Author Guest Post: Dreams Take On A Life of Their Own by Sue Moorcroft

When I was preparing to write Dream a Little Dream, I knew a couple of things. I knew that the heroine was Liza Reece, who readers would already have met in All That Mullarkey as the sister of Cleo. Liza was just too naughty and fun to leave in Secondary Characterland. And I knew that Liza, a reflexologist, would meet Dominic when he was dragged unwillingly to a reflexology treatment with something he was pretty certain reflexology wouldn’t help at all. I didn’t know what the ‘something’ would be.

Then random chance took a hand. I was in an online conversation about titles with a writing buddy and, speaking about a family situation, he said, "Life’s not a dream." Even as I typed, "Dream! That would be a great word to have in one of my titles," the idea flashed into my head to give Dominic the rare sleep disorder narcolepsy. Had I realised then what a complex, frustrating and fantastical condition narcolepsy is, I think I would have chosen something easier!

Researching Liza was comparatively easy. I found a reflexologist online, who also was a tutor, and lay back and let her fingers work their magic over several sessions, talked to her via email, and visited a batch of her students on their final training day. No hardship!

Researching Dominic… Much. Harder. I kept reading the same superficial information. I knew I wasn’t getting a handle on this thing so I began looking for case histories. This led me to two fantastic research sources, Narcolepsy UK and The Stanford Center for Sleep Sciences and Medicine in California. Then, breakthrough: I joined the forum on Narcolepsy UK, outlined my project, asked for someone who’d help me and said my hero was called Dominic, was in his thirties, and had narcolepsy. After five kind replies from people of the wrong age/gender/both, I received: "I had to reply. My name’s Dominic, I’m in my thirties and have narcolepsy with cataplexy!" He became my major source of research and answered a thousand questions with apparent good humour. If you want to read an interview with Real Dominic it’s here.

So, without ever starting out with the intention, I found myself writing what you might term a ‘damaged hero.’ Damaged heroes are fascinating because they have to be stronger than others – and having a challenge doesn’t affect their hot sexiness at all. Dominic Christy, busy reinventing himself after his diagnosis, has to manage his slightly flaky cousin Miranda who wants to help just a touch too much for his masculine pride, but he has energy left over to pursue Liza.

Liza is little and feisty and has decided that she’s not to be trusted in a relationship, so it’s easiest to keep out of them, even with Dominic who looks like a young Kevin Costner and has a dog that skateboards. Liza has a dream, to take over the holistic treatment centre where she works – but, unfortunately, Dominic’s new dream conflicts with it. So if he gets his, she won’t get hers, and vice versa. All I had to do was hurl those factors into my imagination together with Dominic’s narcolepsy – and Dream a Little Dream came out. A Proud Mama moment.
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Sue Moorcroft writes romantic novels of dauntless heroines and irresistible heroes. Dream a Little Dream was nominated for a RoNA in the Contemporary Romantic Fiction category, and the Best Romantic Read Award 2012, which her earlier novel Love & Freedom won in 2011. Sue is a Katie Fforde Bursary Award winner, has written a how-to book, short stories, serials, articles and courses, edited two anthologies and is a competition judge. Visit Sue's website and blog for more information. 

Where Are the Romantic Comedies?


The last romantic comedy I saw in a movie theater was To Rome With Love last summer. And I’m pretty sure it was the only new rom-com I saw in a theater last year. I waited to rent The Five-Year Engagement because it looked awful, and I was right. I finally sat through a couple excruciating hours of that movie in October last year. Needless to say, I wasn’t impressed. However, I absolutely loved This Means War, but it isn’t exactly a classic rom-com since it’s also a spy-thriller-action type movie. The real romantic comedy genre is practically nonexistent in film right now. Browsing through Moviefone’s list of movies coming soon, I see that there is only one romantic comedy being released this year, The Big Wedding. Only one. This is an outrage. Why do we have to suffer through countless sci-fi, thriller, vampire, and action movies, but we only get one decent romantic comedy per year? The biggest problem is that the genre as a whole has been branded as stupid. People seem to think that these movies are so formulaic and predictable that they aren’t worth anything. Well, guess what? The big blockbuster action movies are totally obvious as well. I wouldn’t exactly classify them as original. There’s a quest to conquer evil, lots of action and violence, then the good guys prevail over the bad guys. The end. So, why isn’t that stupid? Why, why, why is the romantic comedy genre the one that people love to hate the most? 

