the type to turn heads. So what? There was no reason to upend her perfect-on-paper life.

But when Julia is hit by a cab and suffers a personality-altering brain injury, Marissa has no choice but step into the role of alpha friend. As Julia struggles to regain her memory—dredging up things Marissa would rather forget, including the fact that Julia asked her to abandon the love of her life 10 years ago—and to return to the sharp, magnetic woman she once was, their friendship is shaken to the core.

With the help of 12 girls she reluctantly agrees to coach in an after-school running program, Marissa will uncover an inner confidence she never knew she possessed and find the courage to reexamine her past and take control of her future.

Be on the look out at the end of June for my full Review and Rating!!!

For more information on the author, to read an excerpt from The Art of Forgetting or find out where to buy the book, please visit http://www.camillenoepagan.com/

Want to get some tips on writing while learning about Camille’s everyday life?? Visit her blog at http://thewahmdiaries.com/

***I received a copy of The Art of Forgetting by Camille Noe Pagan via NetGalley solely for review purposes. All thoughts and ideas about the book are my own opinion.***

Waiting on Wednesday - Faking It by Charlotte Kymberley

"Waiting On Wednesday"(WOW) is a weekly event, hosted by Jill from Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases eagerly anticipated. This is my third week joining the 100 plus book bloggers who participate in the weekly meme and I am very excited to be a part of it. I hope to hear from you and your own WOW so that I can add some more books to my TBR shelf.

One of my favorite web sites is Chick Lit Plus. It’s a very varied site with its articles and features on chick lit and general fiction, celebrity gossip, book reviews, fashion, fitness, writing resources and a whole lot more; and this year, the woman behind the site has even added a few services to her list, one of which is serving as Host of a 2011 Chick Lit Reading Challenge. The goal, over the course of the twelve months in 2011, is to read 12 chick lit genre books – with one exception: two MUST be by debut authors with book releases in 2011. I am grateful to be a part of this challenge, not only because it increases my personal quota of reading chick lit novels and writing reviews but because this is the first year I can remember being really focused on what the upcoming new books and authors are going to be out there in the publishing world and make it into local bookstores.  It’s really caused my TBR list to skyrocket!

This week I am featuring a book I saw featured on both the Chicklit Club as well as Chick Lit Plus (this week). Oddly enough when I looked it up on Goodreads for a synopsis it said the book was by “Charlotte Kymberley” but then I noticed the cover of the book said it was by “Lotte Daley”. Is it fair to assume Lotte is the pseudonym or shortened name for Charlotte and similarly, Daley is a shortened, play on Kymberley? I’m open to any and all ideas….

The synopsis reminds me a lot of a book I recently read by Ilana Fox called the Making of Mia, in that the leading lady undergoes a drastic makeover and becomes the paparazzi’s latest IT Girl to target – but will it help her find true love? The right career? Her own place in the world? Or even herself? It brings up the idea about whether making oneself over really serves its purpose? Is it all worth it? And at what costs? Or is it just a false disguise? I guess I’ll have to wait and find out.

'It's not you, it's me'. That's the cowardly text message that Katie receives from Jack, her actor boyfriend of three years, when he dumps her. And things go from bad to worse when photos of Jack canoodling with a famous size-zero actress are splashed across every gossip magazine and tabloid soon after. Just how much humiliation can a girl take? With the paparazzi camped out on her doorstep, Katie decides to preserve what's left of her dignity. So she agrees to become her PR colleagues' next project. They will make her over (hair, teeth, clothes, Botox, and boobs - the works) and turn her into an instant celebrity in order to win back her ex and show the world that an ordinary girl can rival a beautiful bimbo. But will a new life in the limelight be everything Katie dreamt of? Can she make it in the cut-throat world of the beautiful, rich and famous? Is Jack worth all the hassle or is there someone else out there who might love Katie just the way she is?

The above cover and synopsis were found on Amazon via the Paperback edition.

Faking It by Lotte Daley/Charlotte Kymberley will be released February 17, 2011 (Tomorrow!!)

