The (Mis)Adventures of a Single City Chick

DC Trip, Day Three: I am not an animal!

2009-07-13T20:38:00.000-07:00

Funny thing about a sunburn. It quickly turns one into a circus freak when circulating among the common folk — otherwise known as the unmarred complexioned ones. So, aside from still glowing like a mobile nuclear plant when I woke up, I really wasn't in any pain. In fact, I quickly forgot I even had an issue, unless I looked in the mirror, or happened to venture into the line of the sun. Then I felt like a suicidal vampire tempting fate. Um, does anyone else smell burning flesh? But, just about the time I'd forgotten about my burn, I'd quickly be reminded by some museum guide that I should really be wearing sunscreen (gee, ya think?), or informed by a gift shop worker that some people get cancer after such a bad burn (again, thanks ever so much, little miss sunshine!), or my ultimate favorite — the people who would stand behind me and whisper things like, "See? That's what happens when you don't wear sunscreen." People, the sun didn't fry my eardrums. I can still hear you. I'm RIGHT here! I am not an animal!

But, despite all that, I ended up getting to three museums today, starting off at the Museum of Natural History, where I could see my first dinosaur skeleton (holy crap those are big!), the Hope Diamond and the Easter Island Head that I've always wanted to see, among other things.

The cursed Hope Diamond at Museum of Natural History:

Easter Island Head at Museum of Natural History:

Dinosaur at Museum of Natural History:

Mummy at the Museum of Natural History:

Actual skeleton of a Jamestown Settler at the Museum of Natural History:

Then it was next door to the Museum of American History, where I got to see some of the President's inaugural dresses, the history of transportation exhibit, the pop culture exhibit (including Dorothy's shoes from the Wizard of Oz and Archie Bunker's original chair, among others) and an Abraham Lincoln exhibit.

The Seinfeld "Puffy Pirate" Shirt at the Museum of American History:

C-3PO's costume at Museum of American History:

Abraham Lincoln's hat in the Museum of American History:

After viewing the Lincoln exhibit, I headed over to Ford's Theater, where you can see the box seat wear Lincoln was shot. It was amazing to stand in the same theatre where such traumatic history unraveled. After the shooting, Lincoln was carried across the street to a boarding house where he later died.

Ford's Theater:

Ford's Theater - box where Lincoln was shot (note the orb - looks like someone is still watching the show):

Peterson House across street from Ford's Theater, where Lincoln was carried after being shot:

Interior of Peterson House:

Bed at Peterson House where Abraham Lincoln died:

Flowers outside my hotel:

By the time I returned to the hotel, I could barely walk. Seems to be a recurring theme on this trip. But by dinnertime, my roomie Serena and Kelli's roomie Carolynn had arrived. After an Italian dinner out, we came back to wait for Serena's luggage to be located. How the airline could lose one of her two bags on a non-stop flight is beyond me.

Oh well, tomorrow I'm off on a half-day trip to George Washington's Mt. Vernon estate and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (largest Catholic Cathedral in the U.S.).

DC Trip, Day Two: Red is NOT your color

2009-07-12T21:56:00.000-07:00

If possible, I think I slept even less last night. Apparently the hotel was finishing up a Barbie doll convention. Really??? I saw women dressed like Barbie and other women (and some men) carrying around dolls. For crying out loud. Who knew those Barbie lovers could party so much? They must have been terribly excited over their doll fascination, because the people in the room next door were SO loud most of the night. By about 2am I was ready to storm next door and shove that Barbie where Ken would never find it. Yeah, I'm not so pleasant when I'm sleep deprived. ;-)

I was up by 6:30am so I'd have plenty of time to get ready, eat breakfast, and get to Union Station where my double-decker bus tour started. I like to have access to these "hop on, hop off" vehicles, not only to get an idea of the layout of the city, but cheaper transportation than taking cabs everywhere when my feet start to hurt. Um, I rode it only twice today. I took it as far as Arlington Cemetery (about the halfway point of the full tour) and jumped off to start my day, but not before seeing the National Cathedral from the bus.

Once at Arlington, I ventured through the sea of white, unadorned, yet stately headstones. Even wearing sunglasses, I found myself squinting at how the morning sun reflected off their smooth, alabaster surface. Very sobering, let me tell you. Definitely not something you can walk past, without stopping every few steps to just stare at the vastness of them stretching across a field of green.

I found my way to the Kennedy graves with the Eternal Flame. Again, so strange to think you're standing so close to one of our greatest President's remains. It felt like there should have been more than a chain between us and the flame.

(Kennedy's grave with Eternal Flame, and the Arlington House atop the hill above)

Then I came across Robert Kennedy's grave, marked by a white, flat head stone and this simple white cross (again with the Arlington House above).

Next was the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, which is guarded around the clock. I happened to arrive right in time to watch the very regimented and formal changing of the guard. So respectful and a bit emotional to see such loyalty and respect paid to our soldiers, despite knowing their names.

Once I finished strolling around the cemetery, I decided to forego the "hop on, hop off" bus, and just walk across the Potomac River to the Lincoln Memorial and the where the true length of the Mall began. It didn't seem so far, after all. Ahem, right. See that speck way in the distance? Yes, that's the massive Lincoln Memorial. But by the time I took this photo, I was already halfway there, so there was no turning back. You know how it is when something seems closer than it truly is? Yeah, well, now so do I.

But, I finally made! The Lincoln Memorial is massive. You don't really realize how much so, until you see it in true scale compared to the size of people. I climbed the many stairs leading up to the marble behemoth and stood in awe of the statue of Lincoln. Well, in between playing photographer for all the people asking me to take a picture of them standing in front of it.

Leaving the Lincoln Memorial, I had a great view of the Washington Monument at the other end of the reflecting pool, which by that time I was ready to jump into because it was so hot. This was probably about the time my sunburn began, as I'd no doubt sweated off my SPF 30. But more on that later.

Next was the Vietnam Memorial Wall. If that doesn't put everything into perspective, I don't know what will.

The Korean Memorial was equally moving, if not more so. Larger than life size statues seem to be continuing their mission, unaware of the throngs of tourists milling about. It's actually pretty eerie to stand there gazing at them. I half expected them to turn and stare right back at me.