In recent years, the best romantic comedy released was The Proposal in 2009. Sandra Bullock has a knack for romantic comedies, and she’s my favorite actress. Two Weeks Notice is one of my all-time favorite movies. She gets rom-coms right. The Proposal is the type of rom-com we need more of now. It’s like the classics that came before: The Wedding Planner, My Best Friend’s Wedding, and Sleepless in Seattle to name a few.  And I don’t mean similar in plot. I mean similar in how they make me feel. True fans of rom-coms know what I mean. As the credits roll, you get that warm, fuzzy feeling inside and can’t stop grinning and wishing that something funny and amazing and beautiful like what you just saw would happen in your own life.

Lately, I’ve turned to the Hallmark Channel for my romantic comedy fix. They’ve had a bunch of cute new made-for-TV rom-coms. So, maybe the answer to my question, “where are the romantic comedies?” is, “on TV.” Has this genre moved from the big screen to primarily the small screen now? People still want romantic comedies, even though the Hollywood big shots seem to think they can dictate what we want. Rom-com fans will go elsewhere to find the genre they love. Just like when the big publishers decided that people shouldn’t like chick lit anymore, declared it "dead," and stopped publishing it. We went elsewhere. We self-published. We went to indie publishers. We found a way around people telling us what to like and what not to like.  Maybe Hollywood should adapt more romantic comedy novels into movies. There are so many stories that are just waiting to be brought to life in movie form. Until then, I think I’ll watch When Harry Met Sally for the billionth time. 
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What do you think about the state of romantic comedies? Leave a comment and weigh in. 
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New Releases: March 2013

March 5th

In 1983, on her nineteenth birthday, Zora Adams finally says goodbye to her alcoholic mother and their tiny town in the mountains of South Carolina. Living with a woman who dresses like Judy Garland and brings home a different man each night is not a pretty existence, and Zora is ready for life to be beautiful. With the help of a beloved teacher, she moves to a coastal town and enrolls in the Davenport School of Beauty. Under the tutelage of Mrs. Cathcart, she learns the art of fixing hair, and becomes fast friends with the lively Sara Jane Farquhar, a natural hair stylist. She also falls hard for handsome young widower Winston Sawyer, who is drowning his grief in bourbon. She couldn't save Mama, but maybe she can save him. As Zora practices finger waves, updos, and spit curls, she also comes to learn that few things are permanent in this life--except real love, lasting friendship, and, ultimately... forgiveness.


March 14th

Britain's most famous family, The Spenders, needs to get out of town in a hurry. They have been hounded from their London mews house by a riot of photographers following scandalous revelations and are now forced to move to a rundown Dower house in Oxfordshire where no one knows they are hiding. But the family's country life is as colourful as their old town life, and with anonymous threatening notes arriving at their hideaway and the parents' marriage in jeopardy as well as financial crisis, life is spiraling out of control for them. When Zelda's new agent comes to visit to discuss an offer for Zelda to become a judge on the panel of a new TV Talent show called Fame Game, how can she afford to turn it down? Is Zelda about to find out that, in the Fame Game, the stakes are even higher than she thinks?



March 19th

Lenny left his wife, Monique, a bucket list of things they'd dreamed of doing together before cancer took his life. For four years, she ignored it, too busy raising their daughter to consider the painful task of resurrecting shattered dreams. But when her next-door neighbor, Judy, starts a slow slide into a personal crisis, and another friend, Becky, receives shocking news about her future, Monique realizes that Lenny's legacy could be a gift to three women in desperate need of a new perspective. Whisking her friends away on adventures from London to Paris, from Monaco to Milan, she is determined to follow the bucket list to the letter-until one eventful evening knocks the three friends off the beaten path. Caught up in adventures of their own making, they begin to understand: Sometimes getting lost is the only way to find what you're really looking for.

Thirty-six-year-old Grace McAllister never longed for children. But when she meets Victor Hansen, a handsome, charismatic divorced restaurateur who is father to Max and Ava, Grace decides that, for the right man, she could learn to be an excellent part-time stepmom. After all, the kids live with their mother, Kelli. How hard could it be? At thirteen, Ava Hansen is mature beyond her years. Since her parents’ divorce, she has been taking care of her emotionally unstable mother and her little brother—she pays the bills, does the laundry, and never complains because she loves her mama more than anyone. And while her father’s new girlfriend is nice enough, Ava still holds out hope that her parents will get back together and that they’ll be a family again. But only days after Victor and Grace get engaged, Kelli dies suddenly under mysterious circumstances—and soon, Grace and Ava discover that there was much more to Kelli’s life than either ever knew. Narrated by Grace and Ava in the present with flashbacks into Kelli’s troubled past, Heart Like Mine is a poignant, hopeful portrait of womanhood, love, and the challenges and joys of family life.

