Imagine my next novel...

Let me rephrase that. Imagine: My next novel.

I don’t have a full synopsis yet, but I wanted to give you all a little peek into Imagine, which will be coming out some time in 2014.

This book is exciting because it’s very different for me. Here are a few reasons why:

·      It’s a romance (of course)…but it’s also heartbreakingly emotional and has left every single beta reader in tears. Which pleases me to no end!

·      The story is set in Thailand and the Indian Ocean.

·      A large portion of the book takes place on board a sailboat.

·      There is major trauma and gut wrenching passages that were an absolute thrill for me to write, but may be hard for some people to read. In a good way.

·      It’s based on two very real-life stories. One with a happy ending, and one without. There will be details on both at the end of the book.

Anyway, I have no cover and no synopsis, but I absolutely can’t wait for you all to read this book.

I will be posting short snippets from the book over the next few months. Here’s your first…

I’ll never forget the smell. It was jarring in many ways, but memorable because I’d never been afraid of a scent before. I closed my eyes beneath the blindfold and breathed through my mouth as I waited my turn.

They came for me third.

Stay tuned and Imagine a fabulous 2014 for yourself. xx

Happy New Year!

My Favorite Things - WINNERS!

Thanks to everyone who entered! I hope you followed this blog b/c we do lots of fun giveaways throughout the year. Here are the winners of My Favorite Things giveaway:

Kindle Fire HD: Jennifer P. Cajas Racines
My Fave Things: Kelly Halverson
Autographed Books: Vivian Situ

Winners were picked at by Rafflecopter and notified via email.

Congrats ladies!

My Favorite Things Giveaway!

People who know me, know...

I love my birthday!!!

So, in honor of my favorite day (October 6th, 19-nevermind), I'm gifting some of my favorite things to you. With Oprah off the air, someone's got to do it.

Here's what's up for grabs on this fab giveaway:

First prize:
A Kindle Fire HD! 
My Kindle is truly one of my favorite things, so this prize was a no-brainer.

Second Prize:
A smattering of my fave things...

Truffle Oil - I like to drizzle pour it on pizza and pasta and scrambled eggs. Take my word for it, and you're welcome.

Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Hand Lotion -
The scent alone will have you drooling. It's stupidly expensive, but will quickly become your new addiction.

Pride & Prejudice DVD -
I'm OBSESSED with this version of the Jane Austen classic and have seen it easily 45 times. It's a must have fave thing for sure.

Essie Nail Polish -
I'm a manicure, girly girl, and these are my two go-to colors. I want you to have them so we can be twinsies.

Target Gift Card -
Since I LOVE Target, and I LOVE wine (but can't ship alcohol) I'm including a $20 gift card for you to go buy a bottle. Do not disappoint me and buy paper towels instead.

Skittles & Double Stuf Oreos -
No explanation necessary.

Third Prize:
Autographed Copies of Finding Bliss, One Pink Line & Kat Fight! One copy of each.

Thanks for entering, please share!



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Upcoming Signings & Events

Upcoming events! No charge for admission at any of them. Who's with me??

AUGUST, 22nd
The Book Bin
Northbrook, IL
6:30pm - 8:00pm

This one's all me, so please don't make a girl feel like Peter Brady! The store will have all three of my books on hand, but mostly copies of Finding Bliss. I may bore you with a reading...I may not. You'll just have to come by and see.

SEPTEMBER, 7th
Westin Hotel
Seattle, WA
12pm - 4pm

Not sure if I have any fans in Seattle, but surely some of these other amazing authors do! Hope to see some of you there.

SEPTEMBER, 22nd
Omni Hotel
Chicago, IL
10am - 2pm

Can't wait to greet my windy city peeps!

FYI...Motor City & Windy City event is in Detroit on 9/21 (I will not be there) and Chicago on 9/22.

A Blissful Giveaway!

Find Your HEA with a Kindle Paperwhite Giveaway!!

Wow! Week one of the Finding Bliss release has been filled with emotions. And by that I mean this book is REALLY touching readers emotionally, while the unconventional ending has greatly challenged them in ways I never imagined.

I'm so grateful for the many messages and enthusiasm I've received for this book in the first seven days. Finding Bliss is a book that doesn't sugarcoat real life issues, and also serves up the concept of Happily Ever After with a twist. Some of you have been truly wrenched by these characters, and to me that means a job well done :)

So, in honor of my blog tour this week, we're doing a blissful giveaway for a Kindle Paperwhite (I have one, LOVE IT), and a signed copy of the book. Enter and enjoy!


