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!

Are you or a girlfriend a CAROL DUVALL fan?

Carol Duvall is the official "Queen of Crafts." Her show, the aptly named "Carol Duvall Show" aired on HGTV and DIY for years - and has continued in re-runs for even more years. (We just can't get enough of Carol!) I had the thrill of taping with Carol a dozen or so times - she's a wonderful and inspiring girlfriend!

On Wednesday I once again am thrilled to work with Carol! She graciously has agreed to talk with Girlfriendology on our (new semi-weekly!) podcast. AND I NEED YOUR HELP!

Do you (or a girlfriend or daughter) have a question for Carol? Please call 206-202-9005 (by Tuesday 8pm EST 5/13) and leave a comment or question for Carol. I'll play it for Carol when we tape the podcast on Wednesday.

One of the greatest benefits of girlfriends is what we learn from each other. What would you like to learn from Carol? Thanks Girlfriends! (Remember - call 206-202-9005 for questions for Carol or comments/girlfriend stories for future podcasts! Thanks!!)

P.S. And Carol's new book, Paper Crafting with Carol Duvall, will be one of our prizes next month in the Girlfriendology monthly contest. (We have too many books to give away this month so send us a girlfriend story in May and June and possibly win two prizes!)

Live Your Adventure with video guest and girlfriend CARLA NEGGERS

Suspense, a little bit of romance and a strong female character reside within the pages of CARLA NEGGERS new novel, THE ANGEL. We had the honor of interviewing Carla on the release date of her new novel. And it was an honor. Carla is a NYT best-selling author and she believes in adventures - for her book characters and for her fans. (And she was very nice to work with - Thanks Carla!)

Check out Carla's website for her "Live Your Adventure" contest where you can win a prize to pursue your adventure! And read THE ANGEL.



Just a teaser ... Suspenseful and evocative, The Angel is a riveting novel of dangerous myths, haunting secrets and the shattering truth concealed within them. It is Carla Neggers at her best!

And win a copy of "THE ANGEL" on Girlfriendology by just sharing a girlfriend story! Visit Girlfriendology for our May contest rules. And visit Carla's site for her "Live Your Adventure" contest. Okay girlfriends - go live your adventure! (Right after you watch this video!)