Lessons from a Girlfriend - Podcast with SUSAN MALLERY, mega romance novelist

Do you read romance novels? Love a good love story? Crave an escape to a story about 'happily ever after' relationships? Then you probably already know our Girlfriendology Podcast guest SUSAN MALLERY!

Susan is an amazing author of over 100 romance fiction books and she keeps going, and going! She's writes books for women that women want to read. In fact, romance novels is the largest genre of books and even surpasses Major League Baseball for revenue!!

What does 'chick lit' have to do with Girlfriendology and female friendship? well, once you hear Susan's interview, you'll realize that Susan's girlfriends are core to her success and prolific writing!

So, what lessons did I learn in our conversation with Susan? Here's just a few - but listen in to see what inspiration Susan can offer you too!

* FOLLOW YOUR PASSION - Susan just took an eight week class and knew that she HAD to write romance novels. She never looked back. Many times we lack the courage to share what we dream of doing, but like Susan, we should just go for it! As girlfriends we can support and encourage our friends to go after their dreams. That's what girlfriends do!

* FIND LIKE-MINDED GIRLFRIENDS - Susan has a girlfriend group with other authors and gets together with them (even though they live in different states) on a frequent basis. It's THAT important. Together they share ideas and dreams, help each other through questions and struggles, and celebrate each others successes. What a wonderful way to have 'co-workers' and friends around who get what you do and help each other out.

* FRIENDS ARE FAMILY YOU CHOOSE - In Susan's words, if the guy doesn't work out, you can boot him to the curb! You're born with your family but you get to pick your friends. My girlfriends are my sisters who believe in me, challenge me, cheer for me and make me a better person. There is a world of women out there and finding some who become sisters are worth all the effort!

Susan Mallery is obviously prolific and talented at writing. With 100+ romance novels, she's successful at what she loves. But, in this great conversation with her, I found out her passion doesn't come to life just on the pages of her romance fiction, but in her gratitude of her girlfriends and their impact on her life. Wow. Thanks Susan for your time to talk and for the inspiration you shared with our podcast listeners.

Thanks too for your gift of several copies of Sweet Talk, your new novel with the Bakery Sisters. To possibly win one of our 50 PRIZES in the July Girlfriendology Contest (including this new book by Susan Mallery), send your girlfriend story in to contest (@) girlfriendology (dot) com, fill out our form at Girlfriendology, leave a comment on our iTunes site or send us a photo of you in a Girlfriendology shirt. Lots of prizes! Lots of ways to win!!!

Lessons from a Girlfriend - Podcast with BRENDA NOVAK, award-winning author

In my book, there's a different level of respect that you give a mother of five children! There also is a heightened sense of honor for an award-winning novelist who continues to produce well-written, engaging books. But what got to me was how BRENDA NOVAK combined these aspects of her life with an above-and-beyond call of action to do something about a disease that impacts her young son and so many children - Juvenile Diabetes.

Let's start with her new book. Trust Me. It is first in a trilogy (that Brenda admits will exceed three - which I'm sure will please her loyal fans!) about 'The Last Stand' - a group of girlfriends who meet at a victim support group and later add their own mix to each of her following romantic thrillers. The follow-up books in the series (Watch Me and Stop Me) are coming out later this month! Check out her site to read the first chapter of Trust Me.

So what did I learn from Brenda Novak that really inspired me?

* FAMILY FIRST - Brenda began writing because of her need to be home with her children. She makes time for them even when cranking out novels and doing the rounds of publicity and public speaking. Again, in my book, any mother of five that does all that she does, deserves some kind of prize!

* YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE - When Brenda's son was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes, she didn't just decide to let an insulin treatment change their routine. She decided to use the power of the pen (and the fans that has brought her) to do something. Brenda started a foundation and raises hundreds of thousands of dollars each year for research to cure Juvenile Diabetes.

* THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR - Not only is that the name of her new June Contest, it also is a key part of her life and her recent 'The Last Stand' novels. The books revolve around a small girlfriend group with interesting skill sets and connections. Also, Brenda credits her writer girlfriends for their support in her Juvenile Diabetes fund raising as well as being her friends and understanding her wild writer lifestyle.