March 26th

Cassie Blake seems to lead a charmed life as the heiress to Fenton's, San Francisco's most exclusive department store. But when she discovers her husband, Aidan, a handsome UC Berkeley professor, has had an affair with a student, she flees to the comfort of her best friend Alexis's Presidio Heights mansion, where she wonders if she should give their marriage one more chance. Whether or not she can forgive Aidan is not the only choice Cassie has to make. Cassie's mother is eager to have her oversee the opening of Fenton's new Food Emporium, which Fenton’s hopes will become San Francisco's hottest gourmet shopping destination. Cassie’s true passion has always been food, not fashion, and Cassie suspects her mother might be trying to lure her into the Fenton's fold by entrusting her with such an exciting opportunity. And then there is James, the architect designing the Emporium, who is quietly falling in love with her.

Answering a call that summons her to a stranger's deathbed, a reluctant Sophie Shepard is too late to hear what he was so anxious to tell her. What was so important that a dying man would think of her in his final moments? With the help of Dr. Drew McCarren, Sophie begins to dig into her past, setting off a chain of events that chills the quiet town of Clearfield, Virginia to its roots. With part of her wanting nothing more than to put Clearfield behind her and run back home, Sophie knows she won't rest until she discovers the truth. But growing closer to the residents also means uncovering their dark secrets: about the woman who gave her up for adoption, the mysterious part these strangers played, and the life she never knew she nearly had. Something About Sophie is an unforgettable story about the power of love...and the things people will do, both right and wrong, to protect it.

It starts as a trip to paradise. Sent on assignment to Bali, Jamie, an American adventure guide, imagines spending weeks exploring the island’s lush jungles and pristine white sand beaches. Yet three days after her arrival, she is caught in Bali’s infamous nightclub bombings, which irreparably change her life and leave her with many unanswered questions. One year later, haunted by memories, Jamie returns to Bali seeking a sense of closure. Most of all, she hopes to find Gabe, the man who saved her from the attacks. She hasn’t been able to forget his kindness—or the spark between them as he helped her heal. Checking into a cozy guest house for her stay, Jamie meets the kindly owner, who is coping with a painful past of his own, and a young boy who improbably becomes crucial to her search. Jamie has never shied away from a challenge, but a second chance with Gabe presents her with the biggest dilemma of all: whether she’s ready to open her heart.

When young Eleanor Amore finds herself pregnant, she returns home to her estranged family in the Bronx, called by “The Sight” they share now growing strong within her. She has only been back once before when she was ten years old during a wonder-filled summer of sun-drenched beaches, laughter and cartwheels. But everyone remembers that summer except her. Eleanor can’t remember anything from before she left the house on her last day there. With her past now coming back to her in flashes, she becomes obsessed with recapturing those memories. Aided by her childhood sweetheart, she learns the secrets still haunting her magical family, secrets buried so deep they no longer know how they began. And, in the process, unlocks a mystery over fifty years old—The Day the Amores Died—and reveals, once and for all, a truth that will either heal or shatter the Amore clan.

Book Giveaway & Author Interview: Cari Kamm

Tell us about your new novel, For Internal Use Only.
For Internal Use Only is a modern-day romance that uses social media and modern technology. It deals with the sensitive fact that it’s not always a given that we know everything about a person just because the information is more readily available. With the ability to be whoever we want to be, ambiguity has never been higher. The story is told through a unique social commentary, and although entertaining, it also debates the pitfalls of today’s level of transparency.

What inspired you to write this book?
Inspired by the notion that women grow up with ideas of true love and destiny, For Internal Use Only approaches those ideas with a decidedly twenty-first century viewpoint. By incorporating problems inherent with today’s dating world, this book is meant to enlighten readers to stop chasing fairy tales and start creating their own. My goal was to write a humorous love story with an edgy and dramatic twist that gives each of us a new fairy tale to look forward to: our own.

Describe the characters in the book.
Chloe Kassidy has just been accepted into one of Manhattan’s most exclusive art exhibits, Love Through Light. However, with her singular dedication to her career, she soon realizes that in sacrificing her personal life, she has never been in love. A hopeless romantic who is terrified of heartbreak, Chloe begins to enlist the help of her circle of friends to learn about love through their very different stories and experiences.

Chloe’s circle of friends include: Kate Watts, a.k.a. Kit Kat: who preferred to be solo, breaking off the male pieces that attached to her. The word soul mate almost made her nauseous. Stephanie and Alexander Cudney: who met and married with fairy tale love. Emma West: who saw signs and soul mate potentials everywhere.

Oh! Let’s not forget about the mysterious international diplomat... Christoph Kostas.

