Post 475! The giveaways begin!

Remember a while back when I said I thought the 500th post shouldn't get to have all the fun and I was going to do some giveaways when I hit post 475? Well that's today my friends! An entire week of goodies are going to be given away to my lovely readers.

I love a good read, don't you? Of course you do, that's why you come to my blog. 

For the first day of my week long celebration, I have a special treat from an author that I personally know and who is funny, witty, and loves a good cookie.

Michele Feltman Strider is an author, actor and bon vivant that I have known since we were in college together back in 1992 a few years ago.   I recently interviewed her (and by that I mean we exchanged many emails) about her book Homecoming:  A Novella, which is part of today's giveaway and this is what she had to say.

Michele, when did you start writing?

I started writing novels in 2009 while on medical leave from my job training attorneys on the use of legal research software. (Imagine such exotic ports of call as Fresno, Bakersfield, and Redding!) I decided I needed a job that was less physically challenging and since writing involves a lot of sitting on the couch, drinking coffee, and surfing celebrity gossip sites, it seemed like a natural transition. (Others tell me the last item is not strictly necessary to the writing process, but they are clearly mistaken.) I was also drawn to the idea of being able to purchase/read as many books as I wanted and call it "research."

Genius. I ♥ you. Where do you get your inspiration and what it your writing process?


In the tradition of so many great writers, I often search for inspiration at the bottom of a bottle. Kidding! (I don't think she is.  I've read her FB updates!)  Actually, I tend to get my best ideas A) in the shower B) during my morning hike, and C) riding on the back of my husband Jim's motorcycle. I get my worst ideas sitting in front of my laptop "trying" to come up with an idea. In fact, when I get writer's block, the best thing I can do is to turn off the computer and walk to my favorite coffee shop for a cookie. Works like a charm... (and even when it doesn't, I still end up with a cookie.) Though I tend to most of the actual transcription in the afternoons, when I'm working on a story it pretty much consumes my thoughts at all times. It is a possibly unhealthy level of self-obsession and leads to many burned dinners.

Self-obsession is a good thing! Or so I tell myself. Can you tell my readers a little about your book?

"Homecoming" is the story of a girl transitioning into womanhood. (Oh, dear god, but that sounds so lame... Take 2...)


"Homecoming" is the story of Caitlin Pearson, a bright, but somewhat naive, college freshman on her first trip home from school for Thanksgiving. In addition to the normal host of challenges presented by a family holiday -- a drunken, controlling mother, a charming scoundrel father, a less charming and more scoundrelly ex-fiance, and an oversexed and under-dressed cousin -- Caitlin must also endure a humiliating ceremony to officially end her reign as her alma mater's Homecoming Queen. So, obviously, it's a romance.

Are the characters based on yourself or anyone you know (who couldn't kill you if you revealed that information)?

When "Homecoming" first came out, people asked me who the characters are based on. Truthfully, I think they are all aspects of my own personality. After I'd finished writing it, I found that the mother "Caroline" was my favorite character, as her insecurities and neuroses (though not her personal habits) are most like my own.

See how awesome she is?  She has graciously offered up a signed copy of her book Homecoming: A Novella to one lucky reader and a $25 Amazon gift card.  A good book and money to buy more?  Who doesn't want that????   The book will be shipped to you (signed!) within 3-5 days of drawing and the Amazon gift card will be sent via email.

I won't make you jump through hoops to enter, simply leave me a comment and tell me your favorite book (Mine is The Good Earth, in case you were wondering).  Easy enough, right?

If you'd like extra entries (and why wouldn't you?):

If you are a follower, let me know in a separate comment.  If you become a follower, let me know.  You don't have to follow me to enter, but if you do, you're in for a treat.  I'm funny.

Blog or tweet about this giveaway for an extra entry.  Leave me the link in a separate comment.

The giveaway is open until noon (EST) Saturday, October 22.  Winner will be announced early next week.  Even if you don't win though, you should get a copy of the book.  They're available in print and electronic formats (the Kindle version is only $4.99!!).