The World War II Memorial is another huge memorial. Flanked by marble columns with the Pacific marketing one end and the Atlantic the other, it contains a wall of gold stars, waterfalls, marble wreaths marking every state's name engraved into the perimeter of the memorial, with a large reflective pool and two fountains in the middle of it all. Again, in the midst of the somber moment, I fought the urge to cool my feet in the water. Not only should I have been detecting the scent of singing flesh by then (my own), but my poor feet were feeling the repercussions of my foolish decision to "get a little exercise and just walk."

The Washington Monument not only looks huge in pictures, it IS huge. I actually decided against going up into it, as I was peetering out pretty fast by that point of the afternoon. But it's just as impressive from the base. Until the Eiffel Tower was built, the Washington Monument was the tallest building in the world.

And lastly, the U.S. Capitol. Elegant, stately, even stuffy looking. But it's filled with politicians, so what would you expect? ;-)

So, by the time I finally hop back onto my double decker bus for the ride back to my hotel, my I'm ready to amputate my feet and I'm getting the idea that something might be amiss with my skin. Ironically, I saw this girl on the bus whose back was burnt to a crisp and thought to myself, "wow, she's going to be in a world of hurt." Little did I know that "I" was also going to be hurting just as bad, if not more. The first thing I literally said when looking in my bathroom mirror was, "Sonofabitch!" There were a few other choice words in there, too, but I'll keep those to myself. I was glowing. My entire fact, back of neck, chest and my arms (of course all my arms from the short sleeve mark down). Seriously fire engine red, glowing. I took Advil, lathered on aloe and bundled up because the chills had set in. Not a good sign, is it? Hmmm. So, as my entire body either throbs or glows, I'm signing off for the night.

More to come tomorrow, if I'm able to walk and show my face in public. On the schedule is anything that I can do INSIDE.

DC Trip, Day One: No, that's NOT the White House

2009-07-11T23:51:00.000-07:00

The morning started off EARLY, especially after getting about 4 hours of sleep the night before - the result of staying up late to finish packing and having to be at the airport at an ungodly hour. But, once Kelli and I arrived and checked our luggage (47 lbs. - phew, just made it!), we enjoyed a leisurely cup of coffee, bit of breakfast and of course the birthday Mimosas in honor of Kelli's day. :-)

After a fairly turbulent flight (which isn't any better from First Class, mind you), we began our descent, just in time to see the Washington Monument below. I was ready to kick the seat of the woman in front of me if she continued to yell out, "I see the White House!" every time she saw, well, a white house or building. "Look! It's the White House!" she'd say. To which her companion would correct, "No, that's the Kennedy Center," or "No, that's another museum," or "No, that's an office building." Seriously. And, by the way, note to everyone who travels: there is more than one black suitcase with a red ribbon on the handle. Thankfully I was paying attention when waiting at baggage claim. I watched my bag come out (not many bags have 4 wheels, so I knew even from afar it was mine) and someone hoist it onto a cart with several other bags. I ran over and said, that's my bag, to which the woman directing the baggage clerk giggled and said, "oh, sorry, I saw the red ribbon and told him to grab it." Idiot.

So, interestingly enough, the first thing I did after checking into the hotel, was to go in search of the White House. I was meeting a ghost tour across the street in Layafette Square, so I had the chance to snap several photos of the residence. Hey, rumor has it in my family that we're related to President James Monroe, so of course I wanted to get a closer glimpse. Funny how it seems so much bigger on TV. But still, very impressive to see in person after all these years of just pictures.

My ghost tour was interesting. It was 90 minutes of strolling the perimeter of Lafayette Square, which apparently is extremely haunted. I even captured a few orbs on camera even before the guide reminded people to take photos because of what might show up. The minute someone asked what an orb was, I had nearly the entire group around me, trying to peer onto my camera's little screen.

(Dolly Madison's house below: she apparently still is spotted sitting on her front porch, greeting people as they pass by - didn't catch anything here)

The tour ended back at the White House, where we learned of all the ghosts there, as well. I must admit, in the dark, the house does look a bit ominous. I couldn't believe all the bats darting through the trees there in the front grounds. And the fireflies. This was only the second time I've ever see them - the first was in NY at that year's National Conference.

Can't believe how much I already fit in on the first evening here. Tomorrow it's Arlington Cemetery and working my way up the Mall through all the monuments and memorials.

Write At Sea - A floating writer's retreat

2009-07-10T07:30:00.001-07:00

Do you long for a luxury retreat on the high seas, cruising along in style and letting the tranquil ambiance and scenery inspire your writing? Well, you're in luck! Check out this great writers'/plotters' retreat on Carnival Cruise Line. Hosted by Mary Buckham, award-winning novelist and co-author of the smash hit, "Break Into Fiction" guide, this retreat provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxing and valuable writers excursion on the open sea.

Write at Sea: Break into Fiction Plotting Retreat
Attend Mary Buckham’s famous power plotting retreat on Carnival Cruise Lines

Depart Friday afternoon and return Monday morning in Los Angeles.

For more details, registration and questions, go to: www.writeatsea.com

Itinerary:
Departure/Arrival Location: Los Angeles, California (Long Beach) Port of Call
Dates: April 30 - May 3, 2010 on Carnival Paradise
Friday April 30 - with 5:30 pm departure
Saturday, May 1 - Class from 9 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday, May 2 - Class from 9 am to 4:00 pm
Monday, May 3 - 8:00 am return

Cost of the retreat: Early registration for the retreat is $395. $100 deposit required at time of registration.
Cost of the Cruise: $299 interior/$339 oceanview. Once we receive your payment, you will receive the booking code and information. Write at Sea has been given a transferable and fully refundable rate for a limited time. $100 deposit required at time of registration

The maximum number of students is 20 - sign up now to guarantee your spot!

And The July Contest Winners Are....

2009-07-09T07:29:00.000-07:00

Thanks to ALL of you who entered to win one (or more) or Jane Porter's books in this month's contest! I'm just as excited as you to read my copy of her newest release (hitting shelves on July 22nd) "Easy On The Eyes,".