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Find Your Bliss!

Just a quick post to announce the publication of my third novel, Finding Bliss. If you have a chance to read it, please let me know what you think. I LOVE hearing from readers.

I'm going to be posting some fun giveaways soon, so stay tuned!

Here are a couple of early reviews that have left me speechless:
Three Chicks and Their Books
Globug and Hootie Need a Book

Synopsis:
Chloe Carlyle has always longed for the perfect family.

Growing up with an alcoholic single mother, she has seen her share of heartbreak and disappointment, and is striving to build a new legacy for herself. After graduating from college, she takes a job working as a summer girl for the Reeds—a wealthy, accomplished family that personifies her American dream. Her summer takes an unexpected turn when the Reeds’ eldest son, Tyler, the star quarterback for Notre Dame, shows up and turns her life upside down.

An ambitious young woman with a wry sense of humor, Chloe never imagined herself as the type to succumb to the looks and charms of the hometown hero, but she falls hard for Tyler, and is devastated when they part ways at the end of the summer. As she heads off to law school, Chloe tries to convince herself this was just a fling, but she can’t quite get over him. It’s not until Tyler contacts her out of the blue late one winter night that everything changes.

After doing everything in her power to build the perfect life, Chloe soon learns that there are things beyond her control. She must draw on inner reserves of strength as her life takes unpredictable—and sometimes heartbreaking—twists and turns, and she finds herself faced with decisions she never thought she’d have to make. Poignant, heartfelt, and emotional, Finding Bliss is a reminder that you don’t have to live a fairytale life in order to have a happy ending.

You Read. We Donate!

Author S.C. Stephens and I are teaming up again, along with author Priya Kanaparti, this time in support of childhood cancer and one of our favorite charities,

Alex's Lemonade Stand.

And the best part is...you read, while we donate!

 

 Here's how it works:

• Purchase or gift a copy of Collision Course or Kat Fight or Dracian Legacy during the month of JUNE 
  
• We will donate $1 for every copy sold this month to Alex's Lemonade Stand

Three books. Three ways to support.

Click on either book cover to learn more about each book.

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of cancer patient Alexandra “Alex” Scott (1996-2004). In 2000, 4-year-old Alex announced that she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help find a cure for all children with cancer. Since Alex held that first stand, the Foundation bearing her name has evolved into a national fundraising movement, complete with thousands of supporters across the country carrying on her legacy of hope.

But wait, there's more!!! 

Author Rebecca Donovan (of the Breathing Series) will MATCH EVERY DOLLAR we donate. Seriously amazing.

Please share, thank you! 

 

A new pink line.

What’s old pink is new again.  

Today marks an exciting day in One Pink Line history. My little book is growing up. It’s like her first day of kindergarten, sweet sixteen, and wedding day all rolled into one. From this day forward, she is a traditionally published book and no longer a self -published title.

  

I’d say it’s bittersweet, but it’s not really bitter at all. I'd always hoped that a publisher would be interested in acquiring this title and helping it reach a wider, global audience. One that I alone (even through tireless Posting, Tweeting, Pinning, song-and-dancing, etc.) could never reach on my own.

That's why I'm so honored to officially be a part of Amazon Publishing, and I’m also both humbled and elated that the world’s leading bookseller believes in me and my debut novel.

If you’ve read One Pink Line, I can’t thank you enough. I meant it, from the bottom of my pale pink heart of twine.

If you've read it and recommended it to a friend, then I love you the most.

If you haven’t read it, here are a few reasons to give this new and improved version a try:

1. It's been copyedited, and de-comma-ed within an inch of its life. 
2. It's a really beautiful love story.
3. It makes a fabulous, belated Memorial Day gift.
4. The texture of the new paperback cover is the softest thing you will ever feel! Seriously, it's like buttah...

Thanks for joining me on my blog and on my publishing journey. My story is one of many that personifies how this industry is changing for the better. Giving more writers a chance to not only share their stories, but to follow their dreams.

Time to crack the pink champagne!!!

xoxo
-D

Book Bash in Orlando - After Party Info!

The creators of Book Bash partnered with authors, S.C. Stephens and K.A. Linde, to create:  ANGSTfest, the Official After Party of Book Bash!


And we want to invite YOU!


