I'm Lily, a New York newspaper columnist, mother of two, divorcee of one and partner in crime to Michael, English professor, novelist and best friend extraordinaire. We've been friends forever -- well, since I nearly burned down our apartment building while trying to cook. Michael and I have weathered disco, bad fashion, bad perms, bad boyfriends -- for both of us -- my failed marriage, parenthood and writer's block.ÿ Laughter has helped -- and so have the martinis.ÿ But now we face our biggest challenge: the C word. And if I have my way, Michael will be giving up his freewheeling bachelor ways and settling down once and for all. Because I have some very specific wishes for who should take over parental duty when I'm gone. Of course, I refuse to take this lying down -- even when the doctors tell me to lie down and shut up. Because although I'm sick, I'm determined to wear my high heels and lipstick. I'm gonna look good or die trying, dammit.

Meet Lily, a New York newspaper columnist, mother of two, divorcee of one and partner in crime to Michael, best friend extraordinaire.

* What is Chick Lit exactly?* How do I write a Chick Lit novel?* What are the steps I need to take to get published? Once dismissed as a fad by the popular press and literary community, the women's fiction genre called Chick Lit is now one of the hottest growing markets for new writers. In Will Write for Shoes, veteran Chick Lit and romance author Cathy Yardley addresses the common questions (and misconceptions) about the genre. Based on years of teaching about commercial women's fiction, this definitive guide provides invaluable tips and step-by-step methods for writing and selling a successful Chick Lit novel. Features include: * The history of Chick Lit* A blueprint for writing a Chick Lit novel* New trends in the genre* Tips and tools for breaking into the market* FAQs and miscellanea A directory of agents and publishers who acquire Chick Lit, sample submission materials, and online resources make this fun and comprehensive manual a must-have for all women who want to write a Chick Lit novel.

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He'd pledged to be her friend forever, butthat was back then. Now Meghan O'Halleranhad no job, no place to live and was facingmultiple sclerosis. Yet the memory of thatfriendship shone like a beacon, guiding herhome once more to her childhood best friend Cody. Would welcoming arms await her? Pastor Dakota "Cody" Ryder couldn't believeit. The childhood friend he'd lost twenty yearsbefore was standing in his kitchen. And though he recognized her,Meghan O'Halleran was now a woman — a disheveled and troubled, but beautiful, one. Pastor Cody wasn't sure why Meghan hadentered his life again, but he'd do all he could to help her.

Question: How am I, a smart, confident — and did I mention,innocent? — woman supposed to react when smack-dabin the middle of my messy divorce the single-engine planeof my soon-to-be ex-husband crashes into the mountainsof Montana's Bitterroot National Forest and I become theprime suspect in his disappearance?* *Did I also forget to mention that there was no body?(There is a very strong possibility it has been draggedaway by bears. Yes, bears.) Answer: Grin and bear it — like I've done most of my adult life — only now, I've decided, I'm going to be the one asking theimportant questions (see above) and not taking any answersat face value...