I know you'll enjoy listening to the podcast with, and reading books by, Brenda Novak. And, if you'd like to win a free copy of her new book Trust Me, send in a girlfriend story in the June Girlfriendology Contest. You'll enjoy the romance and the thrills!

Thanks Brenda for making time for Girlfriendology and for sharing your books with us! Also, thanks for all you're doing to eliminate Juvenile Diabetes. The world is a better place because of people like you!

Lessons from a Girlfriend - Podcast with DEBBIE MACOMBER, women's fiction author

DEBBIE MACOMBER is a mega-author. She has over 100 million books in print. Her new book, Twenty Wishes, is a wonderful, inspiring story of women who each make a list of their wishes and then together find the way to their dreams.

As welcoming and friendly as her books, Debbie spoke with Girlfriendology on our latest podcast. There is so much to learn from someone this gifted at understanding women, friendships, passionate hobbies and life. So, here are just a few of the lessons I learned in interviewing Debbie:

* LIVE YOUR LIFE WITH PASSION - Debbie is passionate about her knitting, writing, children and grandchildren (not necessarily in that order!). She loves to travel and spend time with her family and friends. She gets up at 4am each morning to start her day preparing and reading, then writing. (You have to be passionate about something to get up at that time each morning!) You can tell by talking with her that she loves life and loves sharing the lives of her characters with her millions of fans.

* LOVE YOUR FANS - Debbie is currently on tour to 20 cities (for the 20 wishes!). Her fans come out in swarms, in any weather and with a desire just to see her, talk with her, share their knitting or tell her about their girlfriends. She even shared how the initial idea for this book came from one of her fans. She obviously loves these women and finds such joy in getting to know them, hearing about their lives and sharing her hobbies and writings with them.

* MAKE TIME FOR YOUR GIRLFRIENDS - As she shared in the interview, Debbie has a group of girlfriends that she meets with weekly for breakfast. They help each other through life, share their joys and frustrations, and, after talking with Debbie, they must laugh a lot! Even with her busy schedule, she keeps them as a priority in her life. She's a good girlfriend!

* TAKE TIME FOR YOUR HOBBIES - It doesn't have to be knitting, but just find an activity that you love and allow yourself time to spend doing it. And, when you can, combine your hobbies! Debbie obviously loves to write and knit. So it was natural for her to combine them with a companion book to Twenty Wishes with knitting patterns from the book's characters. She even has designed a line of products for knitters (but versatile enough to be used for lots of other hobbies and 'stuff!).

So, what are your wishes? Dreams? Goals? Do you have them written down or perhaps represented on a vision board? Do your girlfriends know what your dreams are and do they cheer you on in reaching them?

Read Twenty Wishes then write out your own wishes. Share them with your friends. They'll help you achieve them! Visit Set Your Wish Free for information on a special contest to reward someone with $10,000 to set their wish free!

Thanks Debbie for making time for Girlfriendology in the midst of your national book tour! It was an honor to speak with you and to be able to share Twenty Wishes with your fans through the podcast and through our Girlfriendology Contest prizes. Thanks for your inspiration and for introducing us to so many girlfriends in your novels.

P.S. And send in your story for our monthly Girlfriendology Contest! You could win a copy of Debbie's fabulous new novel, Twenty Wishes - just send in a girlfriend story and you could get back a great girlfriend novel!

Lessons from a Girlfriend - Podcast with CAROL DUVALL, the 'queen of crafts'!

Just her voice and laughter makes me miss her. And, from reading several of the message boards on HGTV, DIY and several blogs, a lot of you miss her too.

If you're at all crafty or have kids who enjoy making things, you've heard her voice and laughter. And, you've no doubt been inspired by this amazing woman. CAROL DUVALL has been on television for 57 years (and her re-runs will hopefully continue for many years!). In our recent podcast interview Carol shared how she got started and how her career proceeded to find her as THE craft show on television, "The Carol Duvall Show."

I had the honor of being on her show a dozen times (and taping with her on the Shop At Home network) so I am especially fond of her voice and laughter - it not only reminds me of her show but also of some of the best memories of my life, taping this show with wonderful, welcoming crew and guests.