This morning I randomly drew the winning names and they are as follows:

Winners of new release "Easy On The Eyes" -

• Esther

• Karen

• Phyllis J. Towzey

• Arlene

• Michelle - Bleeding Espresso

And the Grand Prize Winner of Jane's full set of women's fiction novels (Frog Prince, Flirting With Forty, Odd Mom Out, Mrs. Perfect, and Easy On The Eyes) is -

• Wilma

Congratulations to all the winners and thanks again to everyone for entering! I hope you will all go out and pick up one (or more!) of Jane's books, especially her newest release. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. :-)

If you are one of the winners, please email your mailing address to me at christina@christinaarbini.com and I'll forward it to the publisher who will ship your copy directly to you.

Also, be sure to check back over the next week for blog updates on my trip to the RWA National Writers Conference in Washington, DC. I'll be posting pictures! :-)

And next month we'll have yet another book giveaway contest, so stay tuned for that!

July's "Fabulous Jane" Book Giveaway!

2009-07-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

I am SO excited to host this month's book giveaway contest, since it's not only for what promises to be a great book, but it's for my friend, the fabulous Jane Porter!

Jane's newest release, "Easy On The Eyes," is due to hit shelves on July 22nd and is a follow-up to "Odd Mom Out" and "Mrs. Perfect."

About this book (from Amazon.com):
At 38, Tiana Tomlinson has made it. America adores her as one of the anchors of America Tonight, a top-rated nightly entertainment and news program. But even with the trappings that come with her elite lifestyle, she feels empty. Tiana desperately misses her late husband Keith, who died several years before. And in a business that thrives on youth, Tiana is getting the message that her age is starting to show and certain measures must be taken if she wants to remain in the spotlight. It doesn't help that at every turn she has to deal with her adversary--the devilishly handsome, plastic surgeon to the stars, Michael Sullivan. But a trip away from the Hollywood madness has consequences that could affect the rest of her life.

About Jane Porter:
An award-winning novelist with nearly 4 million books in print, Jane Porter is still a small town girl at heart, never feeling too far away from her roots in central California's golden foothills, oak trees, and miles of farmland.

Jane’s first published novel, The Italian Groom, sold to Harlequin Presents in 2000. Since then, Jane has been prolific, penning more than 22 novels. The publication of The Frog Prince in May 2005 marked a new avenue for Jane's career. Taking a more literary turn than her previous work, Jane stayed close to home, using the backdrop of exciting San Francisco to look at the complex relationships between mothers, daughters and the men they love.

July 2006 marked the release of Jane's second multi-bestselling modern lit novel, Flirting With Forty, set in Seattle and Hawaii. Flirting With Forty was a Lifetime movie that debuted in December 2008 starring Heather Locklear and Robert Buckley. Jane's highly anticipated third modern lit, Odd Mom Out released September 2007 and generated considerable buzz and earned critical acclaim including 4 ½ Stars, Top Pick award from RT Magazine. Mrs. Perfect, the follow up to Odd Mom Out, hit the shelves May 2008 with tremendous success pleasing both the critics and readers.

And now for what makes this such a fabulous book contest...Jane's publisher was SO generous to offer FIVE — yes, you read that right — FIVE copies of Jane's new release, "Easy On The Eyes," for me to give away to the lucky winners whose names I'll draw. And on top of that, I'll also be drawing ONE Grand Prize winner, who will receive one of EACH of the following Jane Porter books: "The Frog Prince," "Flirting With Forty," "Odd Mom Out," "Mrs. Perfect," AND "Easy On The Eyes." What better way can you spend your summer than reading a Jane book?

For your chance to win one of these fabulous prizes (yes, every one of Jane's books is fabulous), just leave a comment on this blog post. I'll be posting the winning names on the morning of Thursday, 7/9. Only U.S. and Canada entries, please.

And The June Winners Are...

2009-06-30T06:52:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who entered to win the new release, "Ms. Taken Identity" by Dan Begley. I hope you go pick up a copy of your own, if I didn't draw your name as one of the winners.

And speaking of winners, congratulations to the three winners, whose names I pulled this morning:

• Tanya Eby

• Finny

• Louisa Bacio

Please email your mailing address to me at christina@christinaarbini.com, so I can forward it to the publisher who will ship your copy to you directly.

Watch for an extra special book giveaway contest next month, featuring a brand new release from my friend, Jane Porter, including an exciting grand prize!

And in the meantime, be sure to check back in during the week of July 11th, as I'll be blogging about my trip to the RWA National Conference from DC. :-)

June Book Giveaway Contest

2009-06-23T19:53:00.000-07:00

What lengths would you go to for publication? While I personally choose to stick with the traditional means of getting that first contract, I'm excited to live vicariously through the hero of this month's new release Chick Lit. Yes, I said the "hero" of a Chick Lit novel. "Ms. Taken Identity" is the first release of Dan Begley, a male author venturing into what has typically been considered a woman's genre - Chick Lit.

Book Description from Amazon.com:
PhD candidate Mitch Samuel's life isn't going exactly according to plan: his girlfriend just dumped him (to be fair, he did forget to pick her up at the airport), his estranged father has landed in the hospital, and his literary masterpiece-one part Shakespeare, one part Steinbeck, and all parts lyrical epic-has been rejected for the umpteenth time.

However, after a chance encounter at Starbucks with the queen of women's fiction- Katharine Longwell-who seems to take a liking to him, he senses an opportunity for literary riches, if not reputation. After telling her that his (imaginary) female cousin is an aspiring chick-lit author, he secures a promise from her that she'll help his "cousin" get published. The only problem is, Mitch needs a manuscript, and fast.

Unfortunately, try as he might to get inside a woman's head by reading Vogue and Cosmo, watching Oxygen and Oprah, nothing seems to work. That's when his roommate Bradley suggests that he try a dance class at the studio where Bradley's sister Marie takes lessons. Self-conscious about his own skills, and unwilling to reveal his true intentions, Mitch attends the first class under an alias: Jason Gallagher, pharmaceutical rep. What could go wrong?

