CLG Catches Up with Bernice McFadden!

Today, CLG catches up with the author that actually made her want to crank out a graduate paper that examined themes found in her awesome debut novel, SUGAR: Bernice McFadden!




What are the latest happenings in your writerly world?
Okay what's new with me - well I'm working on three novels --- crazy I know --- I'm hoping it'll help me lose weight! LOL

Seduction (pre-order @ amazon.com), the 4th novel in the Geneva Holliday "Groove" series will be available in June 2008.


Here's a description:

In Geneva Holliday’s latest novel of lust and revenge, SEDUCTION works both ways.

Mildred Johnson is the last woman on earth that gorgeous Tony Landry would dare to be seen with. That is, until Tony wants to pull a scam on the company where she works. In order to keep Mildred signing phony documents, Tony gives Mildred a taste of romance and keeps raising the stakes until he's eventually forced to propose. But when the big day arrives he skips town with the money he’s stolen.

Heartbroken, Mildred takes a trip to Barbados where her “vacation” turns out to be a boot-camp style weight loss clinic! Soon she discovers a goddess that had been hiding beneath her homely exterior. And when she runs into Tony on the island, he doesn’t even recognize the sexy fox standing before him. Little does he know that this fox has a plan for revenge that will leave him whimpering with his tail between his legs for a good, long time.


Also, Random House is hard at work putting together a book trailer for Seduction. So, I'm excited to see how that turns out.



What's one thing you've learned about the writing industry over the last year?
I've learned that the devil comes in all shapes, sizes and media (even a little hand held $400 gadget called the Kindle).



If you love good literature, then you'll most definitely want to check out Bernice; you can learn more about her and her works at her WEBSITE and her MYSPACE page!

CLG Catches Up with Karen Siplin

Today, CLG catches up with Karen Siplin, an author she fell in love with when she read Karen's debut novel, HIS INSIGNIFICANT OTHER (amazon.com link), and CLG knew Karen would stay one of her fave writers when she read her sophomore offering, SUCH A GIRL (amazon.com link). Now, Karen talks to CLG about her latest literary happenings!



Harris W. Schwartz photo



What are the latest happenings in your writerly world?
I'm eagerly awaiting the publication of my third novel. It's called Whiskey Road: A Love Story (pre-order @ amazon.com) and will be published in May 2008 as a trade paperback original by Washington Square Press. It's a tale of unlikely love in small-town America.

There's no cover yet, but I do have a GREAT description for you:

After one too many run-ins with irate A-List celebrities and their bodyguards on the streets of Los Angeles, paparazza Jimi Anne Hamilton has decided to throw in the towel. But when she planned to ride her BMW K 1200 motorcycle from California to New York, she didn't count on having her cross-country adventure interrupted by a motorcycle thief. After the brutal attack, which sees both her motorcycle and camera equipment stolen, she finds herself left with only her helmet, a few clothes, and a bag of money she swiped from her attacker. Disillusioned and hurt, Jimi chooses to recuperate in a nearby town where she meets Caleb Atwood, a local contractor fighting his own demons.

Jimi and Caleb make a mismatched pair: black and white, highbrow and low. But in Caleb, Jimi believes she has found someone who is as much of an outsider as she feels. With Whiskey Road, Karen Siplin again succeeds in giving readers a story about opposites who manage to see what no one else can - that they're right for each other.



What's one thing you've learned about the writing industry over the last year?
It's extremely important to connect with readers. I've been unwell most of 2007, and I really lost touch with my readers. I regret that enormously. I try to keep my web site updated so people know what's going on with me and my work.




As Karen said, you can keep up with her by checking out her WEBSITE! You can also check her out on MYSPACE!

CLG Catches Up with Beth Orsoff, Author of Romantically Challenged

Today, CLG catches up with author Beth Orsoff (visit her website), one of the blog's 2006 interviewees!