Event Info:


Come party with the hottest angsty authors out there at the
official Book Bash after party for FREE! Located in the same ballroom
in the Hilton Doubletree as the book signing, you will get to hang out
with more than 30 authors with a DJ and bartenders present.*



Where: Hilton Doubletree ballroom @ CityWalk, Orlando, Florida

When: Saturday, June 29th

Time: 7:00pm VIP early access, 8:00-11:00pm regular event access



How to Get Tickets to ANGSTfest:

• go to:  www.bookbash.net/angstfest


• Use the EventBrite access to get your FREE ticket


• Bring your ticket with you to the event!

Author List:



Abbi Glines

AL Jackson

Andrea Randall

Carey Heywood

Charles Sheehan-Miles

Christina Lauren

CJ Roberts

Colleen Hoover

Dina Silver

Emily Snow

Gail McHugh

Georgia Cates

Gretchen de la O

Jenn Foor

Jenn Sterling

Jillian Dodd

KA Linde

Karina Halle

Kelli Maine

Kendall Grey

Kim Karr

Kristen Proby

Laura Kaye

Madeline Sheehan

Maggi Myers

Michelle Valentine

Monica Murphy

Nicole Edwards

Rebecca Donovan

Renee Carlino

SC Stephens

Shey Stahl

Sylvia Day

Tarryn Fisher

Willow Aster



Stay Connected to the Party:

• https://www.facebook.com/events/174516889368248/">Facebook Event

https://www.facebook.com/events/174516889368248/">Book Bash Website

https://www.facebook.com/BookBash">Book Bash Facebook

Did you already have an ANGSTfest ticket?

• You don't need to get one through EventBrite, because your name will be on the VIP list!


• Stay tuned for other ways to make VIP and get in an hour early to see some of your favorite authors!

Can't wait to see you all there!  We hope to make this an unforgettable experience for each and every one of you!


-Dina


*cash bar

Writers, are you living in a vacuum?

-->The inside of a vacuum is an air-free, isolated place that’s not influenced by the outside world. The expression “living in a vacuum” means you’re caught up in your own little world and unaware of the big picture. It refers to people with a limited range of experience, who are oblivious to real-world perspectives. 

I’ve worked in advertising as a copywriter for over 15 years, and this is an expression that comes up all the time. When a creative team gets so wrapped up in every nuance about a particular product (typically what the client says is important), that they often fail to realize that the outside world, the people they’re trying to sell this product to, could care less about most of the things they’re obsessing about.

A trend I’m seeing is that writers are getting caught up in a social media vacuum. Where they think that the only world that exists, and the only opinions that matter, are the ones swirling around them online. It happens to me...so I know it happens to other people. You start believing what you read about other people’s books, about your own books, about the success and failures of those around you. But if you were to instead, turn away from your computer and walk out your front door and ask anyone else about the things that are influencing you so negatively, they’ll likely say they’ve never heard of any of it.

The woman at the grocery. The mother of your child’s friend. Your cousin’s book club. They read, and they’d love your book! And no, they’re not familiar with ANY of the people or things you’re obsessing about on Facebook or Instagram. Nor do they care.

My point is…it’s so easy to get sucked up inside this vacuum. Where you tend to care about only what exists on social media. Where you begin to accept cyber opinions of yourself as gospel. People who’ve never met you, will never meet you, and will certainly never care about you, are influencing your writing…not to mention your daily mood.

Don’t let it happen. I guarantee you it isn’t worth it.

If you are a writer, then write. Yes, social media is a huge part of the publishing process. It’s critical to marketing “you”, but it shouldn’t define you.

The online world you live in, as vast and important as it may seem, is an infinitesimal part of the real world. And if you want longevity in this business, then you’re going to need people in the real world to care about your books too.

Empty that dusty, suffocating vacuum and focus on what matters.

Maybe get yourself a broom instead?

My time at RT - a photo essay

I don't get out much. People who know me, know they can find me at home...a lot. My husband starts shaking if he's required to stay awake past 8pm most nights, and quite honestly, after this weekend, I have confirmed (embarrassingly enough) that the few occasions I'm able to stay up past midnight are just that...few...and far between.

However! This weekend, at the RT (Romantic Times) Booklovers Convention, I gave it the college try. And had an unbelievable time hanging out with some amazing talent, and some of the coolest, kindest people I've ever had the pleasure of cocktailing with.

I also ate and drank WAY too much. Below is a depiction of my time at RT - a photo essay if you will...