Nothing, except that Mitch/Jason quickly finds himself hooked on dancing, and on the charming Marie. Who has no idea who he really is. Or that he knows her brother. Or why he's there. Suddenly, his novel-writing project is becoming a lot more than he bargained for...

About the author:
Dan Begley is an award-winning writer whose novel Ms. Taken Identity will be published in 2009 by Grand Central Publishing. He has also been a member of the English faculty at the University of Missouri-St. Louis and Cor Jesu Academy. A summa cum laude graduate of UM-St. Louis, he received the university’s highest honor given to a writer, the Wednesday Club Award. He has also served as an editor at Elsevier Publishing. Dan lives in St. Louis with his wife, Robin, and is currently working on his next novel.

Once again, Grand Central Publishing and 5 Spot Books is offering THREE copies to be given away the lucky winners whose names I'll draw on the morning of Tuesday, June 30th.

To enter to win this great summer read, just leave a comment on this blog post!

Entrants from the U.S. and Canada only, please.

And The Winner of "Giving Up The V" Is...

2009-06-13T08:31:00.000-07:00

Thanks very much to everyone who entered to win a copy of Serena Robar's new release "Giving Up The V."

I drew a name this morning and the winner is:

• blackroze37yahoo.com

Congratulations, and be sure to email me with your name and mailing address so I can forward it to Serena who will ship your book to you directly.

Again thanks to everyone who entered. Be sure to pick up your own copy of this book.

Also, keep checking back, as I'll be giving away another great new release in the next week or two - a Chicklit written by a guy - that looks like it's going to be hysterical!

Giving Away "Giving Up The V"

2009-06-07T23:03:00.000-07:00

I'm not only looking forward to reading this book, myself, but I'm equally excited to promote my good friend, Serena Robar's, newest Young Adult release entitled, "Giving Up the V."

About the Book:
What's So Wrong With Waiting?

Spencer Davis just turned sixteen. But unlike most hormonal teenagers who seem obsessed with sex -- like her entire crew of friends -- Spencer just doesn't get it. She'd rather wait for the right guy and the right moment. But that moment may be arriving sooner than she'd thought.

Enter Benjamin Hopkins, a new transfer student who seems to have his eyes on our V-card-carrying heroine. He's gorgeous, funny, suave, athletic, and capable of making Spencer's knees wobble with a single glance. Spencer has never felt this way about anyone before, but is Ben truly V-worthy?

Serena Robar's Bio:
I spent my school days addicted to reading romances. Historical. Regencies. Old West, Native American. Pirate. The list goes on. I would tuck a Romance in my open science book and pretend to be following along with class when I was really lost in a fantasy world of happily ever after. Though my knowledge of mitochondria is woefully limited, I can boast a vast array of trivia about the pirate trade of the 16th century, American pioneer life and Regency etiquette of the Ton.

My reading habits have improved much and I still read when I should be doing laundry, making dinner and/or any household chores (we order a lot of pizza). In fact, when I discover a new author I will read their entire backlist non-stop. Literally. I won’t do anything else but read. Addiction is a dangerous thing.

I live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband and three children. Between reading and juggling family, I am hard at work writing. It’s my secret hope that my books will find there way inside text books, sparking the imagination and talent of the next generation of writers. My apologies to teachers everywhere.

Special Note: Serena will be giving away a book a day, every day in honor of her latest book release ‘Giving Up the V‘. All you have to do to is sign up for her newsletter and you are entered to win. Enter once and you are in the running to win a book every day in the month of June.

She will also be popping up on YA review sites and YA author blogs all over the place, giving away free copies of "Giving Up The V." Just check out her schedule and see what books are up for grabs and where she is posting next for your next chance to win.

You can also win a copy of "Giving Up The V" right here, just by leaving a comment on this post. I will draw one winner on Saturday morning, June 13th. Can only accept entries from the US and Canada.

And The May Winners Are...

2009-05-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

After drawing the three winning names, I'd like to congratulate the following people - each to receive a copy of the new release, "Mating Rituals of the North American WASP" by Lauren Lipton:

• D.D. Scott

• Jennifer

• Gaby317

Please send me your mailing address to christina@christinaarbini.com and I'll have the publisher ship your book directly to you.

Check back real soon for two more upcoming new release book contests! I'll be featuring a great Young Adult novel by one of my close friends, and a fun humorous women's fiction novel - written by a man. :-)

May Book Giveaway Contest!

2009-05-22T18:31:00.000-07:00

Did you really think I'd forgotten about my monthly book giveaway contest? I was just waiting for the long weekend, so more people would have the chance to enter - that is, if you all are doing like me this year and taking a "Staycation" for Memorial Day weekend. ;-)

This month's new release is sure to be entertaining. The title alone brought a smile to my face. "Mating Rituals of the North American WASP" by Lauren Lipton is slated to be a May 29th release, but you can win your own copy here. Once again, Hatchette Book Group is letting me give away THREE copies of this 5 Spot book.

About the book:
New Yorker Peggy Adams is upset when she wakes up next to a strange man after a night in Las Vegas she can't remember...but she's horrified when she discovers she has married him! Luke Sedgwick is WASP royalty, the last of the New Nineveh, Connecticut, Sedgwicks. He might also have been perfect, if Peggy weren't already "pre-engaged" to her live-in boyfriend (with a promise ring to prove it). Peggy and Luke agree to get an annulment ASAP—and then receive an offer they can't refuse.

Luke's eccentric Great-aunt Abigail offers the two the chance to make millions on the family estate: All they have to do is stay married for a year. Peggy is soon pretending to be one-half of the perfect couple among New England's WASPy set on the weekends, while keeping her marriage a secret in New York during the week. But she isn't prepared for what might be her worst mistake of all: Falling in love with her soon-to-be ex-husband.

About the author:
Lauren Lipton is a journalist who specializes in lifestyle, business, fashion, and trend stories. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Conde Nast Portfolio, In Style Weddings, Martha Stewart Weddings, Forbes Woman, Glamour, Marie Claire, and on National Public Radio's All Things Considered. She lives in New York City and in Litchfield County, Connecticut.

To enter, just leave a comment telling me how you're spending your Memorial Day weekend. Vacation or Staycation?