What is your philosophy on dating?
It’s super simple! When it comes to all things love, especially dating, my philosophy is For My Internal Use Only! I believe that we should follow our own rules, listen to our own head, and follow our own heart. Dating is an emotional investment and I don’t think any rules truly apply.
‘Do you wait for him to make the first move?’
‘Is it 2 or 3 days after our first date that he’ll call?’
‘Should I play hard to get?’
‘When should I let him kiss me?’
‘Is he right for me?’
I think we have the ability to create such chaos and that only leads to doubt, worry and torment. I stopped following rules several years ago. Then, one evening I bumped into a man. Our first date was on Valentine’s Day and we’ve been together ever since. That was four years ago. We probably broke every rule in the dating guidebook. He’s my partner in crime for life.

Why do you write women’s fiction?
Back in my mid-twenties, I finally figured out the value of self-worth. I write women’s fiction because I love writing and reading stories of women, their issues and gaining that sense of empowerment. Yes...we can be intelligent, funny and have a shoe obsession, even though we’re struggling. I love creating characters that are on this journey and it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a romantic one or about a man. 

Who do you turn to for encouragement when you’re writing a novel?
I turn to the amazing, supportive, and talented authors that I’ve connected with on social media! I’m grateful to be a part of several groups on Facebook. The daily sharing sends me warm fuzzy feelings, especially when I need a kick in the encouragement department!
 
What are your favorite genres to read?
Women’s Fiction / Chick Lit / Mystery. Until recently, I’ve been reading a lot more romance. My 80-year-old Italian grandma would be thrilled! I always caught her reading books with Fabio decorated covers.

What are your top five favorite books?
Oh...this is hard!
Can You Keep A Secret? by Sophie Kinsella
Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding
The House of Sleep by Jonathan Coe
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger

Do you prefer to write in the morning, afternoon, or at night?
First thing in the morning. Before anything can shift my mood or motivation, I make coffee and hit the keys. Even if it’s for thirty minutes or an hour. Writing is my morning stretch.

What do you like to do for fun in your spare time?
Eat! I’m a huge foodie. I blame New York City. I love to talk about food. Look at food. Eat food. I should mention that this refers to restaurants and not cooking. I don’t like to cook. I’m too exhausted to eat afterwards!  Also, I’m addicted to Soul Cycle classes. I never thought I would consider working out to be such a blast. Thankfully so... it helps with all the eating I do!

What are you working on now?
In November 2012, I participated in National Novel Writing Month and completed my third novel. It’s my first romance novel and takes place in Costa Rica. I hope to release it later this year. To learn more, please check out www.carikamm.com.

I would like to give a HUGE thank you to The Chick Lit Bee for hosting me on their blog today. It’s an honor.

Thank you, Cari!
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To keep in touch with Cari, connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.
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Book Giveaway! US only. Please leave a comment to be entered to win 1 of 2 copies of For Internal Use Only (eBook or paperback). Be sure to include your email address or Twitter/Facebook information so that we can get in touch if you win. The winners will be chosen on Friday, March 8th. Good luck!
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Fifteen Firsts: Allie Larkin

What was your first car? A Mercury. It was a boat and I had to open the trunk to get the gas tank cover to release, but I loved it.

What was the first thing you learned to cook? I seem to recall I made a mean chocolate cake as a kid.

When was your first time on an airplane? I think it was a trip to Seattle.

What was your first paying job? Babysitting.

How old were you when you had your first kiss? A lady never kisses and tells. I'm not saying I'm a lady, but I'm still not going to tell you.  

What was the first concert you went to see? The Everly Brothers. I was expecting them to look like they did on their record covers, and shocked when they were thirty years older. 

When/what was your first regrettable hairstyle? I had an unfortunate perm in high school. And I cut my own bangs.

How old were you when you got your first computer? My very own computer? College, I think. It was a beast.

New release! Available now!
What was your first big purchase? Our house. It was the first time adult-ish feelings started creeping in.

What was the first book that made you cry? Little Women. I read it in fourth grade and sobbed for hours.

Where was your first road trip? To visit a college friend who lived near Albany over summer break. I took a wrong turn and ended up in Pennsylvania. 

Who was your first best friend? The new girl in third grade, but she moved away a few years later. We wrote letters through high school, but lost touch. I've tried to find her, but haven't been able to. 

When/where was your first trip abroad? Iceland. I was five or six.

Who was your first love? Chocolate. :)

Who was your first celebrity crush? I was obsessed with Jay Underwood who was in a movie called The Boy Who Could Fly.

Thanks, Allie!
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