It’s 11 p.m. My adorable menace is sprawled out like a drunk freshman in her crib. My dog, who’s still coming to terms with said menace’s arrival, is seeking solace in a ball at my feet. My husband is in the next room watching what sounds like a particularly terrifying episode of The Walking Dead. And despite accomplishing a fraction of what I intended before the day’s exhaustion set in, I’m capping the pen for the night.
But in honor of Valentine’s Day, I must first pass on Heather Havrilesky’s hilarious article for New York Magazine about the true definition of ‘romance.” Hint: It goes a heck of a lot further than the credits in a Rachel McAdams movie.
One of my favorite lines: “When it’s 10 p.m. and you crawl into bed like two old people and tell each other about the weird things that your kids said that day and laugh and tell stupid jokes and giggle and then maybe you feel like making out or maybe you just feel like playing a quick game of Candy Crush, all the while saying things like, ‘This game is stupid, it sucks’ and ‘Your feet are freezing’ and ‘My ass hurts,’ that’s romantic.”
Granted, her marriage still has three years on mine, but the sentiment still resonates — freezing feet and all ;)
So I’m in the thick of writing Book 3 and, just for the heck of it, decided to post an excerpt from Book 2 (Damsels in Distress). Why? Because I’m looking back at it for reference, and it truly feels like I’m revisiting great memories with old friends. Like looking through a scrapbook. Only I can’t call or text them to say, “Wasn’t that a great day?!”
First, a little background: Having already slept for 300 years, Dawn (Sleeping Beauty) has chronic insomnia and treasures her solitary moonlit walks. It is the only time when she truly feels like herself — when the rest of the kingdom is sleeping; when she doesn’t have to worry about fitting into this new, modern society or disappointing the husband she still barely knows; when she can look at the same starry sky that lit her childhood exploits three centuries earlier, and pretend nothing has changed. This scene takes place just after a handsome stranger “saves” (debatably) her from the edge of a cliff in the middle of the forest. For some reason, he feels familiar almost instantly. Rather than go home right away and risk her husband declaring that these midnight strolls are no longer safe or appropriate, Dawn accepts this mysterious stranger’s offer to let her dress her wounds and wash up at his place. She has no idea what she’s in for.
Excerpt:
“How’s your leg?” Their hands brushed together again.
Dawn increased the gap between them. “It’s fine. Just stings a bit.”
“We’re almost there. Just around this bend.”
She nodded as the path curled around like the last coil of smoke off a candle. Then, abruptly, a luminescent valley opened up before them. Her eyes flew wide in wonder. The cliffs disappeared and trees draped in crystals rose up to flank their path— their branches stretching overhead like nets of fallen stars. And the water … well, the water was now just a path, bordered by flowers so colorful and vibrant, Dawn wondered whether they’d sprung from sowed gemstones. Were they still in Regian or had he taken her to some other dimension?
Faced with such unimaginable beauty, she found walking and looking to be an impossible combination. When she stumbled for the third time, Liam insisted she take his arm. But it was the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen—until the crystal tunnel ended and a giant mansion appeared.
“You live in that?” she heard herself ask, mouth fully agape. Perhaps it was an illusion, but the walls seemed to be draped in blue, purple, and white flakes of ice that changed color depending on how she moved.
“Then comes Winter with bluster and snow, that brings to our cheeks the ruddy glow…” ~ Gertrude Tooley Buckingham
If you long for a toasty snuggle on a cold winter’s night, this compilation of original short stories inspired by the magic of the holiday season—and more than a nod to Jane Austen—is fancied as a sublime wintertime treat. Featuring short stories by four Meryton Press authors and seven up-and-coming winners of their Holiday Romance contest, Then Comes Winter offers a mix of contemporary and Regency musings.
I’m very happy to welcome one of the contributors, Maureen Lee Lenker, to Skipping Midnight today. After the interview, follow the Rafflecopter link to win a free copy of Then Comes Winter!
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Laura: Why did you decide to enter the Holiday Romance contest? What were you hoping to get out of it?
Maureen: Well, I love to write, but often find my time to do so limited, so I really enjoy writing short stories as a way to get some completed ideas out into the world. I figure it’s good practice both writing and working with publishers and editors to work on short stories, so that if I ever do have time to write a novel, I know my way a bit already.