I'll be drawing the THREE winners first thing Thursday morning (5/28).

Please note, I can only accept entries from the US or Canada due to shipping costs.

New Author Spotlight

2009-05-17T10:31:00.000-07:00

I recently had the privilege of reviewing the new release, "I'll Have Who She's Having" by debut authors, Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke. This book is a prime example that Chick Lit is not dead.

“I’ll Have Who She’s Having” is a humorous, quick read that absolutely nails the conflict of sisterly rivalry. Although thankfully I didn’t have to deal with that with my own sister, I’ve known many sisters who fit this description to a T.

While I expected to find humor in this book, I was surprised to find it really touched me on many emotional levels. I’d be laughing at one point, then find myself angry with decisions one sister made, while feeling the pain of the other, and vice versa. That’s definitely the sign of a good book – when it can elicit such varied emotions from scene to scene.

This is definitely a story that demonstrates the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. No one’s life is perfect. And, for as much as you might be wishing for your sister or friend’s circumstances, they might very well be wishing for yours.

About the book (from Amazon.com)
Kate's been depressed ever since yet another long-term boyfriend unceremoniously dumped her. When her younger and married sister Kelly convinces her the way to meet a quality man is for the two of them to sign up for a volleyball class, she's just desperate enough to agree. But Kate becomes so fixated on their coach that she fails to see an unlikely but perfect match right in front of her. Kelly s been less than happy for longer than she wants to admit. She's the one who appears to have it all: the perfect husband, the big house and the beautiful daughter. Despite it all, she feels an emptiness she can't explain and is conflicted when it's her volleyball coach who offers an answer. I'll Have Who She's Having follows Kate and Kelly as they battle themselves and each other in their search for a happy ending. Through a series of hardships and self-doubt, they both realize they were looking for happiness in the wrong places. It s a novel for anyone who ever secretly let their insecurities get the best of them.

About the authors
Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke have been friends for twenty years since the day Lisa walked into Freshman English class wearing red eyeglasses that made her look like Sally Jessie Rafael’s younger, more stylish sister. They both attended Cal Poly Pomona University and each graduated with a degree in Communication. Lisa is single and a supervising producer and writer in television. Liz is married with two children and works in pharmaceutical sales. They both reside in Long Beach, California.

Liz and Lisa were generous enough to also answer a few questions about writing this book.

1. Writing a book alone is hard enough. Was it difficult writing this book together?
Lisa: I can safely say it was fun! The best part is that you have a partner in crime, someone to plot with and to motivate you when you have the writing blues. And we have so much fun reading each other’s work, almost to the point where we like to “one-up” each other. Probably bad for friendship but great for our readers!

Liz: The only downside is that we had to learn how to take a step back and GRACIOUSLY ACCEPT constructive criticism because throwing lattes at each other in Starbucks during editing sessions is frowned upon.

2. What was your writing process like?
Liz: We each wrote one character. Liz wrote Kelly and Lisa wrote Kate. But when all was said and done, we both contributed a lot to each character. And to be perfectly honest, we weren’t nearly as organized as many “how to write” books would encourage! We knew the basic outline (beginning, climax & ending) but would only map out about 3-4 chapters at a time. For us, we’re at our best when we don’t follow the “rules.”

3. What inspired the book?
Lisa: Well, they say write what you know… And because I had way too much knowledge about dating disasters that can happen to a woman in her thirties, I figured I’d put it to good use.

Liz: I’ve always been fascinated by the fact that women act as if their lives are perfect even when they’re falling apart. Also, I really wanted to write about what the first year after having kids is really like. In a matter of months, we went from jetting off to party in Vegas at a moment’s notice to having in depth discussions about poop consistency. Needless to say, it was a hard transition!

4. What's next for you? Do you have any more books planned?
We are working on our second book about a recently divorced man and the two women in his life—his ex-wife and his new girlfriend. We also have a blog at www.chicklitisnotdead.com that we have so much fun writing.

5. You also have a blog, Chick Lit is Not Dead. Can you tell us a little about that?
While we were shopping our book to agents, we kept hearing the same thing: We love your manuscript but Chick lit is dead…

We did not agree!

Every woman we know loves nothing better than to curl up with a good chick lit book. Most women want to read about other women that they can relate to. At the end of the day, we all just want a GOOD book that helps us escape from the stress of our everyday lives. So we started our blog Chick Lit Is Not Dead for people who still crave books with high fashion and happy endings!

A Weekend Plotting Retreat

2009-05-11T16:47:00.000-07:00

I had a fabulous opportunity this past weekend to join some of my fellow writers for a weekend plotting retreat, hosted by NY Times Best-selling author, Cherry Adair. Not only did she open her guest house to all of us for the weekend, but she also generously gave up her own writing time to brainstorm with the group and help us to plot out each of our current books.

In addition to having the brilliance that is Cherry, we were also able to work amidst a background of a glassy, peaceful lake. Nothing more inspiring than that.

(Mount Rainier looming over lake)

Twelve of us descended upon Cherry's guest house with nearly all of us sleeping over and we spent the entire time plotting, eating, laughing and plotting some more. I seriously don't remember the last time I've laughed that hard.

(Cherry Adair and plotting group)

The group helped each of us to complete our own plot board using colored sticky notes to represent characters' actions and back story, moments of adversity, turning points in the plot, and location. Believe it or not, by the time this board was finished it represented an entire book.

How, you ask, can you have the same wonderful experience? Bid on Cherry's weekend writer's retreat at Brenda Novak's Diabetes Auction site. Trust me, it's SO worth it! :-)

Impromptu Sing-A-Long

2009-05-03T10:57:00.000-07:00

Here's another "impromptu" T-Mobile promotional event - this time a enormous karaoke sing-a-long in the middle of London's Trafalgar Square a few days ago. Brilliant! I love seeing all walks of life join in together, suddenly singing arm-in-arm. It gave me goosebumps. Enjoy!

A Bad Omen?