What are the latest happenings in your writerly world?
Sadly, although I have finished a couple of manuscripts since selling my first book --

Click cover to purchase ROMANTICALLY CHALLENGED from Amazon.com

-- the most recent being a chick lit/mystery for which I had offers from 3 agents, that book ultimately didn't sell (at at least not yet :) My current WIP is women's fiction, or what my agent calls chick lit 2.0.



What's one thing you've learned about the writing industry over the last year?
Selling the second book is even harder than selling the first book! Also, in terms of promotion, there's only so much you can do on your own if your publisher isn't pushing, too (and by that I mean buying you front table or end cap placement). Sorry to be such a downer. I'm still writing and still have hopes for my writing career, but I really thought (and I think others may think this, too) that after selling the first book, it would get at least a little bit easier. Unfortunately, at least for me, that hasn't been the case. Ce la vie.

CLG Catches Up with Everywoman, author Donna Hill!

Today, CLG talks to one of her fave writers - someone who always has her hands in EVERYTHING....DONNA HILL!




What's the latest happenings in your writerly world?
Wow, I just finished the first book in a new 4 book series: The Ladies Cartel. The first book of the series drops in February.



It's called Sex & Lies and is available @ Amazon.com!
The series centers around a group of women who work undercover doing everything from surveillence to impersonations. And not every husband and lover knows what his lady does on the side.



My other very hot project is On The Line (Amazon.com). It is a novel that contains 18 high profile authors who came together for this project. The story centers around a reality radio host who has an all or nothing attitude. Everyone and everything is fair game. But then the tables turn. The novel is sexy, funny, eye-opening, and totally outrageous. I think readers will love it. On The Line hits bookstores in January.




What's one thing you've learned about the writing industry over the last year?
One thing I've learned, not just this year but every year is that nothing is guaranteed. What works for one author won't work for you. What worked last time, won't work this time. The main thing is consistency, steadily building a loyal readership and hope that they will stick with you during the good and bad times. And I guess the most important thing is not to fall into trends. Trends fade (even if it takes a while). So write the book that is in you, a story that you believe in. Be versatile.

As for the publishing industry... like Heidi Klum says on Project Runway... One day you're in, the next ... you're out! You're only as good as your last sell through. So if you plan on having longevity in the business, you need to be able to see beyond the book in front of you...but five years down the road. Writing is an art, but it's also a business. And in order to succeed in business, you must think and plan like a business person, especially when it comes to your finances. Royalties are never guaranteed, so you can't pin your hopes, dreams, and the roof over your head on what you might get in the mail twice per year.

And when it's all said and done, all you can do is write the best book possible, not get caught up in what some other author has achieved, not get bummed out by lousy reviews, but rather concentrate on mastering the craft of writing and give it your best every damned time.




To learn MORE about all the AWESOME things that Donna does, check her out online @ her WEBSITE and @ MYSPACE!

CLG Catches Up with Jennifer O'Connell!

Today, CLG catches up with hot author, Jennifer O'Connell, one of our first-year interviewees!




What's the latest happenings in your writerly world?
It’s been crazy around here the past six months, with four books that came out in four different genres:


THE BOOK OF LUKE, a teen book for MTV :: available @ AMAZON.COM




INSIDER DATING, my fourth adult novel :: available @ AMAZON.COM




EVERYTHING I NEEDED TO KNOW ABOUT BEING A GIRL I LEARNED FROM JUDY BLUME, an amazing collection of essays by women writers that I edited and contributed to :: available @ AMAZON.COM




THE DIVORCED GIRLS SOCIETY: YOUR INITIATION INTO THE CLUB YOU NEVER THOUGHT YOU’D JOIN. a non-fiction how-to/self-help I wrote with my best friend :: available @ AMAZON.COM

Next up, I’m writing a teen series that takes place on Martha’s Vineyard; the first two books come out Summer 2008!




What's one thing you've learned about the writing industry over the last year?
That writing is fun and deadlines suck.

That when the author copies of your books arrive in the mail, you will inevitably find typos and swear under your breath (or aloud) that the sixteen hands the book went through, including your own, should mean everything is perfect.

