Saturday, May 22, 2010

The New Author Attends Her First Book Club Meeting

Thursday night, around 7:55 pm, I sat in my parked car, in front of this girl's house, so so nervous and scared. My first book club appearance as an author would be starting in five minutes. Twelve girls I didn't know and me. What if they didn't like the book? What if they didn't like ME? Yikes!

Well, I have to tell you, that night was nothing like the scary scenario I'd conjured up in my head.

As the girls started to arrive, the first thing I noticed how attractive they all were. It was obvious that every one of them had put time and effort into her appearance. I just love that! It's so endearing to me when I see girls dressing up for other girls.

I began talking to them and realized quickly how extremely intelligent these women were. But, they were also fun and energetic and down to earth.

All lived nearby, and had been getting together for four years. In total, they'd read 40 books, HOOK, LINE AND SINK HIM being 41.

Every one of these wonderful women made me feel instantly like their friend. They were gracious and sweet, but I also felt comfortable joking around with them within the first few minutes.

What touched me the most about this group was, the cohesion and the bond between them. They had probably talked over the years for thousands of hours. Wine drinking, giggling, laughing, teasing each other and tearing up at times was what I saw, not to mention the genuine respect they all seemed to have for each other.

As for HOOK, LINE AND SINK HIM, it was so much fun hearing their thoughts and listening to their discussions regarding how the book may pertain to their own lives.

Time flew by, and I did not get home that night until 11:30! What a wonderful night. My first book club under my belt, and I have to say, if all book clubs are like this, I'm looking forward to many, many more!!

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Hook, Line and Sink Him "catching" on!

Things are certainly heating up. It's really exciting. I can actually sense the momentum building up, and starting to feel that the word's getting around about HOOK, LINE AND SINK HIM! It's so much fun!

Yesterday was an amazing day. I got invited to attend another book club, I got three emails from people who read HLSH, who told me they loved it (and they weren't friends of mine, they were people I didn't know!), and I had a lovely meeting with one of my professors from Boston University, Nancy Day, a beautiful and VERY smart woman, who is now the Chair of the school of Media Arts and Journalism at Columbia. Who would have known that this extremely intellectual, intelligent and gifted journalist was also a fan of the romantic comedy genre? See? I rest my case. EVERYONE in life has a romantic side. Don't try to tell me otherwise!

Also, the HOOK launch party is really taking shape. I just secured the place and am now in the process of putting together the gift bags! More info to come later...

Today I'm off to meet my dear friend Mike Hammernick, awesome weatherman for WGN and CLTV for lunch, and then I'm going to check out Printer's Row for the upcoming book fair.

Yes, I feel like HOOK, LINE AND SINK HIM is on a good path. The word's getting out. Fun, fun, fun!

Here's the thought I'll leave you with: "Why do guys do everything in their power to avoid confrontation at all costs? My theory is, talk it out dudes! It's so much better that way!" Let me know what you think!

Monday, May 10, 2010

The Drama!

Okay, so now that I have a couple of followers, (thanks friends!) I'll start blogging a little bit more.

The first thing I want to talk about is the unbelievable outpouring of support and help I've recently gotten from women in my community. So many women, including women I barely know are reaching out to try to help me promote my book. It's amazing to me, and inpiring beyond belief. Everyone seems to want to spread the word and get me press, which is exactly what I need to put HOOK, LINE AND SINK him into the mainstream media. So, thanks girls!! You're awesome!

Now the juicy part of this blog. The dirt. Went to hear a friend of mine playing in a band at a bar in our area. Went with six girls, each with her own little drama going on that night. One girl had broken up with her boyfriend that day, one told us at dinner she cheated on her boyfriend last weekend, another girl just got separated from her husband (for the second time) and one girl had the hots for my friend in the band! Thank goodness for my one friend, (the only one without drama that night.) These girls, (I love them all dearly, by the way) were exhausting! I do have to admit that I did have a little bit of my own drama that night. But I'm not sharing. You'll have to ask me if you want to know!

The thing about drama is, it's tiring, can be upsetting and it takes a lot out of a person. But whether it's good or bad, at least if there's drama, you know you're living, right? A little drama can be good sometimes.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

The Four Minute Love Affair

Everywhere I go, I feel like I see love stories going on all the time. I come across couples who are together for fifty some years and then I see a man and a woman kissing and it's obvious they've known each other for like three days!

I have a great love story for you. I'm calling it, "The four minute love affair" and it happened to me one time, years ago.

I was going through security at an airport, on my way home from a very tiring work trip. I put my bags and shoes on the belt and then saw a really really cute TSA guy. I literally took a double take, because I'd never seen an attractive TSA guy (no offense to anyone, but when I'm getting ready to fly somewhere, I'm not usually scoping out the TSA people.) Anyhow, he noticed me noticing him, and we smiled at each other. I then walked through the detector.

The co-worker I was traveling with was having trouble getting through security, so I stood there waiting for her, trying not to stare at the hottie, who was just trying to do his job without the major cougar undressing him with her eyes.

"Is everything okay?" he finally asked me.

"Yes, I'm just waiting for my friend. She's still trying to get through."

"Oh."

I then shocked both him and myself by adding, "But I'm really enjoying myself just standing here with you."

The guy gave me a huge grin and said, "Likewise."

We pretty much gazed into each others eyes until my co-worker came up from behind me and said, "Ready? Why are you just standing here?"

With a wave and a sad smile, I walked away. And as he stood there smiling back, I realized I'd just had a four minute love affair. No dates, no conversation, no sex. Not even a kiss. Just four minutes of a smile and a strange but wonderful connection that made him mean more to me than half the guys I've dated in my life.