"What's On Page 25?" Chick Lit Author Blog Hop and Grand Prize Raffle

Chick Lit Author Blog Hop 2013 asks: “What’s on page 25?”

Join in for a week of fun with the 2nd annual Chick Lit Author Blog Hop. Enter to win a Kindle Keyboard 3G and more. New to blog hops?  Want to learn how to win the grand prize by collecting the secret words? Find complete information by clicking here.

The Rafflecopter prize registry form will close at 11:59 pm on May 27, 2013. The winner will be selected by random drawing and notified by email the following morning. See form at the end of this post.

In addition to the grand prize, you can enter to win a free copy of  The Unfaithful Widow, by posting a comment below. A separate drawing on this blog only will be done for my e-book and the winner announced on May 28th.

List of other blogs below.

So Just What Is On Page 25 Of My Book?

I flipped open The Unfaithful Widow to be greeted with "Down The Rabbit Hole." Like Alice's white rabbit, I am always chiming “I'm late, I'm late.” I can't remember getting any place on time as far back as...well, as far back as I can remember! I used to think it was my creative brain working in a stodgy federal office. With a flex schedule that allowed me from 6 am to 9:30 am to appear at my desk, most days I didn't show up until 9:45. I was always in trouble it seemed. I haven't changed much.

Dating again the first year after my husband's death was a challenge. I wanted out of the house to be alive with people, but the effort to be on time was staggering. After years of just grabbing my husband's arm and heading out the door, I now had to prep to look my best for someone who most likely would look their worst.

Anyone who has done the online dating thing will agree there aren't many reasons to spur you out of the house in anticipation. Dinner was my inspiration. I'd pay for my meal, order what I wanted, then rush back to the comfort of my house and dogs. (Win the grand prize! The 24th secret word in the 25-word sentence is: hopping)

I finally got up the nerve to invite a male I knew to my house. Timing is everything. It's hell to be caught with your pants down, or in my case, in my undies. A short excerpt follows:

* * * * * * * *

“Come over for dinner tomorrow.” I couldn't believe I actually said those words. No one had been in my house other than my best friend since my husband died.

“What are you cooking?”

Obviously he was not a close friend if he asked that question.

“Pizza delivery. Does that work for you?” Now I am sorry I've opened my mouth to take this step

But the plans were made and my friend was due shortly.

I looked at the floor with its fine layer of dog hairs and then at the clock. Plenty of time, I thought. I'll run the vacuum. Dog hairs are my social faux pas. It is especially fatal when the person is wearing black.

I had just pulled the vacuum into the living room when there was a loud knock on my front door.

The dogs started barking and I ran up to the door yelling over the howling hounds, “Yes, who is it?”

My guest had arrived early. Another indication this was not someone who knew me well. There I was standing in my knickers and bra.

“Wait a minute. I'll be ready in a jiff.”

Well, I thought pleasantly to myself, no need to vacuum now.

* * * * * * * *

The Unfaithful Widow is my story on my first year alone doing all those things I thought I'd never do again with the help of a vintage Corvette, the best girlfriends, a bevy of rescue dogs, bad dates leading to good things, and signs from the universe. For a true confession it has all the elements of a great chick lit story, shared over a cup of tea, or as I prefer, a frozen Margarita!

I'd love to meet all the authors here in person. Talk about a great girls night out! Join me and let's go see what's on their page 25!

Blog Hop List

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Working On My New Blog - The Cottage In My Mind

Thanks to my sister for this great photo art!

Two books are in the works as I sit on my tail end and write each day. First, the continuation of my story going from widow to crazy dog lady. Written, but still in the editing phase! Hopefully the next few months will bring it on! Living with a pack of hounds is a definate life-style. I am here to tell you about it.

My new blog The Cottage In My Mind came about after looking at Victorian cottage homes for sale in areas miles from my home and realizing I am happy where I am. It is my story of transforming my vintage ranch house into the cozy cottage I dream about. Halfway through the work, with decorating foremost in my brain, and the purchase of way too many old painted pieces of furniture, this blog will transform into a book as soon as my ranch house blooms with cottage style.