That good covers can make your day and bad covers can make you cry – and an editor who gets it changed is worth her weight in gold.

That writing 1,000 words per day is easier than it sounds and procrastination comes back to bite you in the ass.

That hanging out with other women who write is an absolute blast (but I knew that last year, too).

Learning more about Jennifer and her novels is easy to do if you check out her WEBSITE and her MYSPACE page!

CLG Catches Up with Electa Rome Parks!

Want to know what's going on in the world of author Electa Rome Parks? Then check out CLG's mini catch up session with ELR!



What's the latest happenings in your writerly world?
2007 was an excellent year for me in regards to titles that were published. I actually had two books to drop:


Ladies' Night Out dropped in January 2007!
Click cover to order YOUR copy from Amazon.com!



These Are My Confessions was released in July 2007.
Click cover to order YOUR copy from Amazon.com!

Both were chosen as Black Expressions Book Club selections and have received rave reviews.

Recently, I finished the novel-length version of my short story featured in the These Are My Confessions anthology and I'm presently working on another manuscript.

I feel very blessed to be in a position to live out my dream of being a published author and to have the ability to fulfill my passion.



What's one thing you've learned about the writing industry over the last year?
The one thing I have learned is that the writing industry is a tough market, very tough. Thanks to self-publishing, the market is over saturated with books by African-American authors. Readers now have many, many choices to satisfy their literary pallets. However, on the flip side, it is all the more difficult as an author to maintain a presence, to market and promote his/her product(s), and to keep his/her name in the forefront of the consumer book buying public.

Want to get more into Electa's world? Then check out her WEBSITE!

CLG Catches Up with Mary Castillo!

Today, CLG catches up with one of her fave authors of chica lit, Mary Castillo!

Photo by: Suzanne Mapes, for The Register

What's the latest happenings in your writerly world?
My latest book, Switchcraft came out on Oct. 1st.

Check out the book HERE!

I had a blast seeing my readers again at my book signing events. Since then, I've worked on a new book during NaNoWriMo.



What have you've learned about the writing industry over the last year?
Selling my book was hard. To continue my status as a published author is even harder! I'm still a little fish so I have to do a lot of my own promotion and marketing as well as keep writing new books. It's a challenge but a good one to have, and I'm lucky that my support team - publisher, agent, family, and friends - have been there for me.

I've also learned not to read reviews, or talk badly about anyone in this business. What one person absolutely loves and swears they'd take my book on a desert island, another hates and curses me for killing trees to print that book. I'm grateful for emails from my readers, and I'm lucky that more people like my books than hate them. And as for those who hate them, I bear no ill will. We just don't click and that's cool. As for not talking badly about others, I've seen writers get slammed for bad mouthing their editor or another author. It just isn't cool and so if I have a bad opinion about someone I do what my mama told me and keep it to myself!

Lastly, I've learned to be more protective of my writing. I don't talk too much about what I'm working on and I no longer try to box it in by feeling that it has to be "good." I want my writing to be real. If I can see, touch, taste and most importantly, feel through my characters, then I know the story is coming alive. I do feel that I'm becoming more brave as a writer, but I've yet to ever feel that I've "arrived" so to speak. There's a part of me who hopes that will never happen because I don't want to be lazy!


Thanks for checking in on me!

Mary is one busy lady online, and you can learn more about her from at least THREE avenues: her WEBSITE, her CHICA LIT blog, and her MYSPACE page!

GOTTA BE DESTINY Star, Destiny Reynolds, Talks w/ CLG!

Today, CLG talks with Destiny Reynolds, the sweet, lovable, yet crazy lead character in Karamel Brown's debut novel, GOTTA BE DESTINY!





Now you know I need the 4-1-1 on you, Ms. Destiny. Tell us a bit about who you are and what you do.
Well let’s see. I would have to say that I’m a successful, independent sistah who strives for excellence at all times. It’s funny - I’m such a perfectionist. I try not to be, but I can’t help it. I know we’re not perfect, but I try to be, especially at work…just to prove the naysayers wrong, ya know???


