Lessons from a Girlfriend - Podcast interview with NOVEL DESTINATIONS authors, Shannon McKenna Schmidt and Joni Rendon

In any group of girlfriends, you're sure to find bibliophiles and travel lovers. Just by our inquisitive nature, we women long to read books that transport us to another place and time. And, given the opportunity, most of us would drop everything to travel - especially with our girlfriends!

Our podcast guests understand this desire to explore - whether it's between book covers or on a foreign adventure. JONI RENDON and SHANNON MCKENNA SCHMIDT met briefly before Joni moved from Shannon's neighborhood in New Jersey to London, England. Their transatlantic friendship grew as did their common passion for books and travel. Together they wrote NOVEL DESTINATIONS: Literary Landmarks From Jane Austen's Bath to Ernest Hemingway's Key West - a guide to over 500 literary locales (with wonderful stories on each!).

Joni and Shannon are extraordinary writers and girlfriends. Here's the lessons I learned: (listen in to see what lessons you learn from them!)


* BE A GOOD GIRLFRIEND: You know how you can 'read' girlfriends when you meet them together? Some dominate the conversation or share jokes, many have similar energy levels and common hobbies. Shannon and Joni were great to talk with! They allow the other to finish her thoughts and sentences, and you can tell that they respect each other's opinions and insights. And, to take on such a monumental task (over 500 literary landmarks!) and still want to collaborate on future projects makes them a wonderful example of 'girlfriendship.' (You can follow their continued travels on their blog too!)

* FRIENDSHIP KNOWS NO DISTANCE: Joni moved to London. Shannon stayed in NJ. Did being across the pond put an end to the friendship? Did five hours of time change deter them from working together? NO! Friends are worth the effort, right? Plus, with the internet, Skype, international news, etc. we can still share our experiences with our girlfriends no matter where we/they are!

* TAKE THE ADVENTURE: Life is short. Adventures happen when you venture out of your home, neighborhood, state or country. Read NOVEL DESTINATIONS and you'll no doubt find literary locations that enchant you. Grab a girlfriend and go on an adventure!

* ALLOW YOURSELF TO DREAM: Even if you can't go to all the destinations you'd love to visit, you can still experience the adventure through Joni and Shannon's wonderful guide. Time, money or logistics may be an issue but don't let it stop you. Explore local museums, artist homes, historic locations. Share it with a girlfriend, either in person or through phone calls and emails. An adventure is still 'an adventure' no matter how far you travel!

We're so lucky to have copies of NOVEL DESTINATIONS to give out in this month's Girlfriendology Contest. Just send us a girlfriend story and you'll be in the drawing for this month's prizes.

Thanks Shannon and Joni for talking with us and for bringing us along to 500+ wonderful, memorable literary locations!