 Here's where I parked at Midway Airport. 

Always good to take a pic if you're going to be gone for five days.

 Here's me in the back of Michelle Mankin's Navigator with the fabulous Elizabeth Hunter. I took this picture to make my friend Meg (a.k.a Elizabeth's biggest fan) jealous. I was smiling so hard at said jealousy, that those ugly tendons in my neck popped out.

Here's me at dinner with the awesome, energetic, adorable, 

Rebecca "I drink tequila like water" Donovan. A fellow APub sister :)

 Here's a shot of the menu to make my hubby jealous. 

Does anything sound better than duck fat fries? Be honest. No, nothing sounds better.

(see below)

 Duck fat fries. Shared with me by Fred LeBaron.

And by shared I mean that I allowed him to have three of them.

This is what I ordered for dinner. Blackened shrimp & grits. 

It was to die for.

 Just as everyone was finishing dessert, I took this picture of my son on television.

 A full, motley crew. Including Fred, Rebecca, Elizabeth, moi, Killian McRae and Michelle Warren.

Sadly our hostess with the mostess, Michelle Mankin, was outside warming the car for our sorry asses because it was SNOWING IN MAY!

 This was my set-up for the Indie Book Expo on Thursday. 

 Kitty is my only indie title anymore!

Here I'm pictured with Larry Kirshbaum, Vice President of Amazon Publishing. 

I hope I'm getting his title right, because I think he's also my boss. 

I am very fond of him. 

 Here is the warm brie and parmesean pita chips I had at Rebecca's hotel. Delish! 

I also had braised short ribs over orzo, but I can't find that pic. 

I sense your disappointment in missing that photo, so we'll move along...

 I never wear dresses, so I thought I should include this one of me in a dress.

This photo was taken after I lead a workshop on self-publishing along with the awesome duo of Rebecca Donovan and Tracey Garvis-Graves. 

We were told we did a fabulous job, so we're going to take our show on the road. 

Large arenas in major metropolitan areas are hard to reserve, so...tour dates to come.

 Here I'm following Jamie McGuire onto one of those limo/party bus things that have stripper poles and flashing strobe lights. In fact, I may still owe Tina Reber money for this. Hopefully she will let me buy her a drink next month in Orlando.

 Here Jamie and Abbi Glines react with shock and awe when they hear that 

Tracey has never seen the movie Tombstone.I think it was Tombstone. Oy vey.
Y'all look out if I'm wrong!

 Housemade mozzarella. Delish. Odd pairing with asparagus, right?

Capellini with peas, mushrooms, and prosciutto. 

If only it had more sauce...

 I took this picture and sent it to Jessica Park, wishing she were with us being snarky.

 My table set-up for the Saturday Book Fair. 

Sat right behind the cutie-patootie couple of Jasinda Wilder and her hubby.

 My number one fan-girl, Rebecca Donovan. 

Wishing she had pink covers on her books...

Well, that about does it. The rest of the photos are filled with black-mail-able content, and while they would have made for a more interesting post, I'm going to hang on to those for now.

I really want to name drop all the awesome authors I had the pleasure of hanging out with this trip, but I'm afraid I'm going to leave someone out. So let me conclude by saying how truly humbling and inspiring it was to be surrounded by such wonderful women...and equally wonderful writers.

Who's going next year??

New Orleans 2014

Finding Bliss: Cover Reveal

It gives me great pleasure to present the cover of my new novel, Finding Bliss.

FIND YOURS 7/16/13

Finding Bliss is my first non-self published title, and will be released by Amazon Publishing 7/16/13. It's currently available for pre-orders on Kindle and paperback. 

SYNOPSIS:

Chloe Carlyle has always longed for the perfect family.

Growing up with an alcoholic single mother, she has seen her share of heartbreak and disappointment, and is striving to build a new legacy for herself. After graduating from college, she takes a job working as a summer girl for the Reeds––a wealthy, accomplished family that personifies her American dream. Her summer takes an unexpected turn when the Reeds’ eldest son Tyler, the star quarterback for Notre Dame, shows up and turns her life upside down.

An ambitious young woman with a wry sense of humor, Chloe never imagined herself as the type to succumb to the looks and charms of the hometown hero, but she falls hard for Tyler, and is devastated when they part ways at the end of the summer. As she heads off to law school, Chloe tries to convince herself this was just a fling, but she can’t quite get over him. It’s not until Tyler contacts her out of the blue late one winter night that everything changes.

