|
|
|
|
WOW! Women On Writing announces Chynna Laird's blog tour!
Blog Tour dates:
April 16, 2012 - May 11, 2012
Come and join the fun! Meet Chynna and visit her fabulous blog hostesses.
|
|
|
Dear ,
Do you remember being five years old? What was your home life like? Were you happy? When Chynna Laird was five years old she overheard a conversation that broke her heart, and set the course for the rest of her life. Chynna's mother was not well and no one wanted to deal with that awful truth. Unfortunately, children don't have a choice.
In her memoir, White Elephants, Chynna shares her story
 | |
Chynna and her brother, Cam
|
of growing up under her mother's mood swings and self-destructive alcoholic binges. Her account reads almost like a letter from an old friend.
The truth is...it might be something one of your friends could write about. Mental instability, alcoholism, child abuse, sexual abuse, and eating disorders touch us in some way whether from our own experience or that of a friend or neighbor.
April is Alcohol Awareness Month, National Child Abuse Month, and Sexual Assault Awareness Month--a perfect time to read, and share, this soul-touching memoir. Chynna's message is simple--whatever pain is in your past you can rise above.
In today's interview at The Muffin, Chynna shares why she decided to write White Elephants, and her apprehension in promoting it, and much more. Join us for an honest conversation and help us support an inspiring writer who was brave enough to tell all in hopes that it would help others.
We are also giving away a copy of White Elephants, so leave a comment by Thursday, April 19th to be entered in the giveaway contest. I've read this book and highly recommend it.
Bloggers: Chynna's dance card is pretty full, but if you'd like to participate in hosting one of our authors please e-mail us with your request, or simply reply to this e-mail. Be sure to check out our Upcoming Tours section below.
If you'd like to schedule a tour for yourself, please reply to this e-mail. We look forward to hearing from you!
Write on!
~ Robyn, Angela, and Jodi ~ (Your Hostesses)
|
 About the Author:
Chynna Laird is a psychology major, freelance writer and multi award-winning author living in Edmonton, Alberta with her partner, Steve, and their three daughters [Jaimie (almost nine), Jordhan (six), and baby Sophie (three)] and baby boy, Xander (five). Her passion is helping children and families living with Sensory Processing Disorder and other special needs.
You'll find her work in many online and in-print parenting, inspirational, Christian and writing publications in Canada, United States, Australia, and Britain. In addition, she's authored an award-winning children's book (I'm Not Weird, I Have SPD), two memoirs (the multi award-winning, Not Just Spirited: A Mom's Sensational Journey With SPD and White Elephants), a Young Adult novel (Blackbird Flies), an adult Suspense/Thriller (Out Of Sync to be released March 2012), and a Young Adult Suspense/Mystery/Paranormal/Sweet Romance (Undertow, to be released 2012). She's also working on a sequel to Not Just Spirited called Not Just Spirited: The Journey Continues and a few other projects in the works for Middle Grade and Young Adult readers.
Find out more about Chynna by visiting her online:
Author website: http://www.chynna-laird-author.com/
Blogs:
The Gift: http://www.the-gift-blog.com/ A place for writers, readers, Beatles lovers, moms, and 'Sensational' families...to reach out, to help or just to give cyber hugs. SPD (sensory processing disorder), Autism, and Aspergers are favorite topics.
White Elephants: http://www.seethewhiteelephants.com/ A blog about bipolar and mood disorders, mental illness, and survival.
 
|
|
 White Elephants
a memoir
by Chynna T. Laird
Elephant in the middle of the living room. That is one way of explaining how a family walks around the invisible presence of huge problems. Hindsight is what brings the elephant into focus. Somehow, Chynna T. Laird began to see at age five the bulky creature crowding her family. And from that time as the child, Tami, she took on a sense of responsibility to her mother far beyond expectation for her age. Her mother was different than other mothers. Family life in their household was not pretty. No one seemed to notice. No one did anything about it, and Tami wanted someone to do just that. As an adult, Tami took on her first name, Chynna, and took up the challenge to find out what might have helped her mother fight her battle of self-destruction. She couldn't help her mother, but she would consider it worth everything if her family's story helped another.
Paperback: 280 pages
Publisher: Eagle Wings Press
ISBN-10: 0982624328
ISBN-13: 978-0982624326
Twitter Hashtag: #WhtElephts
White Elephants is available at Amazon (paperback and for Kindle) and Barnes & Noble. A portion of every book sale goes to Zebra Child Protection Centre.
Read a chapter here (PDF): http://eaglewingspress.com/embed-whele.pdf |
|
|
|
|
|
Let's Kick Off the Blog Tour!
|
Monday, April 16 @ The Muffin! - Today!