With 57 years of experiences, you would expect to learn a few things from this smart, fun, kind and creative woman. Here's a few LESSONS FROM A GIRLFRIEND, from our conversation with Carol Duvall:

* BE NICE - Carol is genuinely a nice person. She always made her guests feel welcomed and comfortable even when we were newbies and might mess up and have to retape. In the podcast, she shared how her father told her to always be nice to everyone you work with - and she did. Listen to her tell how she got her first network gig, on "The Home Show."

* SURROUND YOURSELF WITH GIRLFRIENDS - Kelly, Cherryl, Cam, Linda ... and so many other great women were on Carol's production crew. Each of them worked hard and were dedicated to their girlfriend, Carol. I love how Carol enjoyed these women as much as they loved working with her. She still gets together with her friends from the show like Donna Kato, Mary O'Neil and Karen Thomas. She also wrote her latest book, Paper Crafting with Carol Duvall, with her former producer and dear friend, Cherryl Greene. She gets the need for and blessing of girlfriends!

* HAVE FUN ALONG THE WAY - As Carol shares in the podcast, she would tape multiple shows in one day. This involved a lot of preparation and planning by her staff. At the end of often very long days, there often was time for fun. And who better to have fun with than girlfriends?! Carol and her crew and guests would sometimes go to dinner after a full day of taping. I was with her and several from the crew one night in Nashville when we were taping at Shop At Home. You know the beautiful women who host shopping network shows? They were with us (including Kim from Oprah's recent "Big Give" show!) - all of them could be covergirl models. But it wasn't the beautiful blonds that drew the attention of one man at the bar. He sent a drink over to Carol. He didn't know her from TV at all. He just thought she was beautiful and special. And she will forever be.

Carol, thank you so much for taking time to talk with me on the Girlfriendology podcast but most of all, my personal and heart-felt thanks for the treasured memories I have of being on your show and working with you and your great crew. Thanks for the creative inspiration that you've been for millions of us who find so much happiness, stress release and fulfillment from our crafty creations that we learned from you and your show. Thanks for your book, for your perseverance in the wild world of television and, most of all, thank you for your laughter. What a wonderful legacy you've lived - 57 years on television, countless craft segments and projects, and a world of creative inspiration. We're all so blessed to have you as our creative girlfriend!

COMMENTS FROM A FAN:

Mobile post sent by girlfriendology using Utterz.  Replies.  mp3

Girlfriend Interview with PAULA YOO, author of "Good Enough"

Maybe it is my denial of my real age, but I fell in love with the new teen novel, GOOD ENOUGH, by Paula Yoo. Her main character, Patti, is an overachiever who longs to fit in and strives to stand out. Funny, touching, sweet and silly, we can all relate to Patti and her life (even if high school was a few decades ago!).

I had the honor of interviewing Paula last night at Joseph-Beth Booksellers on her national book tour. The video will be up in the coming week (a little grace time for my editors!), so come back and view the energy, music and humor of this fun author! Thanks Paula! (And check out GOOD ENOUGH!)

Mobile post sent by girlfriendology using Utterz.  Replies.  mp3

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!)

Win a Girlfriend Birthday Gift in May Girlfriendology Contest!

This month is a BIG month here at Girlfriendology! We have more PRIZES than ever before to give out! Enter our May Girlfriendology Contest and just by telling a girlfriend story (about a Birthday - could be an event or gift you received/gave) you can win one of these great books:

REAL YOU INCORPORATED: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs by Kaira Sturdivant Rouda. Kaira spoke with us on a recent podcast about how YOU are the secret to a successful career and life.

THE ANGEL by Carla Neggers - a romantic suspense novel. We had the opportunity to interview Carla for our latest Girlfriendology video!

NOVEL DESTINATIONS: Literary Landmarks From Jane Austen's Bath to Ernest Hemingway's Key West by Joni Rendon and Shannon McKenna Schmidt who were our first two girlfriends AND guests from the U.S. and 'across the pond' to join us for a podcast interview this past week.

Mobile post sent by girlfriendology using Utterz.  Replies.  mp3

AND ... watch next month for free copies of:

COMFORT FOOD by Kate Jacobs (author of The Friday Night Knitting Club) - what a nice, sweet, caring girlfriend Kate is! She talked with us for an upcoming podcast about how much her girlfriends mean to her and how her girlfriends have supported and inspired her. (Plus "Comfort Food" bags!)