For more debut authors coming out soon visit Chick lit Plus’ latest post at:

http://chicklitplus.com/debut-authors-novels-februarymarch-2011/

Star Book Review: The Opposite of Me by Sarah Pekkanen

A truly satisfying debut...

The Opposite of Me by Sarah Pekkanen

This was an excellent debut from Sarah Pekkanen about two sisters who just might not be as opposite from each other as they think. Twins, Lindsey and Alex Rose, couldn’t be more opposite from one another. Alex, the gorgeous, fair haired twin has always been praised for her looks and continues to prosper in a successful modeling career. She has chosen to live in their hometown in Maryland, just outside Washington DC where she plans to marry Gary, a carbon copy for the Ken doll. Lindsey, the darker-haired twin realized long ago that in order to gain attention she would be far better off capitalizing on all the things that Alex “was not”, and so she focused hard on getting all A’s in school, getting into a great college and then getting hired by a leading advertising firm in New York City. Unfortunately, just when Lindsey thinks her life in Corporate America is about to really take-off, everything crumbles. After a humiliating series of events, she feels she is left with no choice but to leave the city and move home. Everything Lindsey has planned for her life has gone or is about to go awry, and soon she is in the throes of a major identity crisis and finds herself doing (and wearing) all kinds of things she never dreamed she would. Meanwhile, little does Lindsey know, but Alex is undergoing her own drama in life and before the two sisters know it, their lives begin to intersect in ways they’d never imagined. Read the entire novel to find out what happens when these two sisters outgrow the competition of their relationship and start learning from and leaning on one another.

I really loved this story because of its complexity, its unique plot line, and its diverse range of emotional drama. Just when you think the story is about to get going, it gets even better. It had all the ups and downs you could want in a women’s fiction/chick lit story. There was ample emotion, conflicting relationships and above all, two women's search for self. At times uplifting, poignant, heartbreaking and motivating, this book truly had it all. I read this book after my home group, The Chick Lit Book Club, chose it for the January book of the month and I am so grateful that it won. It makes for a great debut and addition to the chick lit genre. I can't wait to try more books from the author. I would predict she'll be around for a long time. Rating: 5 STARS

For more information on Sarah Pekkanen or her next book release, Skipping A Beat, visit her web site at http://www.sarahpekkanen.com/.

Special Guest Post with Cathleen Holst

Special Guest Posts are made possible by the generous, kind and voluntarily participation of women authors around the globe.

Cathleen Holst is the author of Everleigh in NYC, published in 2010. I met Cathleen Holst on Goodreads.com, a social networking sites for book lovers, like me, who want to share what they are reading with friends. Besides being a very talented writer, Cathleen is a mother, wife, owner of two dogs and friend to many. She is born and raised on Atlanta, Georgia.* Check out the trailer to her debut novel on YouTube at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7x1UfnFhjb8.

Say hi to Cathleen Holst at her own blog at http://www.fictionbycmholst.webs.com/.

Q. How did you get your start in writing?

A. The same as everyone, I guess. I wrote a book. Oh, you wanted a serious answer. Well, let me think…no, I think that’s really it. You have to plonk your butt in a chair and write.

Q. Was there anything or anyone that stood out as having an influential role in your becoming a writer?

A. Yes. Her name is Ms. Ray. She was my history teacher during my sophomore year in high school. The details are bit fuzzy, (10th grade was a long time ago) but one of our assignments was to write a story. I don’t remember if we were able to choose the topic or if it was given to us, but all I remember is basing my story around the Salem witch trials. When she returned our work, she’d written a note across the top of my paper. “Cathy, you’re an excellent writer.” For a fifteen year-old, maybe. But, I’ve never forgotten that. Ever.

Q. Where do you draw inspiration from for your novels?

A. Everywhere. As a writer you really have to pay attention to everything. I love writing dialogue so I tend to pay really close attention to people’s mannerisms, dialect, etc. As for the storyline, those come organically. I never know what a story is going to be about when I sit down to write. It all just happens. And I really like it that way. I’ll probably never be able to write a series because of that, though.