I know that you're a news producer. How busy does that keep you? Is it the job you've always wanted?
Gurrl, I’ve graduated from being a news producer although I had to take over the reigns for this chick who holed herself up under the booth…lol. Anyway, I work M-F, then I’m on call on some weekends. It can get pretty annoying especially when Seth and I are trying to have “us” time with planning this wedding and whatnot.


Okay...those were perfunctory questions, LOL - can I just tell you that your ex Mike is an absolute punk? I cannot believe he had another fiancee. Why didn't you kill him? Better yet, why didn't you let your FATHER kill him?
Gurrl, I don’t even want to get on that fool…lol, but yeah he’s a punk that’s currently behind bars, thank God. You know what??? As scared as I was that day in that bedroom, I wanted to kill him, but most importantly, I wanted to be as far from his crazy behind as possible. And I didn’t want Daddy going to jail over his behind…it so wouldn’t be worth it.


Relationships are so hard - sometimes, they seem really hard for career-oriented woman as she has to bring home the bacon AND fry it up in a pan. How difficult do you think relationships are for women with careers? Did your career ever affect your relationship(s)?
Well now that I’m with Seth, frying up the bacon and bringing it home isn’t so bad. That’s one of the things I love most about my baby. He supports me in everything I do and try…


I wasn't going to mention it, but you did something that I believe a LOT of women do - you bring your past emotional luggage into new relationships. There was Mike, a seemingly great guy with another fiancé, but then there was Seth, a righteous man with so many positive qualities. Yet, you were so fearful to attempt anything with him. Talk to us about your feelings, about why you were so afraid to trust, to start something with Seth.
You know what??? I kick myself everyday when I think about what I put Seth through. I know what I did was wrong, but when you’ve been through what I’ve been through, it’s very hard to trust, no matter who the guy is or how special he may seem. It took me awhile as you know, but now a sistah got her “act right” on. Lol


How do you think you were able to overcome those issues and move into your happily ever after?
By letting go and letting God. That’s what eventually helped me through my darkest hours.


Have you heard or saw anything new with your ex, Mike?
Heck nah and he betta stay away, too.


What about Cherri? I'm sure she's tiring out her hubby and still trying to get her big break!
Ha! Yeah, my homie is tiring the heck out of her hubby, and you know what? She just landed a great role in this independent flick called 1 Impressionz. I’m so proud of her.


If you were to have a son, what is some advice you would give him in regards to relationships and women?
Okay, see, if I have a son, I’m going to keep him so busy that he won’t have time to talk to these fast heffas that be out here…lol. Nah, I’m going to tell him to watch his Daddy ‘cause he seriously knows how to treat a lady. Most importantly, I’ll tell my baby he better treat women like he treats his Mama.


If you were to have a daughter, what is some advice you would give her in regards to relationships and men?
Oh, see, now you trippin’ *cracking up* Okay, now if I have a daughter, Seth probably won’t even let her date ‘til she’s 40!!!! I’ll tell her to watch how her daddy treats me. That’s the type of man she should look for.


I know that you and Seth - through a long, arduous, emotional, dramatic, hilarious (add ANY adjective here) journey - have found true love. Having said that, if something major and insane was to pop off again, do you think you're stable enough now to listen and work through problems, or do you think the old Destiny would rear her head and want to flee?
First off, I’m so not the person I used to be. That Destiny had a lot of growing up to do. And there is no situation now that my baby and I can’t get through.

{{{{{}}}}}

Check out CLG’s GLOWING review of GBD:

News producer Destiny Reynolds's life oftentimes feels like a dream - she has a good job, a great girlfriend to confide in, "interesting" parents who love her unconditionally, and a sexy, talented man who makes her sigh with sheer satisfication.

And then she wakes up from her dream and realizes that her man is not only a cheating dog, but he's also a cheating dog with a fiancee on the side.