Stop by The Muffin for an interview with WOW! Team Member Chynna Laird, and enter to win a signed copy of White Elephants!
http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/
Tuesday, April 17 @ Journal of a Male Childhood Abuse Survivor
It's hard enough to be a parent but what do you do when your own parents were either absent or abusive? Join Chynna for a talk about being a mother in the absence of mothering.
http://prozacblogger.com/
Wednesday, April 18 @ The Guilty Parent
Join Nichole for a review of White Elephants by Chynna Laird and a chance to win a print copy of this touching memoir! Return to The Guilty Parent on April 30th for a special guest post by Chynna Laird.
http://www.theguiltyparent.com/
Thursday, April 19 @ Meryl's Notes Blog
Join award-winning author Chynna Laird as she shares her top 10 writing tips!
http://www.meryl.net/section/blog/
Friday, April 20 @ Words from the Heart
Bad, difficult, or moody... is that child a handful or is she crying out for help? How can you tell? Join us today and find out!
http://contemplativeed.blogspot.com/
Saturday, April 21 @ All Things Audry
Join Audry Fryer for a review of White Elephants by Chynna Laird!
http://allthingsaudry.blogspot.com/
Monday, April 23 @ Cheryl Loves to Read
Bad Childhood? Don't let it hold you back! Join Chynna today for a talk about moving from abuse to ability. She'll be giving away a copy of her book White Elephants and our host, Cheryl, will share her book review!
http://cmashlovestoread.com/
Tuesday, April 24 @ Empty Nest
Chynna Laird is a mom, a student, and an award winning author--whew! Come by today as she shares her thoughts on how to stay motivated. Also, Pam reviews Chynna's memoir White Elephants.
http://www.emptynest1.com/
Wednesday, April 25 @ A Slice of Life Come have some fun! Award-winning author Chynna Laird has a special writing challenge for you. You might win a copy of White Elephants!
http://lindahoye.com/
Monday, April 30 @ The Guilty Parent
A "white elephant" is something that people know exists but choose to ignore... Today Chynna talks about writing on "taboo" subjects.
http://www.theguiltyparent.com/
Tuesday, May 1 @ This Mama Cooks
Dealing with a mentally ill family member or one with substance abuse problems can be exhausting and stressful. Come by for a talk on how to keep yourself healthy while under emotional duress.
http://www.thismamacooks.com/
Wednesday, May 2 @ Thoughts in Progress
Chynna is an award-winning author and mother of four--how does she do it all? Come on over for a talk about balancing life as a writing mama!
http://www.masoncanyon.blogspot.com/
Thursday, May 3 @ Stacy Eaton, Author
Join best-selling author Stacy Eaton for a review of White Elephants by Chynna Laird.
http://stacyeatonauthor.blogspot.com/
Friday, May 4 @ Mom~E~Centric
Award-winning author Chynna Laird talks about living with and educating on mental health issues. Don't miss this chance to win a print copy of her straight-forward memoir White Elephants!
http://www.momecentric.com/
Saturday, May 5 @ Callie Kingston
Join Callie Kingston for a review of White Elephants by Chynna Laird!
http://www.calliekingston.com/
Monday, May 7 @ Writer Inspired
You are not your past! Today author Chynna Laird talks about defining our own lives.
http://writerinspired.wordpress.com/
Tuesday, May 8 @ Dream Hour
Love It, Share It! Writing about what you love is the topic today. Join award-winning author Chynna Laird & her host, Jessica for a guest post and book review.
http://dream-hour.com/
Wednesday, May 9 @ Workaday Reads
Get to know award-winning author Chynna Laird. Come by for a chat about how and where she started out. Enter to win a print copy of her fantastic new memoir White Elephants!
http://www.workadayreads.com/
Friday, May 11 @ Happy, Healthy, Whole--The Journey to Find Balance
Yes you can...make it through the rough times, heal your scars, and carry on. Join us--Chynna Laird shares her knowledge and encouragement and our host shares her review of White Elephants.
http://healthy-happy-whole.com/
We may have more dates to come, so be sure to check out our Events Calendar HERE.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Want to host one of our touring authors? |
 Upcoming Author Tours: If you have a blog or website and would like to host one of our authors below, we are still accepting a few choice blogs to participate in our Partnership Program.
Come and join the fun! Please email Jodi & Robyn at blogtour@wow-womenonwriting.com and put "Blog Tour Partnership" in the subject line. Please tell us the author you are interested in and your available dates. We'll get back to you with the details if you are accepted. We look forward to hearing from you!
Content for your blog: All of our touring authors are available for interviews, or they will provide a guest post on a topic related to the writing process or their book. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Tour Dates: April 23, 2012 - May 18, 2012
Title: The Whip
Author: Karen Kondazian
Genre: Historical Fiction
Synopsis: The Whip is inspired by the true story of a woman, Charlotte "Charley" Parkhurst, who lived most of her extraordinary life as a man in the Old West. As a young woman in Rhode Island she fell in love with a runaway slave and had his child. The destruction of her family drove her to California, dressed as a man, to track the killer. Charley became a renowned stagecoach driver for Wells Fargo, killed a famous outlaw, had a secret love affair, and was the first woman to vote in America in 1868 (as a man!).