Q. What does a typical day look like for you? (If there is such a thing as routine or typical.)

A. Since I’m not under any kind of deadline at the moment, I don’t really have an ironclad schedule. But when I was working under one, I basically wrote all day every day. I stayed up late to write while everyone was sleeping, then woke up early before the rest of the house. Trust me, large doses of caffeine were involved.

Q. What does your writing space or room look like?

A. Usually write in the kitchen or in the living room. I like bright open spaces. There were a few times where I had to lock myself in the bedroom so I wouldn’t be disturbed. That’s not easy to do with a husband and three kids. Mom is always needed. No matter what she’s trying to accomplish.

Q. What are some of your favorite books? Authors? Genres?

A. This list could get quite lengthy. Let’s see…I loved the Harry Potter series. JK Rowling’s got one hell of an imagination. Pillars of the Earth and World Without End were amazing. Ken Follett’s historical fiction is nothing short of brilliant. Innocent Traitor by Allison Weir. I dare anyone to read that book and not have the utmost respect for the Lady Jane Grey. I was blown away by her poise and grace at such a young age.

I also really enjoyed the Twilight series. I’ll probably catch a lot of flack for that, but I really got sucked in to the story. I hear a lot of talk about Stephenie Meyer’s writing being mediocre, at best, but luckily I read her books before I really began studying the craft of writing so I didn’t focus (or even notice, really) the mistakes. Which, honestly, I’m really happy about. It was a great story, I thought. And at the end of the day, isn’t that really what matters most?

I’m a huge fan of Sophie Kinsella, but not so much of her Shopaholic series. I’m not really sure why, I just don’t really care for them. My all-time fave of hers would have to be Undomestic Goddess. Second, Twenties Girl. And let’s not forget Lindsey Kelk and her I Heart Series. I adore her writing and her as well. We follow each other on Twitter. She’s an amazing person. I love it when published authors take the time to actually talk to their fans.

Q. What are your interests/hobbies outside of writing?

A. I’m obsessed with all things Superman. Yes. I’m a geek. Go ahead, laugh it up. I’m not ashamed. Other than that, when I’m not watching television (which I do entirely too much of) I enjoy running and shopping—mostly for home décor items. Oddly, I’m not a big fan of shopping for clothes. Although, I do enjoy shoe shopping.

Q. What advice do you have for wannabe writers out there?

A. Don’t stop writing, and don’t listen to the naysayers. Follow your heart. Writing is not easy, but it’s so worth it. Also, do your homework when it comes time to query. Not querying properly can stop you before you even have a chance to start. Read up about the agency/agent you’re submitting to. Make sure you address the proper agent by name. Follow their submission guidelines to the letter. Because, honestly, just as much effort that when into writing your book also needs to go into writing the synopsis/query. It’s all very, very important.

Q. Is there anything you would change on the path that got you to where you are today?

A. Yes. I’ll just leave it at that, if that’s okay with you.

Q. What is something that most people wouldn't necessarily know about you (That you would be willing to share here of course)?

A. Hmm…I’m afraid of the dark. I don’t freak out over it, but let’s just say, I don’t sleep with all the lights off.

Everleigh in NYC by Cathleen Holst

While celebrating Mardi Gras in the big easy, Everleigh Carlisle and her BFF Christina share most things together; gossip, clothes, far too many drinks, and a visit with a voodoo priestess where an unspoken wish is granted, unknowingly altering the course of Everleigh’s life.

Two years later, her dreams are set to come true when she lands her dream job as a columnist for New York’s premiere fashion magazine, C'est Magnifique. Things become complicated when her cheating ex declares his love for her, and she meets Robert Cates, making three important discoveries: 1) Despite her best efforts, she is hopelessly attracted to Robert. 2) She has the bizarre ability to hear his thoughts. 3) He’s her new boss.*

Everleigh in NYC is available for purchase at all major bookstores nationwide and many online retailers, like Barnes and Noble.com and Amazon.com.

**Author info and synopsis provided by Goodreads.com.