After doing everything in her power to build the perfect life, Chloe soon learns that there are things beyond her control. She must draw on inner reserves of strength as her life takes unpredictable—and sometimes heartbreaking—twists and turns, and she finds herself faced with decisions she never thought she’d have to make. Poignant, heartfelt, and emotional, Finding Bliss is a reminder that you don’t have to live a fairytale life in order to have a happy ending.

Thanks for visiting!!
-D

Meet me at RT!

The 2013 RT (Romantic Times) Booklovers Convention is just a few weeks away and I can’t wait! May 1st - May 5th, booklovers will ascend on Kansas City and the Sheraton Hotel & Convention Center will have no idea what hit them.

I will be attending for my first time, and would love to guilt you all into stopping by and meeting me in person.

***I’m also giving away 2 signed paperback ARCs of Finding Bliss to two lucky RT attendees. If you are going to RT, and would like to win a signed ARC of Finding Bliss, leave your name and email in the comments section at the end of this post. I will contact you before the convention, and have the ARCs on hand to present to the winners in person.***

Here is where you’ll find me for sure:

Thursday, May 2nd, 4-6pm - EBOOK EXPO

Here I will be selling copies of Kat Fight, both eBook & paperback. I will also have some fab swag on hand.

Friday, May 3rd, 5-6pm - WORKSHOP - Debut Authors Tell All...

If you’ve ever wanted to write a book, or get some insight into how authors tackle their debut novel, spend and hour with me, Tracey Garvis-Graves (author of On The Island), and Rebecca Donovan (author of Reason to Breathe). Here’s what we’ll be chatting about:

So you want to write a book? Or maybe you’ve written one, but it’s your first time and you’d like a little extra hand-holding. Here’s your chance to spend an hour with three debut authors and learn how they’ve turned their self-published debut novels into bestsellers and landed traditional publishing contracts in under a year. They’ll discuss the paths they took to market their books, format their files, utilize social media, attract readers and build a fan base. Hear their stories, and get some crucial advice from three newbies who combined their passion for storytelling with their dreams of becoming a novelist. Discover how learning curves can sometimes be your best asset.

Date: Friday, May 3, 2013 - 5:00pm - 6:00pm

Panelist(s): Rebecca Donovan, Tracey Garvis-Graves, Dina Silver

Location: Mezzanine Level

Room: Fremont

Saturday, May 4th, 11am-2pm - GIANT BOOK FAIR

Here I will be selling signed paperback copies of the NEW and IMPROVED One Pink Line. This is exciting because readers will have a chance to purchase copies of the new version of One Pink Line, before it goes on sale 5/28/13. Amazon Publishing is releasing this new, gorgeous edition of OPL, and RT attendees will have the first crack at it. Fab Swag will be on hand as well.

Here’s where you’ll also likely find me:

The lobby bar.

The front desk, complaining about something.

The concierge, asking for directions to the best BBQ spot.

Wherever coffee is sold.

So stop by when you’re in KC and meet me at RT!

***...be sure and leave your info below to win an ARC of Finding Bliss (pub date 7/16/13).

Under the Covers with Kat

Did you get a haircut? Lose some weight? There’s something different about you…

My second novel Kat Fight has undergone a transformation. Much like a snitch in the witness protection program, she’s got a whole new look.

Why, you ask?  I’ll tell you.

I really liked my old Kat Fight cover for lots of reasons. It was cute, it branded well with One Pink Line, and it had bright colors. I also hated it for the same reasons.

The funny thing about my original Kat Fight cover, is that as great as it was, it didn’t really reflect what’s inside. The book is irreverent and funny (like me!), and not what I would describe with bubble gum colors and a pink heart balloon. The pink heart thing works perfectly for One Pink Line, but not for Kat. She’s different.

So here she is, the new and improved Kat Fight! Designed by Sarah “patience is my middle name” Hansen at Okay Creations.

I hope you like her as much as I do…

Everything I need to know about Facebook I learned in Kindergarten.

Share everything.

Especially that time your cat’s hairball looked like the Heisman trophy.

Play fair.

Use your brain. Not that Scrabble Word Finder.

Don't hit people.

Or tag them when they look hideous.

Put things back where you found them.

Unfriend. It exists for a reason.

Clean up your own mess.

Delete. It exists for a reason.

Don't take things that aren't yours.