2009-04-29T06:45:00.000-07:00

Like probably half the home owners out there right now, I'm in the midst of refinancing my home. Or should I say, in the midst of hell...or purgatory at least. Due to the onslaught of refinancers, the banks don't seem very prepared to handle all the paperwork. Had I not already had my original mortgage and all my accounts with this one particular bank, I would have canceled the loan by now and gone elsewhere for it. It's been that ridiculous. I've gotten used to a phone call every few days from a different person with the bank, looking for yet another document that has been faxed numerous times already. And none of these people seem to have last names. I think I've spoke to a Bob, Pam, Jody, Judy, Andrew, Carol, Tom, Dick and Harry. And the latest? I have to meet an appraiser at my house this evening so he can take pictures of my house for the bank's records. Guess that means I have to remember to make my bed in the morning. Dammit.

I KNEW this wouldn't be an easy transaction. I mean really, when you're assigned a loan application number that starts with 666, you're apt to have a run of bad luck. Of all numbers to give to this superstitious, good little Catholic girl. Unfrickinbelievable. Oh, and the kicker? The name of the appraiser being sent over is...wait for it...Damien. Really? REALLY???? Oh, yes, you read that correctly. Damien...Satan...whatever, is going to appraise my house. Fantastic. Talk about a bad omen. I swear to God, if I open the door and there's a 3 foot tall kid wearing a miniature suit and sporting a bowl haircut staring up at me through squinty eyes, I'm going to freak out. Just a little bit.

Hopefully this Damien fellow won't mind being doused with Holy water upon crossing my threshold. Granted, if my stealth exorcism works as planned, he'll never know that I'm flicking Holiness all over his back, unless it causes a slight burning sensation. Note to self, watch for signs of smoke and a faint odor of searing flesh. I wonder if he'll notice the five Rosaries draped around my neck. Hey, Madonna pulled it off, why not me? Do you think it will look too conspicuous if I carry a crucifix around with me? Will he start to twitch? Maybe I should carry two. No, that won't work. I'll need that extra hand for the continuous Holy flickage. I wonder if he has allergies. After all, the incense I'll have to burn to clear away any bad mojo he brings in with him might be a bit bothersome if he hasn't taken his meds. Not that he'll notice, of course, as he'll be too preoccupied with my chanting in Latin. Second note to self, Google proper exorcism verbiage during lunch break.

See what I mean? This whole refinance thing is just nothing, but trouble. Who knew you had to jump through so many Holy hoops just to save a little money? I must not have read the fine print.

And The April Contest Winners Are....

2009-04-23T07:39:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who entered this month's contest for a chance to win one of three copies of "Busy Woman Seeks Wife." We had another great turn-out this month! So, without further adieu, the three winning names I pulled this morning are:

• Jillian Clemmons

• Annette Gallant

• Michelle Braden

Congratulations, ladies! Please email me at christina@christinaarbini.com with your mailing address, so I can have the publisher ship your copy directly to you.

And for everyone else, stay tuned for more! :-)

April Book Giveaway Contest!

2009-04-17T07:20:00.000-07:00

Admit it, ladies, you've secretly wished you had a wife of your own to do all the things you don't have time for during the day. Whether married or single, I think we all get to that point where life would be so much easier if we had someone to run our errands or clean our house while we're at work, or shuttle the kids around to various lessons/friend's house/sports games, while you're trying to get the shopping done or work out of the house, or just have a little "me" time. Well, this month's book contest is all about that.

From the author of Goodbye, Jimmy Choo, the new release by 5 Spot Books, Busy Woman Seeks Wife, delves into one single woman's quest to find balance in her life as a busy executive who has to care for her eccentric mother during her convalescence after an accident. Through a dry, British wit, the author weaves a humorous tale of how one woman seeks to solve one problem, and may just end up killing two birds with one stone when her best friend, level-headed Saffron, suggests she place an add for a "wife."

Description from Hatchette Book Group:
To a casual observer, Londoner Alex Hill is every inch the calm and collected executive of a global sportswear company. In reality, she's constantly frantic, with barely enough time to take out the trash. When her demanding mother, a 1960s style icon, has a bad fall and has to move in with her indefinitely, Alex realizes she needs someone more committed than a maid-what she needs is a wife. An ad in the local paper soon produces a young woman who seems both enthusiastic and capable. But something odd is definitely happening behind the scenes of Alex's new, perfectly ordered existence. Someone distinctly male is charming her mother as well as doing all the ironing. He's no one Alex would ordinarily ever notice, never mind date. But now she can't help wondering if her new "wife" could perhaps have husband potential...

About the Author:
Annie Sanders is two people. Annie Ashworth and Meg Sanders are television and print journalists who have written nine non-fiction books together while managing to remain the best of friends. Both in their thirties with young children, they live in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Sassy, witty and irreverent, they specialise in razor sharp social observation that will make you wince and laugh out loud in recognition. With their best–selling first novel, Goodbye, Jimmy Choo Annie and Meg started a new trend in commercial fiction – the novel for the post–Bridget Jones generation: grown up girls who are older and wiser but still lust after everything life has to offer.

Now, the fun part! To enter to win one of THREE copies of Busy Woman Seeks Wife, leave a comment on this post telling me what YOU most need a "wife" for. Shopping? Cooking? Errands? Laundry? All of the above?

I'll be drawing the three winning names on the morning of Thursday, April 23rd. So, enter now!

The Newest Spontaneous "Commuter Dance" VonTrapp Style

2009-04-08T06:42:00.000-07:00

I SO want to do one of these someday. Sweet!

March Winners & Earth Hour!

2009-03-28T09:01:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who entered this month's contest! I drew the three winning names this morning for Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven, written by Susan Jane Gilman, and they are:

• Rachel

• Danielle Peck

• Andi

Congratulations! Just email me at christina@christinaarbini.com with your mailing address, and the publisher will send you your copy directly. :-)

=====================================

I'd also like to remind everyone that TONIGHT is Earth Hour! What does this mean to us? It's a fabulous way to show your support of energy conservation to the world by joining in and turning off your lights between 8:30-9:30pm tonight. A small price to pay when you can be part of a bigger cause, don't you think?