Right at the beginning of debut author Karamel Brown's novel, GOTTA BE DESTINY, you're brought into the drama that is Destiny's life, a life where now she wants nothing to do with men and wants to reconnect with herself and get that promotion at the station she's been wanting for a while.

And then fate steps in and one frigid morning, Destiny finds herself at a gas station with a sexy-voiced, handsome man holding the nozzle ready to fill her tank...and perhaps refill her heart with love.

Of course, things don't run smoothly. The handsome man in question, Seth Martin, has just got out of his own crazy relationship and has rededicated himself to God, a move that instantly frightens Destiny off. She hasn't been to church in so long, she fears getting struck upon even entering a church. But those fears are quickly pushed aside when Seth, a man full of patience, of heart, and of understanding, waits for her heart to tell her what's true: that she has fallen for Seth.

And then she professes her feelings and on the precipice of a love high, Destiny's world comes crashing around her when Seth's ex returns with news that rocks Destiny and Seth's relationship and again, makes Destiny question her choices in men and her inability to truly be happy. Will the spiteful, neck popping ex and her life-altering news forever shatter the relationship? Will Destiny be able to look beyond the news? Will Seth be able to show Destiny that she's truly the one for him? Will fate, destiny, faith, and belief intervene and show the couple what's really the truth?

Well, to get the answers to those questions, you have to read Brown's debut novel, a novel that I'm a huge fan of. GOTTA BE DESTINY is a story that's fun and light - who doesn't want to read about the crazy friendships of women, crazy exes, crazy drama, and crazy blossoming, dramatic new relationships? It's also a story that can touch you when you least expect it as faith and belief stay strong threads in the story.

We all know or are a Destiny - vulnerable, bubbly, loving, fearful, excited, sexy, silly - a woman who wears her heart on her sleeve and wants to have a blessed life with a good job, good friends, and a good man that honestly and truly cares for her...that is, if she could only release the demons of relationships past and leave room for something good. And because we know or are a Destiny, we will no doubt root for her happiness and take the journey with her and she tries to find her happiness. She's a strong enough character to follow, and Brown writes a story that is solid enough to make you want to follow Destiny...right to the end.

I look forward to seeing what this young author brings to us next.

{{{{{}}}}}

Want to learn more about Destiny…and Seth and Cherri and Mike and the rest of the gang? Then definitely purchase a copy of Karamel Brown’s debut novel, GOTTA BE DESTINY by clicking HERE!

CLG Catches Up with NYT Bestselling Author Carly Phillips!

Today, CLG catches up with NY Times Bestselling author, Carly Phillips!

What's the latest happenings in your writerly world?
I've been busy writing and promoting and carpooling my girls. In between, I've had books out! Ty and Hunter's stories came out in paperback -

Check out the book video for Cross My Heart HERE!

and

Check out the book video for Sealed with a Kiss HERE!

Both books have GORGEOUS blue covers!

I feel so lucky. SEALED WITH A KISS hit the New York Times mass market paperback list which was hugely exciting!

And in January 2008 comes SEDUCE ME (a reprint of Erotic Invitation) so readers can catch an old Harlequin Blaze I wrote in 2001. I've also delved into book videos - and if you visit my website, you can see these on the individual book pages of CROSS MY HEART and SEALED WITH A KISS. It's been a very exciting time.



What's one thing you've learned about the writing industry over the last year?
That's a loaded question, LOL! I've learned to give my readers what they want! Romance readers love to read, and they can devour books so quickly. I've come to believe that paperback is a better fit for pure contemporary romance, and I'm glad to be writing consecutive paperbacks in a series instead of breaking them up with hardcovers and putting a year between two books in a series. I've seen an immediate benefit to this change!

Want to check out Carly's books? You can do so AND buy them HERE!

You can visit Carly and learn more about her by visiting her WEBSITE!

CLG Catches Up with Reon Laudat!