PAPER CRAFTING WITH CAROL DUVALL - We'll interview Carol for our podcast and hear the wit and wisdom from 'the queen of crafting!'

So, leave a comment with a girlfriend story (preferably this month on a 'birthday' theme), email us at ideas@girlfriendology.com or leave us a message at 206-202-9005 (make sure to leave your email address in your message). Thanks Girlfriends! We'd love to send you one of these PRIZES!

Lessons from a Girlfriend - Podcast interview with KAIRA ROUDA

I know, you can't judge a book by it's cover, but you can make a pretty good assessment of the book by talking with the author. You can tell by listening to KAIRA STRUDIVANT ROUDA that she knows 'her stuff' and that she has the knowledge and passion to really launch entrepreneurial women.

President of Real Living (one of the fastest growing real estate company in the U.S.) and creator of the Real Living brand, Kaira is passionate about entrepreneurism, marketing and the power of women in the workforce and beyond. A published author, journalist, marketing executive and business owner, she built her career by working in marketing for national brands and large regional advertising agencies. She is also a contributing writer and editor for national and regional publications. In addition to this, and an active volunteer schedule, Kaira is also a wife and mother of four.

With all this, Kaira found time to talk with Girlfriendology on our podcast about her new book - Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs. Together we discussed the importance of female friendship (aka: support) as an entrepreneur and we learned a lot, like these 'Lessons from a Girlfriend':

* BE YOU - This book is no fluff. It is a great guide to living a life you love and creating a career of your dreams. As the title references, you need to be 'you' to be a happy, fulfilled, successful entrepreneur. The book helps you identify your 'word' - a description that is the core to building the career and lifestyle that is uniquely perfect for YOU. And, Kaira (whose word is "visionary" - which is true!) shows us how YOU are the brand and how that is a very good thing. (Read the book - you'll agree!)
* HAVE TIME FOR YOU - Kaira's days are filled with running a successful company, fulfilling her book PR, volunteering and more - PLUS being a wife and mother of four. The most frequent question asked of her is "How do you do it?!" Listen in for her answer and be prepared to be inspired from a realistic and inspiring woman! (Great lesson there!)
* DREAM BIG - Kaira believes you hold the cards (and the real you) to a wonderful, BIG life. In fact, in her book she wrote: "Allow yourself to think big, be ambitious. This is your life, so get it right." Such a great reminder on the important things in life and the role we all need to take in getting our life right.

Women are starting businesses at twice the rate of men and 1 out of 11 women are an entrepreneur - that's a lot of us! Maybe there's an entrepreneurial dream inside you (or a girlfriend) or perhaps you just need to jumpstart your goals.

Listen to Kaira on this inspiring podcast. Read an excerpt, check out Kaira's web site and definitely get her book Real You Incorporated (for you and/or a friend). Isn't it comforting to know that the woman you dream to be, is already inside of YOU - just waiting to emerge!? Thanks Kaira for your interview, book and overall guidance. We all benefit by your visionary inspiration!

Girlfriendology Contest PRIZES - May (Kinda like gifts for my girlfriends!)

If I could, I'd give all my girlfriends gifts - all the time. I'd spoil them with surprises on their doorstep; thoughtful, fun cards with meaningful messages; gift certificates for mani/pedi pampering handmade presents to show how much they mean to me. Giving gifts to girlfriends is, in my opinion, even better than receiving gifts. We get to brighten her day and build into an important relationship. We can express our love and support and feel the joy that comes from making someone special feel special.

Each month on Girlfriendology we have a contest to ask YOU for YOUR girlfriend stories. This shameless begging for events and lessons from girlfriends is a great resource for then sharing your stories and motivating others (who hopefully share their story and the circle of 'great girlfriendship' expands making the world a better place for us all - seriously!).

The May Girlfriendology Contest asks you for ideas, memories and gratitude for special girlfriend birthdays. Birthdays are our day for special attention and a great opportunity to show friends and family how much we love them. And, since we're often rushed for time or stressed with too much to do, these shared ideas can inspire us to do the little (or big) things that make your favorite gal pal overlook the age and just be happy for being born around the same time as YOU.

