Author Guest Post
If you’re a follower of
my blog, Change the Word, then you’re already well aware of my storied and tumultuous
affair with fantasy football. If you aren’t familiar with the history, you can
click here to
catch up (or you can maybe guess the extent of my interest based on my use of
words like “storied,” “tumultuous,” and “affair” to describe it).
Through three football
seasons and five teams I’ve sought a fantasy football championship title. And
five times I’ve fallen short. Regardless of my tragic fantasy football history,
the journey has been good research for writing First & Goal, the first novel in my Queen of the League series.
Each season and team has
been like a snowflake—unique and unpredictable, even though they’re all
comprised of the same basic elements. And accordingly, I’ve picked up a thing
or twelve along the way. (Some of these lessons learned may have found their
way into the story…)
Here’s some of the
wisdom I can impart to you:
Don’t draft drunk. You shouldn’t operate heavy machinery or a cell
phone containing your ex’s number after having a few, and you shouldn’t build
an empire while equally impaired. This can be challenging as football and booze
tend to go hand-in-hand, but I urge you to resist the urge to overdo it. Pace
yourself and hydrate. You’ll need your wits about you should your top picks go
before you have a chance to take them.
Leave you sentimentality
(and libido) at the door. I
know there are some total hotties in the NFL. And I know you’re a longtime fan
of… some team. So you definitely have favorite players if you’re a fan of the
game. Forget them. Seriously. Unless you have a deep passion for Aaron Rodgers
complete with a poster over your bed a desire to draft him (he’s a good pick,
he’s very good) you’ll only hurt yourself by drafting with your heart or that
funny feeling you get in your tummy. Talent and consistency are better drivers
for your team’s future.
Sometimes you have to
research. Even if you watch every
game, enough decisions (and God forbid injuries) happen off the field that you
have to pay attention outside of the parameters of regulation play. You don’t
have to go crazy and read or watch every Fantasy Football program available,
but don’t set your lineups blind.
Practice makes perfect. I used to roll my eyes at the idea of people
doing mock drafts, but they really do help. If nothing else, going through the
motions of pretending to draft a team before you have to will remove some of
the nervous tension you might experience in the real thing. Best case scenario,
you’ll notice some trends about which players will go fast that it will give
you a game plan for making your own picks.
It’s okay to cry. Whether you’re happy, because you’ve somehow
managed to secure a spot in the playoffs or beyond bummed that you’ve lost yet
another game by a measly couple of points, give in to that urge to let it out.
Just try to do it in a safe place so you don’t end up getting ridiculed by your
friends or league-mates for years to come. And I highly suggest crying to
punching someone in the face. It’s less messy.
I suppose I should close
this out by saying something inspiring and sweet like, “The most important
thing is to remember to have fun,” but I won’t. I’m sure some people find
fantasy football fun (I know I did the year I was destroying every other team
in the league), but it’s hard work. I’d say the most important thing is to stay
classy and aware. These people may be your friends, but remember: this is war.
Links included:
About The Author
Laura Chapman is the author of First & Goal, The Marrying Type, Hard Hats and Doormats and the Autumn and Tuck series, which appear in Merry & Bright and A Kind of Mad Courage. A native Nebraskan, she loves football, Netflix marathons, and her cats, Jane and Bingley. Until she fulfills her dream of landing a British husband or becoming a Disney princess, you can find her in a bar penning her next novel.
Goodreads
Book Review
First & Goal by Laura Chapman
Book 1: Queen Of The League Series
Publisher: Marching Ink
Publication Date: September 6, 201
Format: eBook - 278 pages
Kindle - 728 KB
Nook
ASIN: B0151ZBL0G
BNID: 2940151152693
Genre: Chick Lit / Sports Theme - Football / Women's Fiction
Buy The Book:
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in the virtual book release blitz hosted by the author and publisher.
Book Description:
If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. Then beat them.
When Harper Duquaine’s no-nonsense approach to work unintentionally ruffles the wrong feathers at her new job, she joins her co-workers’ fantasy football league to prove she can hang with the guys. Only problem: she doesn’t know a sleeper from a keeper (or any of the other lingo thrown her way).
Embroiled in a world of lineups, stats, and trades, Harper’s quest to make nice topples when her competitive streak emerges. And her promise to herself that she’ll be a strong, independent woman and leave the drama and heartache behind is seriously tested when she catches the attention of her two biggest competitors: J.J., a local celebrity determined to win a fantasy championship, and Brook, the mild-mannered coach who seems too good to be true. Both threaten her resolve to remain single… and, more importantly, her chances at winning the prize pool.
With a slew of conflicting advice in her real and fantasy worlds, Harper must figure out how to play the game and come out a winner.
My Book Review:
Finally! Author Laura Chapman takes her personal passion for fantasy football leagues and creates a hilarious chick lit story with a football theme to kickoff the 2015 NFL season! Yesssssssssss!
First & Goal is an entertaining chick lit tale that follows the trials and tribulations of Harper Duquaine as she delves into the competitive world of fantasy football leagues.
Author Laura Chapman weaves a sassy tale full of humor and drama that easily draws the reader into Harper's story as she tries to fit in with her new co-workers by joining their fantasy football league. As a newbie, it doesn't take long for Harper to set aside nicety and realize the competitive edge to the league ... and when you add in two sexy men who vie for her attention but who are also her challengers, what are her chances at winning the game and finding love?
As a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan who also plays the various fantasy sports leagues, I can so relate to the author's passion, and to Harper's competitive side as she learns the ins-and-outs of fantasy football leagues, and the drama that comes with it. I couldn't help but snicker as I read the story, it is just plain fun. I absolutely loved the intertwining of romance with a football theme, football fans get the best of both worlds in this nifty little story!
First & Goal is an exciting and fast paced story that flows smoothly and easily keeps the reader turning the pages. Author Laura Chapman sure knows how to weave an enjoyable tale that keeps her readers in stitches. You can't help but get caught up in Harper's roller coaster ride of a life full of crazy co-workers and fantasy football drama, and a sweet chance at romance, it's simply delightful!
RATING: 5 STARS
Thank you for the wonderful review. I'm so glad you enjoyed Harper's story. I had a lot of fun telling this story, and it's great to hear you had fun reading it. :) Thanks for sharing this post, too.
ReplyDeleteHi Laura! Thank you for the opportunity to read, review and host the book release event for First & Goal. This was such a fun book to read, especially as the football season is just beginning. :)
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