Also, in the spirit of turning out, be sure to visit the microsite "Turn Out" and click off a light bulb (it's free!). My firm is hoping to get 400 light bulbs turned off on the site by tonight, so feel free to forward the site link on to everyone you know. :-)

March Book Giveaway Contest!

2009-03-22T14:30:00.000-07:00

This month's book giveaway contest is featuring something slightly different. We're going non-fiction for a change of pace. Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven, written by Susan Jane Gilman and published by Grand Central Publishing, is an intriguing tale of how fresh out of college, Gilman and her friend go in search of travel and adventure and to conquer the world, but quickly find that the world had other plans for them.

Amazon.com Product Description
Bestselling author Susan Jane Gilman's new memoir is a hilarious and harrowing journey, a modern heart of darkness filled with Communist operatives, backpackers, and pancakes.

In 1986, fresh out of college, Gilman and her friend Claire yearned to do something daring and original that did not involve getting a job. Inspired by a place mat at the International House of Pancakes, they decided to embark on an ambitious trip around the globe, starting in the People's Republic of China. At that point, China had been open to independent travelers for roughly ten minutes.

Armed only with the collected works of Nietzsche, an astrological love guide, and an arsenal of bravado, the two friends plunged into the dusty streets of Shanghai. Unsurprisingly, they quickly found themselves in over their heads. As they ventured off the map deep into Chinese territory, they were stripped of everything familiar and forced to confront their limitations amid culture shock and government surveillance. What began as a journey full of humor, eroticism, and enlightenment grew increasingly sinister-becoming a real-life international thriller that transformed them forever.

"Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven" is a flat-out page-turner, an astonishing true story of hubris and redemption told with Gilman's trademark compassion, lyricism, and wit.

Author of two other non-fiction books, "Kiss My Tiara" and "Hypocrite in a Pouffy White Dress," Susan Jane Gilman has written commentary for The NY Times, The LA Times, and Ms. magazine, among others, and her fiction and essays have received several literary awards. Though she has lived most recently in Geneva, Switzerland, and Washington, D.C., she remains, eternally, a child of New York.

I'll be drawing THREE winning names on Saturday, 3/28. For a chance to win this new release, leave a comment on this post. Good luck! (Entrants from U.S. and CANADA only, please.)

My Saturday Adventure At The Loony Bin

2009-03-02T12:37:00.000-08:00

Ever have one of those days when everything seems to be going well, until you're detained at a mental hospital by a guard, which soon includes back-up? No? Well, neither had I, until Saturday afternoon. Now, to clarify, I was NOT there being committed. Instead, I was doing a special project photo shoot all over the city, having been hired by the assistant chief of police. I'd spent several hours driving all over for the shoot, with one of my last stops being a well-known and historical mental hospital. Let me paint you a little picture here. There is no guard booth through which visitors need to pass and state their business. The only fence surrounding this large campus of brick buildings is waist-high and built from rocks cemented together. Growing up in the area, I "fondly" recall urgent reports on the news almost weekly about how one patient or another had just strolled away from the hospital. Typically, they'd be found on the golf course, which was easy for them to follow along the path (our home was also on this golf course, though a few miles away). So, you see how I wouldn't think there would be any problem snapping a few shots of the outside of the buildings (no people) for this project.

After taking about 10 photos, I was stopped by the hospital's “uniformed finest,” who pulled up along side me in an unmarked squad car and informed me it was illegal to take photos there. Can I just say how utterly pleasant it was to then have back-up called on me, after I told the first guard/officer/patient-disguised-as-a-cop/WHATever that I wouldn’t surrender my memory card (I had a full day’s shoot on it already), but that I’d be happy to delete the photos in front of him? Sooooooo not at all humiliating to have him immediately radio for his supervisor, who showed up with his lights blazing. Sheesh.

There I was, blocked by two squad cars (one with its lights STILL going) and standing there in the rain, explaining why I was there (they probably thought I was a reporter, as they'd recently had some bad PR...or trying to case the place to break out one of my friends – LOL!) and that I didn’t realize it was against policy to shoot there. After some fancy finagling, they finally let me delete the photos in front of them, and then proceeded to insist on seeing every other photo on the camera (thank God for digital!) to ensure there weren't some others buried within.

So, I proceeded to give them a nice slide show of me at my birthday, my birthday cake, my birthday flowers, my friends, and then a virtual tour of all the places I'd been shooting earlier in the day. All of which I’m SURE was totally scintillating. Unfortunately, by then, I wasn't in the best of moods...can we say embarrassed? Humiliated? Just a smidgen nervous, considering we WERE at a mental hospital? Thinking this was the biggest overreaction on their part, I broke into a "not in the slightest" sarcastic narrative: ”Here’s a photo of me, oh, and look...here's another photo of me, and here’s my b-day cake, and my b-day flowers, oh, and here’s me again.” We went through all 250 photos before they finally let me leave. And the whole time, I kept fearing my battery would die, as it had already been blinking (and was already the last juiced up back-up battery I had with me). Sigh.

I'm assuming this was the most "excitement" the guards had probably seen all week, with as fast as they responded and the number of other unmarked cars that drove by us during the experience. Seems like they need a refresher in security priorities, like starting with posting policy somewhere visible. Either that, or I just look like a mental patient taking a couple last shots of the building as a souvenir before high-tailing it out of there. ;-)

February Winners & My Birthday!

2009-02-24T07:47:00.000-08:00

As it turns out, I'm announcing the winners of "The Makedown," by Gitty Daneshvari on my birthday, so we all get gifts today! :-)

The winning names are:

• Joy N. Hensley

• Neely

• Shannon McKelden

Congratulations to you three! Please email your mailing addresses to me at christina@christinaarbini.com and I'll forward them to the publisher who will send your book directly to you. For everyone else, I encourage you all to go out and pick this book up. Definitely a fresh and unique twist.

Be sure to check back in for another new release giveaway in March!

And, in the meantime, help yourself to a piece of my yummy birthday cake. Isn't it cute? :-)

Oh, and we mustn't forget the recognition I've been waiting for. The official title of Italian Princess (note my comical co-worker's nod to how much I hate the mispronunciation of my heritage). LOL! We won't mention that he also unplugged my phone receiver and computer mouse, and God knows what else that I haven't yet noticed. Will make for an interesting day. And, tonight is off for lobster tail. Yum! It's good to be the Italian Princess. :-)

And here are the lovely flower arrangements delivered to me at work.