This month several publishers have provided their books and items as additional PRIZES. Each day a girlfriend story submitted with be selected at random and she will receive one of the following great books:

NOVEL DESTINATIONS: Literary Landmarks From Jane Austen's Bath to Ernest Hemingway's Key West by Joni Rendon and Shannon McKenna Schmidt. We'll interview Shannon and Joni on a podcast for next week about this book that invites readers to follow in the footsteps of much-loved authors, discover the scenes that sparked their imaginations, glimpse the lives they led, and share a bit of the experiences they transformed so eloquently into print. We'll find out their behind-the-scenes adventures of writing this amazing book together - as literary, and literally, girlfriends!

THE ANGEL, by CARLA NEGGERS. Carla is the New York Times bestselling author of THE WIDOW, ABANDON, BREAKWATER and DARK SKY. Her books have been translated into dozens of languages and earned her critical praise and the loyalty of readers. I had the honor of doing a video interview with Carla this week on her book tour (video to be up early next week - tune in!) - she's great and I know you'll love her new hardcover book!

REAL YOU INCORPORATED: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs, by Kaira Sturdivant Rouda. Kaira is an author, popular speaker, wife, mother of four and President of Real Living real estate company. Her new book is an essential guide for women who have entrepreneurial dreams. (And, if you don't have those, wouldn't you love to give this to a girlfriend who does?! Enter the contest!!) Listen to the May 7th podcast interview with Kaira!

So girlfriends, while my budget and time allocation prohibit me from being the generous gift-giving girlfriend that I'd love to be, I am thrilled to be able to show my appreciation for your sharing of girlfriend stories with Girlfriendology with the above prizes. I look forward to your stories and to sending you something special. Thanks for being great girlfriends and for sharing your girlfriend birthdays with Girlfriendology!

Girlfriendology interview of NYT best-selling author CARLA NEGGERS

Tonight, at our local Joseph-Beth Booksellers store, I had the privilege of interviewing a New York Times best-selling author of romance suspence books. CARLA NEGGERS was in town for her national book tour. We were thrilled to interview her on the actual date of the release of her new book "The Angel."

Come back and watch our video interview with this wonderful author and inspiring woman. And, check out her site for her "Live Your Adventure" contest. Share your adventure dreams and you may be the lucky one to receive $1000 to live your adventure. Go for it! Thanks Carla! (And Barb and Kathy!) And thanks to you for visiting the Girlfriendology blog.

Mobile post sent by girlfriendology using Utterz.  Replies.  mp3

NOTE: Join in the May Girlfriendology Contest for a chance to win CARLA NEGGER's new book "The Angel" and stop by QUICKLY for the April contest. We have more prizes this month - send in your stories NOW! (Thanks Girlfriends!)

KRIS RADISH Video - Meet a great girlfriend author!!

Well, here it is ... the first Girlfriendology Video! Check it out as I interview girlfriend author KRIS RADISH! She was in Cincinnati for her new book - "Searching for Paradise in Parker PA."



Check out our Girlfriendology podcasts for our previous interview with Kris and visit www.KrisRadish.com for Kris' tour schedule, upcoming events and more info on her books. Thanks Kris and Cincinnati Joseph-Beth Booksellers!

Searching for Paradise with girlfriend author KRIS RADISH

We first met best-selling author KRIS RADISH through her wonderful girlfriend books:

* Elegant Gathering of the White Snows
* Dancing Naked at the Edge of Dawn
* Annie Freeman's Fabulous Traveling Funeral
* The Sunday List of Dreams

How could you not love a woman and her books that celebrate female friendship and demonstrate the power and potential of women as they lead ordinary, extraordinary lives?!

Kris spoke with us several months ago on our podcast and gave Girlfriendology her first sneak peak at Addy Lipton and the women (and men) of Parker, PA in her brand new book: Searching for Paradise in Parker PA.

Join Kris tonight in Cincinnati at Joseph-Beth Booksellers (Rookwood) at 7:00pm for a guaranteed wild book signing!

And, we'll videotape Kris at her book signing tonight so come back to Girlfriendology for our girlfriend videocast!

Girlfriends, book club and conversation - always a great combination!

Last night was our neighborhood book club at my house. As Kris Radish said in her podcast recently, "most book clubs discuss the book for about ten minutes then they just drink wine, talk and laugh." Yep, that's our book club. And we're proud of it!

