Have you ever wondered what happened to that bad boy you were madly in love with? Even after you had moved on with your life and even gotten married to the nicest guy EVEH? That's okay, you don't have to answer. But we have a feeling it happens more often than you'd think. And it makes a damn great premise for a book.
We're excited to have Laura Spinella sharing her Do's and Do-Overs on the site today-her list is one of our all-time faves! And we also think you'll flip for her debut novel, Beautiful Disaster.
Mia Wells's eco-friendly career goals are about to become a reality-but her life-altering moment is interrupted when an unexpected call ushers in her tremulous past. A man who's never left Mia's memory: Flynn, the enigmatic, passionate man whose disappearance broke her heart, has mysteriously resurfaced.
Now back in her life and in the hospital, Flynn is gravely injured. Mia keeps a bedside vigil-terrified that he will die, awestruck at the prospect of his survival. In a story filled with sweetness and suspense, Mia's what-ifs are endless. And Flynn's return ignites an achingly powerful tale about the most enduring love, one that is greater than honor, or friendship, or the passing of time.
Sound good? Then leave a comment and you'll be entered to win one of FIVE copies. We'll randomly choose the winners on Wednesday July 13th after 6pm PST.
CHICK LIT IS NOT DEAD PRESENTS...LAURA SPINELLA'S 5 DO'S AND A DO-OVER
5 DO'S
1. Do something naked! And I don't mean in the usual places or even skinny dipping. When you step out of the shower, don't reach for your robe, keep going. Make your bed, dry your hair, eat your breakfast, if you dare, in the all together! It's an odd combination of empowerment and humility. Yeah, you'll pass by a mirror or two and see the flaws, but you'll also feel a burst of boldness-or maybe that's just the breeze!
2. Do allow your children to be disappointed. Parenting has swung too sharply toward making Susie's world bright and shiny at all times. While nobody wants to see their child hurt or upset, that's life. Let your kid be on a team where everyone doesn't get a trophy, and if they earn a D on an English paper, tell them to make a better effort next time. If you let them fall down once in a while, they'll work harder and appreciate their achievements all the more.
3. Do turn your favorite TV shows and movies into comfort food. (I think I've lost ten pounds with this method) Let everyone in the house point and howl, but don't let it stop you from indulging in episodes of Bewitched or watching Apollo 13 for the hundredth time. It's soothing to know that, in some circles, catastrophe can be solved with the twitch of a nose. It can also make problems seems comparatively small. Whatever it is, take solace in the fact that you're not stuck in outer space on a crippled space ship, leaking oxygen, with walls no thicker than sheet of tin foil.
4. Root for a team! (Unless you're Mike Lupica, it's the ultimate writer's escape) I'm a three-fisted fan: Red Sox, New England Patriots and, of course, my Georgia Bulldogs. You'd be amazed how popular you are at parties, (no one expects that flaky writer chick to know squat about the AL Standings) and it's fun to be part of that rush of enthusiasm-like it really will make a personal difference should the Pats win another Super Bowl! On the other hand, you get to experience the euphoria of being part of a team, even if it's from the cheering section.
5. Do consider your karma, because what goes around comes around. It's also something I more or less suck at. As a writer, I see myself as ridiculously self-absorbed. I spend most of my waking hours with people who don't exist. I convince myself there's terrific reward in that, namely a book on the shelf. Actually, nothing could be further from the truth, and I constantly have to remind myself of the bigger picture. So do take care of your karma; it benefits most from what you do outside that solitary circle of writing or whatever it is that commands your time.
DO-OVER
Hmm, I'm not sure I'd share my true do-over-it may adversely affect my karma. I suppose my overall do-over would be to take chances I previously passed on and tempt the unknown. In other words, if I were to walk down a steamy street in Athens, Georgia, and a stranger tapped me on the shoulder, asking if he could buy me a beer... Well, in hindsight I probably should have said, "Yes." (-;
Thank you so much for having me!! This was very cool and great fun!!
Thank YOU, Laura! xoxo, L&L
To read more about Laura, head on over to her website or find her on Facebook and Twitter.