Participate! Please email us with "Blog Tour Partnership" in the subject line and your available dates. We schedule 2-3 stops per week from April 23 - May 18. You will receive a copy of The Whip by Karen Kondazian. We look forward to hearing from you!-----  About the Author:
Karen Kondazian's life dream was to be a CIA spy...until she turned eight and she was invited to appear on Art Linkletter's "Kids Say the Darndest Things." After several days of missing school to tape the show Karen realized that acting was indeed her true calling. Karen has an extensive list of both theatre and television roles she's played and also teaches at the Lee Strasberg school of Theatre and Film in Hollywood. Karen's first foray into writing also stayed in the acting realm: The Actor's Encyclopedia of Casting Directors. But now she's branched out into historical fiction with a main character that any actress would love to play! Author's Website: http://www.karen-kondazian.com/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
Tour Dates: May 7, 2012 - June 1, 2012
Title: Ragdoll Redeemed: Growing Up in the Shadow of Marilyn Monroe
Author: Dawn Novotny
Genre: Memoir
Synopsis: When she married Joe DiMaggio Jr., Dawn thought she would be leaving the tough days of her childhood behind her forever. She didn't know that her new husband was bringing memories of his own tough days into the marriage--and a need to recreate his wife as his very own Marilyn. Ragdoll Redeemed tells the tale of Dawn's escape from her marriage and search for the real Dawn as well as the feelings that Marilyn's and her life were somehow connected after her first ill-fated marriage.
Participate! Please email us with "Blog Tour Partnership" in the subject line and your available dates. We schedule 2-3 stops per week from May 7 - June 1. You will receive a copy of Ragdoll Redeemed by Dawn Novotny. We look forward to hearing from you!-----  About the Author:
Dawn Novotny is a successful psychotherapist who has met and conquered many personal challenges: sexual abuse, poverty, breast cancer, addiction, and blending families. She is now a happily married mother of three biological children, two step-children and six grandchildren who hopes her journey through life can help others walking the same path. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
Mass Blogging Pre-Tour: Write About the Art of Loving Your Life
Tour Dates: May 23, 2012 - June 23, 2012
This is a pre-tour party to celebrate Barbara Conelli's new book Chique Secrets of Dolce Amore!
Join us for a little Dolce Amore--the art of loving your life.
What is it that makes your life poetic? How do you find beauty in every day? Is there a special memory...a favorite day that wraps up the meaning of Dolce Amore for you?
Let's blog about it! Come join the party!
Contact Robyn for more information: robyn@wow-womenonwriting.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Tour Dates: June 25, 2012 - July 20, 2012
Title: Chique Secrets of Dolce Amore
Author: Barbara Conelli
Genre: Nonfiction
Synopsis: Fascinating, enthralling and seductive travel and life tales about unexpected encounters with the capricious, unpredictable and extravagant city of Milan, its glamorous feminine secrets, the everyday magic of its dreamy streets, the passionate romance of its elegant hideaways, and the sweet Italian art of delightfully falling in love with your life wherever you go.
Participate! Please email us with "Blog Tour Partnership" in the subject line and your available dates. We schedule 2-3 stops per week from June 25 - July 20. You will receive a copy of Chique Secrets of Dolce Amore by Barbara Conelli. We look forward to hearing from you!-----  About the Author:
Barbara Conelli is an internationally published bestselling author, seasoned travel writer specializing in Italy, and Chiquenist on the mission to bring Fantastic Fearless Feminine Fun into women's lives. In her charming, delightful and humorous Chique Books filled with Italian passion, Barb invites women to explore Italy from the comfort of their home with elegance, grace and style, encouraging them to live their own Dolce Vita no matter where they are in the world.
Author's website: http://www.barbaraconelli.com/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
Tour Dates: June 4, 2012 - June 29, 2012
Title: Finding Emma
Author: Steena Holmes
Genre: Women's Fiction
Synopsis: A child torn from the arms of loving parents, a relationship torn apart from loss... Megan sees her daughter Emma everywhere. She's the little girl standing in the supermarket, the child waiting for the swings at the playground, the girl with ice cream dripping down her face. But it's never Emma. Because Emma's been missing for two years. Unable to handle the constant heartache of all the false sightings, Megan's husband threatens to walk away unless Megan can agree to accept Emma is gone. Megan's life and marriage is crumbling all around her and she realizes she may have to do the thing she dreads most: move on. When Megan takes a photo of a little girl with an elderly couple at the town fair, she believes it to be her missing daughter. Unable to let go, she sets in motion a sequence of events that could destroy both families lives.
50% of the proceeds of this book will be donated to The Missing Children's Society of Canada - an organization dedicated to reuniting families. Visit www.mcsc.ca for more information.
Participate! Please email us with "Blog Tour Partnership" in the subject line and your available dates. We schedule 2-3 stops per week from June 4 - June 29. You will receive a copy of Finding Emma by Steena Holmes. We look forward to hearing from you!-----  About the Author:
Author of the new heart wrenching story Finding Emma, Steena is a woman who believes that "in the end, everything succumbs...to the passions of your heart." Steena's life revolves around her family, friends, and fiction.
Author's website: http://www.steenaholmes.com/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
We hope you join us on this intimate adventure for Chynna Laird's memoir, White Elephants. This tour is very special to all of us at WOW! since we've watched Chynna grow as an author over the years. She's such an awesome person! You're going to love getting to know her.
Stop by The Muffin today for more information and comment for a chance to win a signed copy of White Elephants!
|
|
|
|
|
|