It is funny to sit back and watch this group of female friends. Some are closer friends than others, some only see each other at the monthly gathering of girlfriends. The age range varies, as does the book preference and appetizer/desert (homemade gourmet or local deli) contributions. We each have different opinions on books, city politics, grocery stores or favorite TV shows. It is the variety and differences that make us interesting and connects us.

I can tell when I've needed to talk or laugh, or when others need to. It seems to be predestined and perfect timing. We laugh, sometimes we cry, we share life. There is something so medicinal about spending time with female friends. Whatever stress is on your mind from the day, the realities of life disappear in the first glass of wine or diet pop. Shoulders release, guards drop and friendships grow just from a little 'girlfriend therapy.'

Do you have a girlfriend group? (Like the wonderful Kathy Cano-Murillo encouraged in her recent podcast?) Start a book club or a crafting group. Maybe just a lunch bunch that meets every last Friday of the month. Invite girlfriends over for brunch or watch a movie together. It isn't 'rocket surgery,'* just make a few calls and be the great girlfriend gathering instigator! Just do it!

* That was used in a movie once. Yep, a combo of 'rocket science' and 'brain surgery.' Not sure which movie but I love it!

Talking Girlfriends with the Crafty Chica (aka: how to start a girlfriend group. Join in!)

Take seven crafty, creative, fun chicas and what do you get?! The Phoenix Fridas! That is the girlfriend group that "the Crafty Chica" KATHY CANO-MURILLO started with six other creative, Latina friends (who all just happen to admire Frida Kahlo and dig being creative!). They were even awarded the Best Latina Art Collective by the Phoenix New Times earlier this year - they're award-winning, crafty, cool, creative chicas!

Kathy talked with Girlfriendology today about her fun, creative girlfriend group on our weekly podcast. You have to listen! I was smiling during the whole conversation! Her creativity is contagious. Her enthusiasm for her girlfriends is gregarious. Her sweet, kind, encouraging spirit is just what a girlfriend longs to hear. She rocks!

Just to share a bit about Kathy, she really doesn't have time to talk with Girlfriendology - but of course she did! She was in CA working on her upcoming line of craft products (which I'm sure will be fabulous!). She recently wrote her first novel and has several creative/crafty books which inspire people all over the globe. She has designed home goods for Lowe's and has fun, funky jewelry on Target.com.

But she did. And, she is fabulous. Listen. Enjoy. Then get inspired and start your own girlfriend group. And, share your stories with Girlfriendology. Muchas Gracias Kathy! You're a real girlfriend!

Podcast of interview with best-selling author KRIS RADISH

October 5, 2007: Cincinnati, OH Kris Radish, author of best-selling books such as THE ELEGANT GATHERING OF THE WHITE SNOWS, DANCING NAKED AT THE EDGE OF DAWN, ANNIE FREEMAN'S FABULOUS TRAVELING FUNERAL and THE SUNDAY LIST OF DREAMS talked with Girlfriendology on her books, life and, most of all, her thoughts on girlfriends. AND, Kris shared a FIRST with Girlfriendology - an introduction to the women (and men) we'll meet in her upcoming book SEARCHING FOR PARADISE IN PARKER, PA.

Join us as Kris answers questions submitted by Girlfriendology newsletter subscribers. Thanks Kris! Thanks girlfriends!

PODCAST: Girlfriendology interviews Author KRIS RADISH

Celebrating life with Girlfriends - it doesn't get any better!

My girlfriend Jill had a good week. Her website launched www.jillmackay.com with her amazing jewelry elements and findings. She found out that her current jewelry designs are selling out in Joann's, Michaels, Wal-mart, etc. - and they want more! And she's going international!!! (She is prolific at creating beautiful beading elements!) It was a good week!

I called her to find out how things went and together we celebrated her successes. Unfortunately we don't live in the same town or state, but that doesn't matter. We shouted joyfully and laughed loudly - it was a full-blown long distance celebration! I couldn't be more happy for her if it were myself. I love when good things happen to my girlfriends!

On Friday I had the opportunity and honor to interview author Kris Radish. My girlfriend Judy loaned me her house while she was out of town to make the call from. (Quiet and close!) My girlfriend Tina called me right before the call to tell me she was praying for me. And, my girlfriends and several Girlfriendology Newsletter subscribers sent in GREAT questions for Kris. (Great questions! I had too many but that was perfect!)