I entered the Holiday Romance contest because I’d already entered the summer anthology contest with Meryton Press and narrowly missed getting selected. I received really helpful, wonderful feedback on my writing, so I thought that I might have a decent shot at getting in and at any rate, I would get more great feedback just like I did last time. I’d been published once before, in a holiday anthology last year entitled “Christmas Nookies,” and I loved that experience so I was eager to try again. I am obsessed with Christmas and with romance, so it feels very natural (and fun!) to write about both of those things at once.
Previously, I’ve only ever been published in e-book form, so I was hoping to get selected for the thrill of being able to see my work in a tangible book. I can’t believe this dream came true! And on top of that, I’ve been able to work with a top-notch editor who really made my work better and had the opportunity to meet more folks in the romance and Austen-esque community who are either other writers in the anthology or supporters of it.
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What is your story about?
My story is set in the Regency era. It’s about a young lady, Anne Riley, who eagerly awaits the arrival of her cousins and an accompanying mysterious and charming gentleman, Monsieur de Brun, who has recently fled France. Set against the backdrop of Christmas-time, Anne, her cousins, Monsieur de Brun, and her neighbor, James Turnbull, endeavor to put on a production of “Twelfth Night” for the holidays. Issues of love, friendship, and loyalty arise amidst the flutter of the holidays and rehearsing Shakespeare’s iconic comedy.
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What inspired you to write it? How do you find your ideas?
This story was inspired by several things–first, by my own love of Christmas, Christmas trees, and snowy, beautiful British landscapes and gardens. I loved the idea of placing a story in that setting because to me, it is one of the most romantic, idyllic places and times of year. I’m a hopeless romantic and Christmas-time is my absolute favorite time of year, so it’s easy to be inspired by the things I love. Continue reading →
Happy holidays everyone! The most magical time of the year is upon us — or so they say — and I hope it feels that way to you, wherever you are.
For me, December is a time to stand still and take stock of where I am in life. What have I accomplished in the past year? What would I like to do better next year? Do I have that light-at-heart feeling that puts me at peace with the world? Or am I hanging on to regret, fear, or guilt over one insignificant thing or another?
Personally, I’m proud to say I loosened my grip on two of those three things over the past year: Regret and guilt. They have no place in a happy household or a happy life. Vowing to live without them has made me more conscious of everything I say and do. It’s made sleep easier because I’m not constantly rationalizing or fretting over the day’s events in my head. It’s given that age-old advice about “picking your battles” a whole new appreciation because 99 percent of the time those “battles” seem like such anthills in hindsight anyway. And it’s helped me to appreciate the many wonderful things that I do have while I have them.
But there, with those last four words, appears that other feeling I’ve let breed rather than shrink this past year: fear. I could blame it on becoming a parent. I could blame it on reading the news. I could blame it on the state of the world. But mostly, I have to blame it on myself. And diminishing it is my number one resolution in 2016.
For the next few weeks, however, I’m going to concentrate on the “magic” of December — the dazzling lights; the songs of peace and love; the sappy made for TV movies; the warm, holiday reunions; the bright, shining star illuminating the darkness; and now, my daughter’s face as these things begin to astonish and inspire her as they did for me so many years ago.
What are your resolutions for 2016? What does the holiday season mean to you?
Even though it’s hard to avoid in times like these.
Even though I do it for the same reason I try to watch scary movies to the end — because I want to find out that everything turns out okay.
Even though I know that last sentiment is impossible. Because this isn’t a movie. Because the bad guys don’t always stumble when we want them to. Because we aren’t actors who get up at the end of a death scene, walk away, and go home to the people we love.
I’m not going to pontificate about all the world’s evil. It’s nothing you haven’t already heard or aren’t already thinking. And you’ve probably already poisoned yourself enough.
So instead, here are a list of “happy” news websites. I’ve written about them before, but some things are worth repeating. And if you’re going to get lost in something, get lost in something that comes with a side of hope.
A few nights ago, I sat in a circle with six other women, a clump of burning sage, two lit candles, and all of the positive energy we could muster. We chanted. We meditated. We visualized our deepest selves and tried to hear — in a world full of so much anxiety and so many distractions — what our souls wanted to tell us. We turned our greatest fears into confetti, and willed our strongest desires to be.
And even though it’s almost Halloween, this had nothing to do with witchcraft. There was no blood, just paper. Instead of daggers, we used pens. And rather than kneeling in a clearing in the middle of the woods, we sat on mats and blankets in a yoga studio. (Yes, I realize all of these images are of stereotypical “Hollywood” witches, but at least I didn’t mention pointed hats!)