Unless sharing something makes you look hipper and more irreverent than you already are.

Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.

Unless you’re not.

Wash your hands before you eat.

Totally your call.

Flush.

It exists for a reason.

Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.

So are wine, cheese fries and truffle oil. I swear.

Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.

This one is just stupid.

Take a nap every afternoon.

It gives everyone else a break from your incessant stream of consciousness.

When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together.

Since you’re always at your computer, this really doesn’t apply.

Wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: The roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.

This one is just stupid.

Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup - they all die. So do we.

Not on Farmville they don’t.

And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned - the biggest word of all - LOOK.

The second biggest was LIKE.

Are you trendy?

  

What makes something a trend? It's no secret that retailers and designers glom on to what's popular and create their own version of what's trending to appease fashionistas. Are readers treated the same way when when it comes to books?

As I’ve been finishing up my third novel, Finding Bliss, I’ve been interested in what’s trending in books these days…and does it really matter?

I looked up a few articles online, because I wanted to see what people had predicted for 2012, and if they were right. Here’s one I found from Bookmark Radio:

“The most popular book categories for 2012 will include Mystery Thrillers, Economics, Political Biography and Alternative Health. But Self-Help/Psychology will loom as the most popular category as many of us try to stay grounded after having been uncorked by the sustained recession!”

Well, I’m not sure they were entirely spot on, but who could have predicted the success of Fifty Shades and friends. Oh my!

Here are Amazon’s top ten best sellers for 2012:

Fifty Shades Freed: by E.L. James

Gone Girl: by Gillian Flynn

Fifty Shades Trilogy: by E.L. James

Bared to You: by Sylvia Day

No Easy Day: Kevin Maurer, Mark Owen

The Marriage Bargain: Jennifer Probst

Reflected in You: Sylvia Day

The Racketeer: John Grisham

Defending Jacob: William Landay

The Innocent: David Baldacci

In a Huffington Post article about the above list, Amazon.com's editorial director, Sara Nelson made the following statement: 

“This was truly the year of the billionaire bad boy in romance—Amazon readers just couldn’t get enough of the genre.”

So, does that mean readers have had enough of him now? Will the vampire resurface and claim his throne as king of romance? These are things I think about; although they don’t necessarily mean I should change what I do. I write contemporary romance/women’s fiction. My books are character driven, and (hopefully) relatable when it comes to relationships both romantic and familial. I write with a sense of wit, and tend to use a lot of dialogue in my scenes because I love writing dialogue.

Should it matter to me that erotica and mysteries are the most popular recent genres? Should I abandon what I’m doing and write outside of my comfort zone? Uh, no. I enjoy reading erotica, but if I attempted to write one of those love scenes, my inexperience in that arena (the writing, of course) would be painfully obvious.

That being said, I would LOVE to write a mystery. I’m a long time fan of James Patterson, John Grisham and Ann Rule. Being able to craft a psychological thriller would be immensely rewarding. One day maybe…

So, with that being said, I’d be interested in hearing your opinions. What sort of books do you read? Do you read outside of your normal genre just because a book is popular? I know I do. I guarantee you I would’ve never picked up The Hunger Games had it not been such a chart topper. There’s nothing about the description of that book that interested me in the least, but I ended up reading the trilogy and thoroughly enjoying the ride.

And as an author, do you write what’s trending? Does it matter to you? Do you write what you enjoy reading? Or do you approach your craft differently altogether?

Please share your thoughts!

A new book from Cari Kamm!

I'm so thrilled to host the gorgeous Cari Kamm on my blog today and celebrate the release of her new novel, For Internal Use Only.

Want to WIN A COPY??!! 
Of course you do. When you get to the bottom of the post, leave your email in the comment section and a winner will be selected at random. 

Here's a little bit about 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.

In Chloe’s emotional rollercoaster to having the greatest love story ever told, she’ll learn that like her photography she must use the negatives in life to develop and prove that she’s a strong woman who found her way to love through light.

Cari has been generous enough to provide a peek into the book. In this excerpt, Chloe is anxiously awaiting for the envelope to arrive that contains her destiny.

 

Chapter 2

My love for photography had led me down an unimaginable career path. Most currently, it led me to anxiously sitting on a stoop outside the New York City mid-rise building that contained my overpriced one-room apartment. I closed my eyes, allowing the morning light to calm me while I took in the delightful bird chirps and excruciating taxi beeps of the East Village, ignoring the slight smell of urine that accosted my senses.