The interview went well. I loved Kris' energy and passion for her girlfriends. I loved the questions girlfriends provided and her inspiring responses. My girlfriend Joyce even wrote me that the podcast inspired her to hold on to and allow her power to make her stronger.

When I got home from my entrepreneurial girlfriends meeting yesterday (another group of inspiring, passionate women!), I had a message from Jill. She had listened to the podcast and was celebrating how well it went. Her friendship, love and joy for me are more than I deserve and I know that I am forever blessed because I know and love her. I called her back and again, for the second time this week, we celebrated together. (Our neighbors probably even heard the celebration!)

Be happy for your friends and their successes. Share their joy and make the moments memorable. Celebrate together. Celebrate the gift of your friendship. Celebrate loudly - locally or long distance. Celebrate girlfriends. It doesn't get any better than that!

Interviewing KRIS RADISH - Today!

Later today I will have the honor of speaking with Kris Radish, author of great girlfriend books, like her first girlfriend book - The Elegant Gathering of White Snows, to her NEWEST book - The Sunday List of Dreams and to the books in between - check them out!

I'm excited to talk with her and know it will be an energetic, fun and inspiring conversation. I'm recording it for a podcast which will be available to newsletter subscribers first - so SIGN UP!

And, if you have any questions for Kris, send them to info@girlfriendology.com.

Thanks girlfriends!

Reading and preparing for KRIS RADISH - what would YOU ask her?

A bit awkward in the introductions in "Notting Hill," Honey - the 'squiggly eyed' sister of William (Hugh Grant) tells Anna Scott (Julia Robert), "I genuinely believe, and have believed for some time now, that we can be best friends."

I'm not trying to make Kris Radish, my best friend, but I do believe she is a best friend to so many, many fans. Her over half-million books in print tell tales of women finding their strength, learning from their girlfriends and growing along the way. And, anyone that can share that message, well, she's a best friend of mine!

Kris travels all over the globe speaking on women's issues, friendships and politics. She speaks to and for women. Her new book, The Sunday List of Dreams is flying off shelves. Her loyal readers are exploring their dreams through her words. And, she has graciously agreed to be interviewed by Girlfriendology this week.

So, here's the BIG interview question. What would YOU like me to ask Kris Radish? Do you want to know about her girlfriends, her background, what's ahead? Email info@girlfriendology.com and share you questions and comments for our favorite girlfriend author. Like Honey, I may be a bit awkward introducing myself, but I know I'll meet a best friend. Who needs Hugh Grant when you have great girlfriends?!

Wanting to spend time with girlfriends you've never met ... but yet you have.

At our neighborhood women's book club in August, I recommended the book for September. Knowing that September 16th was National Women's Friendship Day, I selected a book that I heard was a great read and all about female friendships. Perfect! My friends agreed and we decided to read "The Elegant Gathering of White Snows," by Kris Radish.

Well, if you've read the blog, you know we lost our sweet dog Stella recently (actually four weeks ago today) so I missed book club since I was lost in a fog of sadness. I couldn't even bring myself to finish the book.

I took it with me to NC for Labor Day and soon fell into it like an long visit with old friends. These women are like girlfriends I've never met, but strangely I know. The story tells of eight women who leave life and just start walking. Along the way they grow, share and change their, and others', lives. It is beautiful! Actually, I have about 20 pages left and I'm stalling to make it last longer!

My passion to promoting female friendships and to growing the message of Girlfriendology prompted me to take action. Why not? I emailed author Kris Radish and asked her if I could interview her for Girlfriendology. It doesn't hurt to ask, right?

I was shocked and thrilled today to hear back from her. YES! She is willing to grant me an interview. I have so many questions on her friendships, background, passions, beliefs. I bet, if you've been fortunate enough to read one of her books, you have questions too.

So, what are YOUR questions for best-selling author Kris Radish? Email me at ideas@girlfriendology.com and I'll try to ask her for you. And, sign up for our newsletter for the full interview!

Thanks in advance Kris! I can't wait to chat with you and pretend that you're one of my own, personal girlfriends! Aren't girlfriends great?!