In 2005, I began interviewing women writers that I enjoyed reading, and one star of that first-year class was author Reon Laudat. I like to keep abreast of any latest haps of my fave writers, so I sought out Reon to ask her what's been going on in her literary world; this is what she had to say:



What's the latest happenings in your writerly world?
I'm still working on my first mainstream women's fiction novel. It's taking much longer than my previous projects because I'm attempting something more ambitious. Also, my writing time is more limited these days. But I am making steady progress and I'm still very enthusiastic about this particular work in progress. I look forward to pulling this one up on my computer. I'll be sure to keep you posted.



What's one thing you've learned about the writing industry over the last year?
What I've learned? It's extremely important to actually *enjoy* what you're putting out there for public consumption. I'm just not one to write for "the market." There's nothing wrong with that if you happen to enjoy writing/reading whatever the flavor of the month happens to be. If not, then it's okay to not to force it, wait things out, write for yourself until the market changes. And it always does--eventually. Once the joy is gone, writing turns into a real GRIND. And there's nothing worse than trying to crank out a 75,000-plus-word manuscript that you're not really that *into*. Hold onto the joy of creating and your sanity in this loco business no matter what-even if it means (gasp!) not having a new book out every year. :-) Craft-wise, I discovered a great book loaded with useful tips for taking your writing to the next level. It's titled "Write Away-One Novelist's Approach to Fiction and the Writing Life" (click HERE to check out book on Amazon.com) by New York Times Bestselling author Elizabeth George.

Wanna know more about what goes on in Reon's world? Then take the time to check out her WEBSITE!

CLG Catches Up with Brenda Scott Royce

Today, in ChickLitGurrl's "Where are they now?" segments, we catch up with author Brenda Scott Royce!

What's the latest happenings in your writerly world?

Monkey Star, the sequel to Monkey Love, was released in August! Struggling stand-up comedienne Holly Heckerling is back (along with her wacky friends and family). This time she heads to Hollywood, where she lands a job as an animal trainer on the set of a big budget movie. Holly is in her element wrangling monkeys, snakes, and ferrets, but she doesn't know how to handle the hunky movie star who follows her around like a lovesick puppy.

ReaderToReader.com called it "fast moving and way too much fun to put down."

I'm currently writing for a children's TV show, working on my third novel, and occasionally blogging on the Huffington Post (www.huffingtonpost.com/brenda-scott-royce). And I am still working at the Los Angeles Zoo, as editor of the zoo magazine.

What's one thing you've learned about the writing industry over the last year?

With constant deadlines and often conflicting commitments (work, writing, family), I've learned that sometimes you just have to say no (even when it's something you feel would further your career or improve your sales).

The urge to say "yes" to everything is strong. A book contract? "Yes!" A signing? "Sure." A speaking engagement? "You bet!" A magazine article? "Of course." And on and on and on. Last Christmas, when my January 3 deadline for Monkey Star was fast approaching, I had to choose between working on the book or taking my 3-year-old son to have his picture taken with Santa. Santa won, but other decisions were more difficult. Often, instead of choosing one or the other, I sacrificed my health and sanity to try to do both.

After a year of being wildly over-scheduled and over-committed, my health and relationships were suffering. I learned to make the most of those opportunities I can accept, and not to dwell on the ones I have to decline. I have learned to say "no" with a smile. Doing so might cause me to lose a sale or two, but it helps keep my personal and professional lives in balance.

(I've also learned not to sign a contract that has a deadline in early January, so I never again have to struggle with the decision of Christmas with family or finishing a book!)

Learn more about Brenda and her projects by checking her out at her WEBSITE!

CLG Catches Up with Bettye Griffin!

Today, I'm catching up with author BETTYE GRIFFIN, who has graciously stopped by to spill the beans about her latest projects and the lessons she has learned being in the industry!

What are the latest happenings in your writerly world?