February Book Giveaway Contest!

2009-02-18T07:04:00.000-08:00

This month, we're leaning toward the more humorous side (my personal fav) for the featured new release, "The Makedown," by Gitty Daneshvari. The plot is a new twist on the My Fair Lady theme, but instead of giving someone a makeover, the heroine gives her new boyfriend a "makedown."

Book Description:
Anna Norton used to be fat. Correction: Anna Norton used to be a fat, nerdy, overeater with low self esteem. When she moves from suburban Ohio to Manhattan at age 23, her life does a total 180. With guidance from her boss, an unlikely Fairy Godmother in the form of a chic caterer and excellent cook, Anna loses all the weight and--though still not quite Kate Moss--finally drops her inferiority complex, brushes the crumbs off her skirt, and enters the world of feeling good, looking good, and...finally having sex.  When Anna meets Ben, the man of her dreams (and of every other person's dreams who isn't blind) she almost can't believe she is dating the Ken Doll. Deep down, she is still the chubby nerd who wrote in a diary called Hello Fatty. But not everything is perfect; her hot boyfriend is a huge flirt, and every leggy blond who crosses his path is a threat to Anna. She just can't escape the feeling that Ben is way out of her league and that everyone thinks she is dating up and he's dating down. It gets so bad, she decides she will do anything to make these women go away.  Enter the Makedown. The reverse makeover. As Anna was made up, so will Ben be made down. Where she went from shabby to chic, he will go from prince to frog. Anna will sabotage his hotness for the sake of her own sanity, and to bring this man into more of what she considers her own league. Enter Nair to induce premature balding, Sears catalogs to inspire bad dressing, and secret additions of cream to her cooking and SKOR bars in granola bar wrappers to induce weight gain. Hilarity ensues, but in the end, Anna must find out if Ben's makedown will save their relationship, or end it.

I'd like to thank Gitty for her generousity in taking time out of her day for the following interview:

Gitty, how long have you been writing fiction? Was it always a desire of yours, or was there something that triggered your love of telling stories?

I started writing fiction approximately three years ago when I finally realized that if I wasn’t going to try it now when I was only responsible for myself, then I never would. I absolutely hate regret so I decided to take a leap and see what happens! I think that everyone should be as proactive as possible about creating the life that will make them happy, so that’s what I did.

The concept of a “Makedown” is intriguing and unique. Was this inspired by any particular occurrence in your own life? Were you ever tempted to give someone a makedown?

I have never personally attempted to give anyone a makedown, but then again if I had I doubt I would admit it! The idea was sparked by seeing Tobey Maguire many years ago, between Spidermans, looking less than his usual attractive self. I joked that it looked like his girlfriend had uglied him up (obviously he was never ugly…but having always thought he was adorable I was shocked to see him looking a little rough around the edges). Anyway, from that ridiculous sighting the idea of the makedown was sparked.

This book is hilarious and definitely reflects your great sense of humor. Personally, I seek out humorous books – whether writing my own or reading those of other authors. That’s my favorite escape. I know many writers who have a hard time with humor. Has your ability always been second nature? Are you this funny in person, too? ☺

My absolute favorite escape in the entire world, better than movies, plays, surfing the internet etc, is reading David Sedaris. He is the most hysterical, irreverent, writer! I love him! But I digress, writing is still so new to me, so I don’t think anything is second nature yet. I am thrilled that you found The Makedown funny, and as far as being funny in person, it all depends on who I am with and how much caffeine I’ve had.

In the book, the heroine, Anna, has struggled with issues that have affected her self-esteem. As we all know, these can be debilitating obstacles to overcome. How were you able to climb into your character’s shoes to portray this conflict so convincingly? Did you pull from any personal experiences?

As anyone who knew me in my 20s can attest to, I struggled with adult acne! I escaped it in my teens then right around 21 it hit. It made me so insecure and every time I thought it was under control it would return. It was awful. I wish I had taken Accutane earlier than I did. It was the only thing that worked. I definitely think that experience along with the usual growing pains of figuring out who you are helped me get into Anna’s mindset.

You’ve also written a Young Adult novel, entitled "School of Fear" (which is currently being made into a movie). Did you find it difficult switching between your YA voice and your adult fiction voice when writing "The Makedown?"

I loved that School of Fear was so different from Makedown, it helped me to go between the projects with relative ease. If both had been romantic comedies they probably would have felt similar or I would have blended character voices in my head.

What is the overarching message you are hoping to convey through this book?

I don’t know that Makedown has an overarching message; I really just wanted to create an entertaining story that had a little bite to it. I like that Anna is stranger/darker than your average chick lit heroine.

Many writers, myself included, are at the point in their writing careers where everyone is telling them they are “so close.” Do you have any sage advice you would like to offer the “pre-pubbed” writers out there?

Don’t let the rejections bother you, everyone gets them. Just keep writing!!

Gitty Daneshvari is a former Director of Development with Contrafilms in Hollywood. She is the author of "School of Fear," an upcoming YA project for Little Brown for Young Readers, soon to be a major motion picture for Warner Bros. She lives in LA.

Be sure to leave a comment on this post to enter to win one of THREE copies of "The Makedown." I'll be drawing the three winning names on the morning of Tuesday, 2/24. Please note, due to new regulations, we are only able to ship to addresses in the US and Canada.

Whatever You Do, Keep Showing Up!

2009-02-17T07:35:00.000-08:00

A year ago Christmas, I received the book, "Eat, Pray, Love," by Elizabeth Gilbert. And, I'd highly recommend it to anyone who hasn't read it.

Following, is a webinar I recently ran across of Gilbert (hosted by TED), where she speaks about creativity, fear, genius and the mysterious process of connecting with the muse. Very inspiring! Enjoy! And don't forget the importance of "showing up!"

Be sure to check back tomorrow for the announcement of the February book giveaway contest. You'll love the humor and quirky twist to this featured, new release's plot. :-)