I’m writing about this because a few years ago, it’s the sort of event that I might have given a bemused smile but passed over. A few years ago, I never would have opened myself up to a group of complete strangers the way I did the other night. Perhaps this change is due to motherhood. Perhaps it’s because two letters have rocked aspects of my life that always seemed like a given. Perhaps it’s because the world is a very scary place right now — or because I’ve reached the age when people realize just how scary it’s always been. Most likely, it’s because no matter how positive I think I’m being, or how often I try to deflect the bad when it rears its ugly head, stress and worry still find a way to seep in. If that doesn’t happen to you, I’d love to hear your secret. Continue reading →
The Desperately Ever After series is supposed to be witty, passionate, sarcastic, thought-provoking, and above all else: FUN! So when it came to creating a playlist, the songs I chose had to reflect that.
Some (especially Katy Perry’s Not Like the Movies) just screamed DESPERATELY EVER AFTER the moment I heard them. Others (Demons, Bloodstream, Holding on and Letting Go, Ocean Wide) reminded me of specific storylines or characters (no spoilers!) and even helped set the mood while I was writing Damsels in Distress.
Wires, All I Need, and Save Me just seemed to fit all the romantic dilemmas the characters face throughout the series. But when it came time to hit the town or party on top of Rapunzel’s penthouse, I couldn’t help but picture the ladies of Marestam dancing to Jessica Simpson’s A Public Affair—with lots of wine and sparkle!
In all honesty, this playlist could have been twice as long (and it still is on my laptop).
I hesitated to include a song as “played out” as Walk Away, but it and Dare You to Move fit Belle’s story so well. And while I initially chose Shaggy’s It Wasn’t Me to introduce her beast of a husband, I figured The First Five Times and Let’s Get Highwere jokey enough. And I had to draw the line somewhere!
The best and easiest way to listen is through Spotify, which is totally free and can be accessed through this link:
Option #2, which is way less high tech, is a list of the songs. When possible, I’ve linked the to YouTube videos, but your imagination will work better without them, and I couldn’t shake some of the advertisements. Continue reading →
What’s on page 45 of Damsels in Distress, the second book in the series that’s 1 part Sex and the City, 2 parts Desperate Housewives, and 3 parts Brothers Grimm? Read on to find out!
When Dawn Tirion awoke from three centuries years of slumber, she was buried beneath an inch of dust, her childhood kingdom was an overgrown mess, and a strange man’s tongue was forcing its way into her mouth. The former crown princess was confused, scared, and unbelievably groggy. Not a great time for making life decisions.
Fast forward eleven years and the “sleeping beauty queen” has an updated wardrobe, two children, and a royal husband (Hunter) she barely knows. What’s more, having expended enough shuteye for three lifetimes, she’s physically incapable of sleeping and spends every night wandering the woods around her castle and imagining things were different. Dawn knows she’s supposed to be grateful to this modern world and her so-called “rescuer.” But secretly, she wishes she was back in the 18th century, racing around the castle with her friends, and imagining her future with a boy named Davin.
By this point in the book, we know Dawn believes Davin was her first love. We also believe he died during her kingdom’s 300-year-coma—a historical period now known as the Great Sleep. But he’s still the one she fantasizes about when free to be alone with her thoughts. That is, until a perilous misstep during her nocturnal wanderings lands her in the arms of someone new. Someone handsome, mysterious, inexplicably familiar, and dangerously REAL.
On page 45, she hasn’t actually met this stranger yet, but she’s watched him. She’s watched him many times in the moonlight, making up stories about who he is (hence the three names) and where he came from. That’s where she’s headed when her foot snags a rock and she tumbles to the edge of a cliff—forcing her to shout for help. Here’s a brief peek: Continue reading →
Welcome to the 2015 Miss Chick Lit pageant, where literary ladies from around the globe compete for the coveted title!
Up next is Rapunzel Delmonico from the illustrious United Kingdoms of Marestam. So grab your cocktails, strap a seatbelt on your men, and prepare to be enchanted!
Introduction:
Greetings all. My name’s Rapunzel and I’m here thanks to too many martinis and an ill-conceived bet with some of my girlfriends. (I’m looking at you, Cinderella.) Not that I mind strutting around in a swimsuit in front of a few dozen cameras or anything … I just don’t need the validation. But let’s make the best of it, shall we?