Speaking Gig at the East Metro Atlanta Christian Writers Group

May 11, 2013: Barbara Barth, “Marketing From My Computer”

 

 

 

I had a wonderful time on Saturday speaking to the East Metro Atlanta Christian Writers Group in Covington, Georgia.  The members made me feel like a star, and I needed it! Shaking in my shoes for my first speaking gig. My subject was close to my heart, online marketing! Could not have met a warmer group.  Thanks to everyone for inviting me!

My Interview On 'Morgen Bailey's Writing Blog' in England

My book interview on Morgen Bailey's Writing Blog also posted on her paper The Morgen Bailey Daily. Click here to read the interview! Thanks Morgen for having me visit your blog.

Critique From Writer's Digest Judge

The Unfaithful Widow was entered in the Writer's Digest 20th Annual Self-Published Book Awards this year. My book did not place, but it was critiqued by a Judge. Below are the judge's comments. Since this was my first attempt at writing, I am thrilled with my critique. Working hard on my next book of memoirs, so stay tuned!

I haven't posted on this site in some time, but if you look under my blog title photo, a new page has been added: view my other blogs. While I haven't been writing here - I have been writing all over the place! Cheaper than therapy and fun. I am my own best audience. Chances are if I have to talk, and no one answers their phone when I call, I sit down and clear my head by writing!

And now:

Judge's Comments:

Books were evaluated on a scale of 1 to 5. This scale is strictly to provide a point of reference, it is not a cumulative score and does not reflect ranking.

Structure and Organization: 5
Grammar: 5

Production Quality and Cover Design: 5

(Woo Hoo on my high fives!)

What did you like best about this book?
Unfailingly candid, and often heartfelt as well as humorous, the author recounts her diverse experiences and mixed feelings during her first year as a widow after many years of being with the same man. The various essays show an engaging personality who copes, with varying degrees of success, in the difficult process of reshaping her life. The book is divided on a seasonal basis. Friendships, new and old relationships, and the factor of habit and memory, all play a meaningful role. The rigors of dating are vividly described, often bringing a chuckle or two, especially with computer-borne images of prospective dates. The adventures and misadventures of a spunky sixty-year old widow display a rich assortment of encounters, acceptances and rejections, that compose a busy life. You're able to enter and share the writer's world which is a test of a good book. Her other interests, as an antique dealer and raising several dogs, also show other aspects of her persona. Her life could easily be an inspiration to other women who have lost a spouse after many years.

And because I love some good advice, I will share the information below. I am taking it all to heart when I design my new book. Thank you Judge No. 55 for your kind words.

How can the author improve this book?
The book could use a greater graphic dimension than just a few shots of the author's dogs and chapter opening photos. Shots might include a bigger one of her than on the rear cover, one of or with her husband, some with friends, and some with her dogs. Shots of the individual dogs identified in the text would certainly be a good idea. A shot of her antique store would also be useful, all contributing to key activities in her life story. There might be some illustrations, humorous and otherwise, and cartoons in the public domain which relate to widowhood, etc. These might be of the dating scene including restaurants, etc. A print-out of some dating material from computers might work well. While the chapters or essays are relatively short, some could use subheads which can pinpoint specific happenings and also enable readers to better absorb and appreciate what follows. The dating blues poem is a solid addition. More poems on the widowhood situation would be apropos. Taking stock of the present at the end was fine, and expectations about what the future might bring would also serve to round the out the book.

The Unfaithful Widow, available on Amazon and Kindle. You can peek inside on Amazon!

Check out my latest interview with Morgen Bailey in England on

Morgen Bailey's Writing Blog.

Announcing Grand Prize Winner of 2012 Chick Lit Blog Hop + Winner of The Unfaithful Widow

Thanks to everyone who stopped by my blog and left a comment.

The winner of my book "The Unfaithful Widow" is Savannah Page!

The Grand Prize The winner of the $150 Sephora gift card is Tiffany White.

It was my pleasure to meet all of you and I have a grand list of new books to read. Thanks again to Tracie Banister "Blame It On The Fame" for a fun week and organizing a great event!

Chloe loves a reason to celebrate with a Margarita!

Can't wait for the next hop! Hugs, Barbara

Chick Lit Author Blog Hop 2012 * Chick Lit Memoirs

The Fun Starts Now!

At the bottom of my post are all the instructions you need to enter in a grand prize drawing and meet all the participating authors for a chance to win an e-book on their sites!