I started my afternoon again with stalking. I eagerly awaited the mailman’s arrival between 1:06 and 1:13 p.m., while he transported paper fate, sporting his pale blue polyester trousers, tucked in long-sleeve shirt pressed, and Converse sneakers.

We lived and loved through technology, so I was frustrated that my fate was arriving via snail mail and the timing matched every part of the description. Technology was the trusted source of banking transactions, meeting your husband, ordering your groceries, making restaurant reservations and even spying on your pets through a kennel cam while sunburning on a beach. But today, this life-altering letter crawled its way to me by a government official, a man I rarely saw, and never exchanged words with. I was waiting to hear if my dream would come true, and dreading it would never be.

 “Good afternoon,” I said, with a smile, merely able to stare at the navy stripe that lined his pant leg. The clock showed that it was 1:11 p.m. I made a wish.

“What a surprise,” he muttered, while he manhandled the heavy stack wrapped with a thick, green rubber band and passed by me. I studied him meticulously stocking the empty boxes, one by one, approaching my slot.

“Do you mind if I just grab the mail for three-C, please?” I interrupted.

“If that’s what it’ll take,” he moaned.

Between my J. Crew catalogue and my electric bill was a fancy rectangle of heavy stock ivory paper with gold trim. I squeezed the four-by-six response card. Contained in this saliva-sealed envelope were the words that would inevitably change my life. The weight of those words was heavy in my fingers and I was hesitant to open it. Without the answer the card contained, I still was able to hold onto hope.

 My destiny was in my lap with the warmth of the sun counteracting the fresh chill October presented while I flipped from sweating to freezing like an on/off switch. I reassured myself it was only rejection. I had my health and photography. Whether it was amateur or professional, it was still my first love. Even if it was a two-letter response, I would remember my love for art, and how every time I shot I searched for the immense beauty that existed within the balance, tone, and temperature of my tiny frame. Having an image worth a thousand words was never my intention. I wanted to capture one word to describe each photograph. One word can define everything, love being a true example. There is something compelling about visualizing a picture and capturing it. There is nothing compelling about the words, We regret to inform you.

My fingers trembled and taking a couple photographs would be soothing. Photography to me was the perfect cocktail: one part heart, one part head, a dose of imagination, with a splash of patience.

The tearing of the envelope felt like scratches on my heart. I proceeded with caution, hoping this document wouldn’t be only a keepsake to remind me what if.

Inch by inch, I slid out the card to reveal the twelve-point Apple Chancery font and held it to the light, observing the maker’s name in the watermark. Rubbing my index finger over the engraved symbol, I was impressed. The brand, Smythson of Bond Street stationery, supplied paper to the British royal family. I was holding the same stationery as the Queen.

________________________

Dear Miss Kassidy,

We write to inform you of your acceptance into the exclusive Bruce Smith Gallery as part of our exhibit for emerging artists, hosted by curator Grayson Gates. You will be receiving your review and luncheon date via e-mail. Please be prepared to present your theme for the Love Through Light exhibit within the deadline. You will be required to exhibit three pieces.

Opening Night & Reception

Friday, February 7, 8:00 p.m.

Bruce Smith Gallery

504 West 22^nd Street

________________________

I read your acceptance at least ten times, intoxicated with excitement and then Love Through Light offered a swift sobering sense of reality. I began to panic. I couldn’t deny the exhibit theme made me uncomfortable.

The Love Through Light exhibit was inspired by the word photography itself and its Greek meaning, writing with light. As the emerging artists in Grayson Gates’s exhibit, we were to create stories of love. Instead of ink, we would be writing with our three photographs.

 I composed a text to Stephanie, Kate, and Emma, my inner circle. I’m in!

Our bonds from beginnings to endings were unbendable. Each our own elements, but together our friendship made a rare metal.

Cari Kamm has worked in the beauty industry for over a decade, building brands, working behind the scenes, and even selling her own skin care line. She has a master’s in clinical nutrition from New York University. Kamm currently works in corporate social media management with clients in the beauty, fashion, and restaurant industries. Living in New York City with her mutt Schumtz, Kamm loves finding inspiration in the most unexpected places, being a novelist, and convincing her boyfriend that ordering takeout and making dinner reservations are equal to cooking. More information can be found on her website, CariKamm.com. To check out the book trailer, click here: http://tinyurl.com/bdr7bfn.

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