Yes, I’m that chick from the tower. No, my hair is not thirty feet long, but it does change color and style roughly three times a week. As an infant, my parents sold me to a witch for drugs, so I don’t know where I actually came from. But now I live in a fabulous bachelorette pad on the Upper West Side of Carpale. And if you didn’t already know any of those things, you don’t pay much attention to the gossip pages.
Swimsuit:
I chose this little number because it’s a kinda funky, kinda flirty, and it was the first one to catch my eye.
See, this might come as a shock, but I care almost as little about making someone’s best-dressed list as I do about marrying into royalty—or marrying in general, for that matter. Nothing more than a waste of time and freedom. And in my experience, all you actually need to make that list is confidence. (Again, Cin, I’m looking at you. Belle too.)
Talent:
Funny story. I was all ready to drop some drawer—haha, I mean, some jaws—with a gravity-defying acrobatic spectacular. But somebody spotted my prop box just now and made a ruckus with the censor board. So instead, you lucky kids get to see the swimsuits I picked for my five closest gal pals. Please keep in mind I went by their tastes, not my own.
Interview: What is the best compliment you’ve ever received?
Best compliment? Well, there was the time I got two marriage proposals—via skywriting—on the same day. Some people would consider that a compliment. And the owner of Carbury Diamonds once said my eyes put his flagship showroom to shame. That was pretty cool. But I’ll never forget picking up the Marestam Mirror last Halloween and seeing a ten-year-old girl dressed as yours truly. There she was … in a sea of princesses, Cinderellas, and pureblood fairies … wearing a lavender wig and a naked left ring finger. She told the reporter that she wanted to be editor-in-chief of a news company someday, and that she didn’t need a crown or a man to define her. I almost cried.
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Let’s get a hand for Rapunzel Delmonico, everyone! For more about her and her friends (whose swimsuit picks are included below), check them out in Desperately Ever After.
* One part Sex and the City * Two parts Desperate Housewives * Three parts Brothers Grimm *
When you’re one of those people who start counting down to December 25 on January 2, making a top ten list of Christmas movies is a Herculean task. Nevertheless, after going back and forth with my Twitter friends over the past few weeks (“You’ve never seen WHAT?!”) I figured it was for the greater good.
So here, in no particular order, are my votes for the top ten Christmas movies of all time. Or at least of my time. Please let me know what I’m missing out on. I’ve got room on the shelves!
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1. A CHRISTMAS STORY
Why: Umm, electric sex gleaming in the window. You’ll shoot your eye out. Triple dog dare. Fra-geee-lay. Ohhhh fudge. Pink nightmare. The Bumpuses’ dogs. I could go on forever. Whether you grew up in 1940s Indiana or 1980s New York, this nostalgic look back at one little boy’s childhood resonates with everyone. Why else would TBS air it on a 24-hour loop on Christmas Eve?
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2. LOVE ACTUALLY
Why: SO many studios have tried to pull off the ensemble cast epic story, but no one comes remotely close to Love Actually. It’s the one movie that gets played every year in my house without even the slightest complaint about stale old traditions. It is heart-warming, funny, sweet, and has great comedic timing. Honestly, the trailer doesn’t even come close to capturing how good this movie is. If you haven’t seen it, just buy it.
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2. NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION
Why: Chevy Chase at his finest. Plus, let’s face it, there’s no such thing as a non-dysfunctional family. Embrace it, grab the popcorn, and be prepared to laugh your butt off. This one gets quoted in my house at least once a week—even in the summer.
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4. IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
Why: I continue to be amazed by the number of people who have never seen this movie. In my opinion, if you live your entire life without seeing It’s a Wonderful Life at least one, you’ve missed out on one of the greatest films ever made. And there is probably a little Potter-sized hole in your heart because of it.
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5. THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL
Why: There are a million adaptations of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, so why the Muppets? Well, with the exception of one boring song between young Scrooge and Belle (which got cut from the theatrical film but unfortunately made it into the home video), it’s one of the most entertaining versions I’ve ever seen. Michael Caine is fantastic, as are Rizzo the Rat, Gonzo, and Kermit. And whoever decided to cast crotchety critics Statler and Waldorf as the Marley brothers is a genius!
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6. ELF
Why: It’s the kind of movie you can just put on in the background (after watching it half a dozen times, of course) while decorating your tree. Is there anything funnier than a human being raised by Santa’s elves, then finding out why he’s five times larger than all his friends and being thrust into the whole confusing, “naughty” world of Manhattan? Well, yes. Making that human Will Ferrell.
