I never met a cover of mine that I didn’t like. I know some authors who hate what they wind up with, but not me. From the first time I saw the sketch for my debut novel, ON THE VERGE – there were donuts worked in-  to every random copy of my novels in numerous translations, I love them all. I have a couple of covers framed in my house and one day when I win that Mega Millions jackpot or get that big option, I will wallpaper the writer’s room in my eco-friendly lake house in book covers. The Danish version of UP & OUT is super cool (at least I think that’s what it is).

I guess it’s because when I see the cover I know that the book is soon to follow and I am grateful again that this is all happening. Maybe if I were a NY Times bestselling author I would be more picky, but I doubt it. I love seeing the way an artist decides to translate my book.

Things are a little bit different now that I am epublishing. I am told that covers aren’t as important in epublishing. People who buy ebooks aren’t browsing covers they say, but I don’t know if I buy it. Either way, now that I intimately involved in the process of creating the cover, I definitely want it to be good. More »

Don’t be fooled by flowers or dinners or even, yes even, cheese. Flowers can make even the dirtiest bathroom seem festive. And I’m a sucker for a calla lily. The beginning of a relationship is all about impressing, but is there substance beneath? Whether it’s a dude who gets you immediate reservations at the place that’s usually booked six weeks out or the agent who sends you flowers the moment after you agree to let her represent you, be wary. It’s wonderful to be courted, but when either discuss your future (or all the money or children you will make together) after knowing you for less than 48 hours, you should probably get out of there. If they encourage you to order the cheese plate for dessert, it will be harder. Stay strong.

Stay away from the Lotharios. Numerous bestselling clients who don’t exactly write the kind of books you do? A few too many notches on the bedpost? Maybe it’s time to find the less popular kid at the party. More »

This post originally appeared at girlfriendbooks.blogspot.com

Last week, my kindergarten son’s school newsletter announced that the library was going to be open after school for parents and kids.  Not exactly believing my good fortune, I questioned his teacher at pick-up on the designated day. She confirmed I could go up, only slightly taken aback by my enthusiasm. I rushed into school  announced to the guard where I was going.  She wasn’t sure parents were allowed up, but I was only armed with permission from the teacher and she relented. And then we were there in the library. The only ones. The librarian was shutting down and she said we could stay because the parent coordinater would soon be there. Would she need to turn the lights back on or would the natural light be okay? You bet it would.

My kids thought this was bliss and so did I.  We sat on the rug and read book after book. They kept asking me why we were they only ones there and I said I didn’t know. I couldn’t imagine why there wasn’t a line of parents down the hall and a bouncer at the door.  I mean this was the library. More »

I consider myself a glass half full drinking, bright side looking, silver lining finding kind of girl. At all costs, I try to avoid negativity, drama, the haters, and the soda drinkers (another post). I am trying to teach my children to be this way too. The world could definitely use more positive people.

But there is always negative energy that one needs to channel and for this I have my HATE TRIFECTA. We spend so much time trying to appear agreeable that sometimes it’s fun to be a hater. Below some frequently asked questions to help you better understand the wonder and the satisfaction that is the HATE TRIFECTA: More »

So I am a little late in instituting what I hope will be a “thing” for 2011.  Momfriends of the Month.  Here at the Momfriends HQ, we like to celebrate actual friends, not just characters in books.  So for February we meet Ratha and Pam from New Jersey.  Find out in their own words what makes them such great Momfriends.

Describe your first meeting.  Was it love at first sight?  Who approached who? More »

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays.  Yes, I love Christmas, but Thanksgiving rocks because it is all about eating.  And I REALLY love to eat.

When I am invited somewhere my first thought – sometimes first question if I am close to the host- is “what food will be there?” I’ve been known to position myself strategically at cocktail hours so I can maximize my access to the passed appetizers.  Let’s be honest passed appetizers are the best thing to happen to food since the fork and those appetizer passers can be pretty wily.

I often surprise others with how fast I can clean my plate.  Wait-staff stand in shock and awe at what I consider to be a perfectly normal level of consumption. Recently after ordering brunch at a place known for its meat specials, I overheard the waitress talking to the couple at the next table about the smoked and fried pork nuggets.  I stopped her as she passed my table to find out more.  “We do have those,” she said, slightly disturbed.  “But you’ve already ordered quite a bit to eat.”  I was deeply embarrassed and I don’t know that I will be going back.  But those pork nuggets were delicious.

But on Thanksgiving everyone is focused on eating.  It’s the one day a year where people discover the secret that I’ve known the whole year—it’s okay to unbutton the top button of your pants after a big meal. This year, I’m going to have not one but two turkey dinners on consecutive days.  The first will be with family and the second will be with friends.  More »

I am a writer based in Brooklyn New York and this is my very first blog posting. In my pre-blog life I have published 3 novels, that have been translated all over the world into many languages I can’t speak, and some of which I’ve never heard of. I also freelance in the TV biz. But enough about me. Lets talk about my new book.

It’s called Momfriends and it is now available for download from Amazon.com..

What is a momfriend you ask? Well, if you’re a mom, they’re the friends you make at the playground, the school yard, and in the diaper aisle. They are women you see in your neighborhood with kids around the same age as yours or maybe they are in a group you are tentatively joining because you are new and confused about the whole mom thing. They are probably closer than some of your facebook friends and maybe they understand you on a different level than the person you call your best friend. Momfriends are women you may think you know, but don’t really or maybe they are women you want to know better. Momfriends give you advice, but only when you ask for it.
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