I had two books released this year; the contemporary romance A Love For All Seasons (Kimani Press/Arabesque, mass market, $6.99) in May

and

If These Walls Could Talk (Dafina Books, trade, $14), women's fiction, in June. If These Walls Could Talk addresses the problems of three couples who move from New York City to the Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains to escape high real estate prices . . . only to find a whole new set of difficulties. In this time of a collapsing housing market, it's quite relevant. Both books have been well received.



My next book is another women's fiction story, Once Upon A Project. It will be published by Dafina Books in May 2008 and is about four lifelong friends turning fifty. Two of them have gone off and lost touch, but all four are reunited when one of them organizes a tenant's reunion of the Chicago housing project where they spent their earliest years, which is also turning fifty. Each woman is at a crossroads in her life, and the reunion marks a turning point in the lives of each of them, after which their lives will never be the same. This is the longest novel I've ever written, and, I believe, the best. (And you don't have to be near or over fifty to enjoy it!) It is now available for pre-ordering on Amazon.

At this time, I'm not writing romance. Harlequin started the Kimani Romance line, purchased the Arabesque line and revamped the latter, leaving no place for me. As for my writing for Kimani Romance, all I can say is that at this point in my career I'm simply not a category romance writer.

I've also started a blog, Chew the Fat with Bettye. I post my thoughts on writing, current events, and life in the 21st century. I also post character blogs for upcoming novels and will soon implement "5 Questions for . . ." mini author interviews.



What's one thing you've learned about the writing industry over the last year?

It's gotten a lot tougher out there. Those at the top are fighting to stay there. Not being at the top, I'm not worried about that, but I am more than a little concerned about how the downturn in the economy - rising prices for gas, heating oil, bread, eggs, and the rest - will affect the book market, particularly for trade paperbacks, which is how I'm published. At the time I write this (mid November), Starbucks just released declining sales figures, which suggests that people are cutting back on extras. Not to be all doom and gloom, but I'd be foolish not to be concerned.

CLG Catches Up with Lauren Baratz-Logsted!

For the month of December, I will be going back into time...not too far back, but back enough so that I can say hi and catch up with previous spotlight authors here! There will be one or two new interviews coming down the pike this month, but I think it's always important to reconnect with people - especially those of whom you enjoy reading, :-)

Every author was asked the same two questions: What's the latest happenings in your writerly world, and What's one thing you've learned about the writing industry over the last year?

I thought it would be interesting to see the answers that would come from such a multi-talented, diverse group of writers!


Our first CATCH UP W/ CLG Author is Lauren Baratz-Logsted, whom I have been a fan of since her first book. I dig her because she's eclectic in her writing: no one genre can hold this talented author down!

You can learn ALL about Lauren by checking out her WEBSITE and her page on MYSPACE!


NOW, FOR THE CATCH UP!

What's the latest happenings in your writerly world?

My next book, due out in January, is SECRETS OF MY SUBURBAN LIFE, about a NYC teen named Ren D'Arc whose novelist mother is crushed to death by a stack of Harry Potter books. In the wake of this tragedy, Ren's dad moves them to Connecticut where Ren becomes involved in a sort-of mystery centering on an online predator.

Following that is ME, IN BETWEEN, about a spectacularly well-breasted 12-year-old who feels conflicted about her assets. That one's due out in March.



What's one thing you've learned about the writing industry over the last year?

Being a writer is one big learning curve and this last year has been a constant reminder that once you're published, rejection doesn't end. There will always be projects that you think are viable - maybe even great! - that for one reason or another the gatekeepers respond to with: No. I think that's why it's so important for writers at all levels to keep working, producing new work. That way, even when you suffer the inevitable disappointments, there's always something else you can be hopeful about. Oh, and I've also learned that ChickLitGurrl is the hardest working person in publishing.

From CLG: Oh, and I didn't pay her to say that! LOL

Ladies, What do YOU have to say about the RELATIONSHIPS in Your Life?

**PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CIRCULATE THIS TO ALL GROUPS YOU MAY BELONG TO**


How do you say I LOVE YOU to your mate? What is the best way to talk about sex with your teenagers? How do you and your sisterdivas get together to have a good time? What's the most tactful way of telling your mother-in-law that her advice is no longer needed? Why is it important to replenish and rejuvenate your relationship with yourself? How important is it to have strong networking relationships?

As you can probably tell, all of the above questions connect in one major way: they deal with RELATIONSHIPS.


SisterDivas Magazine (http://www.sisterdivasmagazine.net) is a quarterly multicultural women's magazine that is currently looking for submissions for its RELATIONSHIPS column to appear in SD's WINTER 2008 issue, slated to go LIVE on Monday, January 21, 2008.

DEADLINE for submissions is Monday, January 7, 2008.


We, as women, deal with many relationships. Relationship with self. With parents. With siblings. With mate. With children. With friends.

How do we manage it? Or do we? If you have articles or commentaries or short stories or poetry that tap into the world of women and relationships, we would love for you to submit to us.

Do you have a book or a product that deals specifically with women and relationships? Tell us about it.


If you are submitting short fiction, essays, articles, and/or commentaries, please submit the following (works should be no longer than 2500 words):
1) work to be published (within the e-mail)
2) a brief description of the work, making sure to illustrate how it ties to women and relationships
3) contact information (e-mail, website, myspace)
4) picture of you (if you would like)
5) bio of no more than 200 words

If you are submitting information regarding a product - cd, movie, book, etc. - that deals with women and relationships, please submit the following:
1) contact information (e-mail, website, myspace)
2) image of product
3) description of product, no more than 500 words, that discusses the product and ties to women and relationships
4) picture of you (if you would like)
5) bio of no more than 200 words
6) purchase link of product


Send all submissions to sisterdivas@intothespotlight-inc.com or sdb6812@hotmail.com!


||||||||||
AGAIN, the WINTER 2008 issue of SisterDivas will go LIVE on Monday, January 21, 2008.


If you wish to submit to SisterDivas's WINTER 2008 issue, the deadline to do so is Monday, January 7, 2008.



Thanks!


Da SD Mgm't
http://www.sisterdivasmagazine.net

Wanna Promote Your Book? Got a Great Story to Share?

Then submit to TNC's WINTER 2008 issue, slated to go LIVE on Monday, January 21, 2008!


**PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CIRCULATE THIS TO ANY GROUPS YOU MAY BELONG TO**



The Nubian Chronicles Magazine (http://www.tnc-magazine.net) is currently seeking submissions for its WINTER 2008 issue, slated to be released on Monday, January 21, 2008. The deadline for submissions is Monday, January 7, 2008.


DO YOU HAVE gripping stories, thought-provoking essays, engaging articles and commentaries you want the public to read? If so, then you definitely want to consider submitting to TNC's column: NUBIAN belles-lettres!

N b-l is our column dedicated to short fiction, essays, articles, and commentaries written by African American writers.

ALSO - if you have a book that's due out and you'd like to get a little promo for it, you may submit excerpts to your book along with other information for TNC to publish!

If you are submitting short fiction, essays, articles, and/or commentaries, please submit the following:
1) work to be published (within the e-mail)
2) contact information (e-mail, website, myspace)
3) picture of you (if you would like)
4) one- to two-sentence teaser of your work

If you are submitting an excerpt of a published work, please submit the following:
1) excerpt of your work
2) contact information (e-mail, website, myspace)
3) picture of you (if you would like)
4) book cover image (in .jpg or .gif file)
5) purchase link


@ TNC, we know that writers have their own individual literary flows, and for that reason, we do not limit writers as to types of work they can submit to us; however, we do not do PORN- or HATE-related material. If you wish to submit erotica, that is fine.


Submissions should be no longer than 2,500 words.


=====
Again, the deadline for TNC's WINTER 2008 issue is Monday, January 7, 2008.



E-mail ALL WORK to either tnc@intothespotlight-inc.com or sdb6812@hotmail.com.



THANKS!


Da Management
http://www.tnc-magazine.net