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7. WHITE CHRISTMAS
Why: Whether you despise old movies or are still clinging to your VCR, nothing says Christmas better than Bing Crosby. This musical (yes, it’s a musical too!) has been dear to my heart since before I hit double-digits.
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8. DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS (1966)
Why: Sorry, Jim Carey. Even with all that revolutionary makeup, the original 1966 animated film was just too priceless.
* Update (2026): Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch, the 2018 animated film that dives into the classic villain’s backstory, gets a huge honorable mention here. It is heartwarming and funny and sweet, and Benedict Cumberbatch does a fantastic job voicing our crotchety green friend.
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9. WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING
Why: Okay, okay. So this isn’t a traditional “Christmas movie.” But it is probably my very favorite romantic comedy ever, and it takes place at Christmas time. Sandra Bullock is as beyond adorable, and Bill Pullman is in his sexy years, so… don’t miss it.
10. A MUPPET FAMILY CHRISTMAS
Why: This 1987 musical TV special is an annual tradition in my house. It is quoted year-round, and the merging of worlds in those 52 minutes is just incredible. Where else can you see Oscar the Grouch hanging out with Rizzo the Rat, Kermit the Frog exploring the world of Fraggle Rock, the Swedish Chef angling to cook Big Bird, and Jim Henson himself cleaning the dishes. Add in Miss Piggy’s posing, Fozzie Bear’s comedy (with Statler and Waldorf’s heckling), a chaotic performance of The Night Before Christmas, Animal (anything Animal), and one of the best holiday sing-a-longs ever recorded … and you have probably the best family Christmas tradition of them all. Unfortunately, what makes it amazing also makes it nearly impossible to find. Licensing issues up the wazoo :(
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Honorable Mention
(Whittling down to ten was tough!)
– Scrooge (1970 with Albert Finney. This one goes out to my dad. “Thank ya very much.”)
– Scrooged (I originally had this in my top ten, but had a change of heart. But Bill Murray is pretty amazing here and hubby loves it. Plus it has that bad-ass chick from Indiana Jones.)
– Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
– The Nightmare Before Christmas (to be fair, it did make my Halloween list)
– The Holiday
– A Bad Moms Christmas (I added this in 2026, after the original post. It is absolutely hilarious, and extremely relatable for any mother AND every daughter. Just keep in mind it gets quite raunchy!!)
– A Charlie Brown Christmas
– Mickey’s Christmas Carol
– Miracle on 34th Street (both 1994 and 1947)
– Meet Me in St. Louis
– Home Alone
– Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (see #8 above)
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What will YOU be watching this Christmas? Tell me what I’m missing out on! .
“Laura Kenyon makes happily ever after desperately delicious!”
~ Stephanie Evanovich, New York Times bestselling author
“At times laugh-out-loud funny, and at times very touching, Desperately Ever After is the debut of a real talent.”
~ Elizabeth Blackwell, author of While Beauty Slept
“An explosive cocktail that will have you laughing out loud and wanting more and more!”
~ Lost in Chick Lit
“Empowering and hilarious, I think everyone should read this.”
~ Tea Party Princess
“It’s the perfect book to be reading this summer and it’s completely unputdownable!”
~ The YA’s Nightstand
“If you are looking for a fun and gossipy story to satisfy the holes left when Sex and the City and Desperate Housewives had their series finales (or even if you’re going through Once Upon a Time withdrawal come season finale time) look no further than Desperately Ever After.”
~ Chick Lit Central
“No more damsel in distress, useless without her prince, but modern day woman struggling with and enjoying love.”
~ M’s Bookshelf
“A cracking cocktail of a book.”
~ Compelling Reads
It’s 11 p.m. My adorable menace is sprawled out like a drunk freshman in her crib. My dog, who’s still coming to terms with said menace’s arrival, is seeking solace in a ball at my feet. My husband is in the next room watching what sounds like a particularly terrifying episode of The Walking Dead. And despite accomplishing a fraction of what I intended before the day’s exhaustion set in, I’m capping the pen for the night.
I’m very happy to welcome one of the contributors, Maureen Lee Lenker, to Skipping Midnight today. After the interview, follow the Rafflecopter link to win a free copy of Then Comes Winter!
LauraKenyon.com 