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.

* 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.

Special Forces agent Carter Rawlings was back — and Dani Marlow's world was spinning in his wake. The local arson attacks for which she was being blamed were only part of the problem. The feelings Carter's reappearance had ignited threatened far more dangerous territory — a past she tried to keep hidden, especially from him. With the trouble on her land and Carter's tantalizing presence, Dani had to think about her future. Did she want to keep avoiding the truth — that she loved Carter and wanted to make a life with him — or could she finally face the stakes head-on, deal with her enemies and seal her heart to that of the only man she's ever loved?

He'd pledged to be her friend forever, but that was back then. Now Meghan O'Halleran had no job, no place to live and was facing multiple sclerosis. Yet the memory of that friendship shone like a beacon, guiding her home once more to her childhood best friend Cody. Would welcoming arms await her? Pastor Dakota "Cody" Ryder couldn't believe it. The childhood friend he'd lost twenty years before 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 had entered 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-dab in the middle of my messy divorce the single-engine plane of my soon-to-be ex-husband crashes into the mountains of Montana's Bitterroot National Forest and I become the prime suspect in his disappearance?* *Did I also forget to mention that there was no body? (There is a very strong possibility it has been dragged away 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 the important questions (see above) and not taking any answers at face value...

The sweet core of every life is surrounded by many protective layers. In other words: getting to the good stuff means cutting through the…! And for childhood friends Julia, Krissy and Laura, there’s a lot to cut through! Each grew up with grandiose dreams of happily-ever-after, only to find that real life had another plan. They had grown apart — but now, in the fourth decade of their lives, a chance meeting brings them back together again. There’s nothing like sisters-in-arms to hand you lemons and say, "Make lemonade — we’ll all have a drink!" And then talk daughters, husbands, shopping malls…and what to do when a serious dose of reality is needed to get to the heart of the matter.…

The It Girls: They're rich, fabulous…and dangerously underestimated. It Girl: Madison Taylor-Pruitt Mission: Infiltrate a multimillion-dollar company to spy on the CEO and suspected killer — her father! The whistleblower who died before she could expose a scandal at Pruitt & Pruitt was Madison's best friend — and her father's trophy girlfriend. It'll take more than a week at the spa for this heiress-turned-spy to recover from a potential murdering dad, a rough-around-the-edges boyfriend who doesn't know she's filthy rich and an FBI agent who has the gall to lecture her about protocol. But if it means proving Daddy's innocence and saving the family empire, golden girl Madison Taylor-Pruitt will risk anything, even running in heels!