Thanks Tracie Banister for such a lovely way to connect with Chick Lit authors!

Please note: leave your comments right below the list of authors. This post runs closely with the post last Wednesday and some comments have been left there. I'll include them in the drawing if I can't repost here!

Chick Lit Memoirs

I am a dog hoarder. Most people who know me would agree on that simple fact. I have five dogs. I’d have more, but my seven-pound Chihuahua, Chloe, stomped her tiny paw on my chest one night after she caught me up on Petfinder.com again. She is the Alpha and demands the attention. I think I heard her squeak, “Enough!”

“The Unfaithful Widow” is full of dog rescue stories. It is my tail tale of the first year after my husband died. “I’d like to think I’ve rescued dogs the truth is they have rescued me.” How many times have I said that? Chloe came in as the P.S. on the bottom of the last page. She was not the last dog to enter my front door. Two more followed her. I adopted five dogs in nine months. If I wasn’t so old were younger, I could have had a baby.

The dogs, and a pack of great girlfriends, turn a widow story into a breezy chick lit memoir. I’d like to think my readers feel like they are sitting at my kitchen table, sharing secrets, and drinking Margaritas a nice cup of tea.

One of my favorite reviews came from Helen Ross, an Australian children’s author, poet, and writer. “ ‘The Unfaithful Widow’ would make a lovely movie – a little in the vein of ‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’, offering hope to those in similar situations, or to just get out there and give life a go; it should appeal to both men and women.” She also called me “naughty” and “cheeky”. I’ll love her forever for that!

Hello Hollywood, are you listening?

I have a soft spot for shelter dogs. They teach us that love can mend a broken heart, that it is possible to trust again, and how to live in the moment. If you see me face down in my yard, don't call 911, I am just smelling a blade of grass.

Chloe is my fashionsita. She rules the house in a polka dot dress with the ruffle flying high above her butt. Her favorite gift is a new outfit. She is a real bitch cute dog. She's the kind of a gal that would sneak a cigarette from my Coach purse if either of us smoked.

I am working on a new memoir about my crazy life with dogs. Try dating with a pack of hounds at home. My bedside table is full of milk bones instead of condoms books. The last date I had ran out the front door crying he had a headache. I thought that was my excuse!

Chick lit is considered the epitome of a lighthearted beach read, but most chick lit writing has a firm grasp on situations and issues women face in daily life. Non-fiction memoirs, written in a hip, just us girls style, can take a grave situation, make it intimate and fun, and give the reader something to compare her own life experiences with. Some memoirs take on a more serious tone, but the feeling of camaraderie is present so the reader and author connect in a personal way.

On my bucket list of chick lit memoirs with a bit of 'hair of the dog' to read are:

• “Rex in the City” by Lee Harrington. 
• “Dreaming in Libro” by Louise Bernikow
• “You Had Me At Woof” by Julie Klam

Five dogs have killed off my dating life but I now have time to read! My Saturday night special is a great chick lit memoir, a pack of hounds to snuggle with, and a bottle of Jack Black diet coke.

I dream my perfect man will come along, a second chance at love again,  and that he will be a veterinarian. That will be a memoir with a kick ass up your heels ending!

Do you have a dog that plays havoc on your love life? Leave a comment below with your name and e-mail address and you will be entered to win a copy of my memoir "The Unfaithful Widow". The winner can choose between a free Kindle download or a paperback book.

For a chance to win the Chick Lit Author Blog Hop Grand Prize of a $150 Sephora gift card, simply do the following:

• Collect all 34 of the secret words (you will find a secret word in each of the blog posts on the hop.) The word will be italicized, so it will be easy to locate. A hint for my secret word, it is in the line that links to Helen Ross and is in blush red.

• Submit your list of 34 secret words to mailto:CLABlogHop@aol.combefore midnight on Sunday, May 20th and you will be entered into the Grand Prize Drawing! 
• The Grand Prize winner will be announced on Monday, May 21st, and the $150 Sephora gift card can be redeemed online, or at any Sephora store in the US.
• Chick Lit Author Blog Hop contests are open to residents of the United States only.

Please see the list below for a Linky list of all 34 participating authors/blogs. Find the secret word in each blog and enter to win an e-book with each author. It's that simple and fun!