Naked and Hungry Named a Promising Read by Library Journal

Posted on by Ashley Harris

Just learned that Library Journal has named Naked and Hungry as one of nearly 200 “promising debut novels” in their semi-annual list of recommendations for library collections. And it’s just one of five N.C. novels to make the list. It’s mentioned on their website and October print issue. Read more.

I was thrilled with this news because it means this little book may come to the notice of more readers and perhaps even more book clubs. And the timing couldn’t be better because I’m slated to speak at the Randolph County Public Library in December of this year, thanks to the Asheboro Happy Bookers. It is with humble gratitude that I share this honor with this local club (thanks Delores!) as well as the Lakeland, Fla, Happy Bookers (thanks Jeanne!). And of course, I will always be grateful to the Randolph County Library,  the source of countless afternoons spent curled up on a beanbag chair lost in a pile of books.

Remember those days? The library was the one place where parents could feel safe about dropping off their kids for the day. I can’t say that I knew I would be a writer in those early days because I was more captivated by the joys of reading. There the shy little girl could give free rein to her interests and imagination. I could go anywhere, be anyone, and take home as many books as I liked. What about you? Do you have a favorite library memory? If so, share it here!

Naked and Hungry Goes to Fearrington Village!

Posted on by Ashley Harris

In less than two weeks (Oct. 9), Naked and Hungry will make its official debut at McIntyre’s Fine Books in Fearrington Village here in Pittsboro. It’s the ideal bookstore for book lovers. Why? It’s cozy yet full of wonderful little nooks to explore. It’s also a cook’s paradise because they are known for their outstanding cookbook selection and for being a regular venue for celebrity chefs such Paula Deen and Giada DeLaurentis. Our wannabe chef, H.T., would undoubtedly approve!

I’ll be reading in the area known as “Pete’s Mystery Room” which is named after  McIntyre’s bookseller and mystery lover, Pete Mock. (It’s wrapped rather charmingly in crime scene tape, by the way.) If you attend an open mic event (held on the first Wednesday of every quarter), you might be lucky enough to hear Pete read from his own work-in-progress, which I hope he finishes soon.

What are you doing on October 9 at 2 p.m.? If you love books, quaint country settings (with black and white cows!), and want to show your appreciation for one of the south’s best independent bookstores, I hope you’ll plan to join us. I’ll be reading from the book, but most importantly, celebrating the many family and friends who have made this event possible. I can’t say it enough, so again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support and belief in me.

P.S. If you haven’t already, don’t forget to register for 1 of 10 free copies of Naked and Hungry on the Good Reads Giveaway. You’ve got four days!

Naked and Hungry Goes to Greensboro!

Posted on by Ashley Harris

Just returned from the 10th Annual Celebration of Farmers at the Greensboro Farmers’ Curb Market, a surprisingly extensive local market founded in 1874, which makes it one of the state’s oldest. The market offers a variety of seasonal produce, home-baked goods and even crafts, such as jewelry and crocheted hand-towels.

My good friend Donna Myers from high school organized this event, which offered a delicious country breakfast on red-checkered table cloths and live music. I recommend the biscuits and homemade strawberry jam! All total, there were more than 100 attendees, some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met. These included tobacco and corn farmers, members of a Peruvian friendship mission, even Presbyterian minister-song writers. A highlight was my friend Cosmo pictured to the left showing off his new trick. Paws up to Naked and Hungry!

A special thanks to Donna for inviting me, and to Claudia and Charlie Griffin for their hospitality and cheerful help setting up the Naked and Hungry tent. Couldn’t have done it without you! Also, thank you Yolanda and Emma for making the trek from Durham to hear the reading. Wish I’d gotten your picture!
For more pictures, check out our Greensboro Farmers’ Curb Market album.

Ten Questions for Naked and Hungry Book Clubs

Posted on by Ashley Harris

To my great honor, Naked and Hungry has attracted the attention of at least two book clubs. Both clubs go by the name of The Happy Bookers (don’t you love the name?). The Happy Bookers of  Lakeland, Florida is already reading the book and planning their discussion.

This occasion has inspired an interesting question, at least in the mind of the author. Can a darkly humorous suspense novel spark insightful discussion? Or is a book such as this meant to be read and enjoyed? Or perhaps both?

Below is a list of ten questions I jotted down tonight that I hope will launch both meaningful and fun discussions of Naked and Hungry. No right or wrong answers here; I’m not even sure they’re the right questions so please let me know what you think.

And fans, whether you’re in a book club or not, feel free to answer one or more of these questions on your own. All advice and opinions are welcome.

  1. H.T. has been described as a reluctant hero. When is he most reluctant and when is he most heroic?
  2.  Which pair of characters is more different—H.T. and Margaret or H.T. and Jessica?
  3.  What is represented by H.T.’s pared-down possessions?
  4.  H.T. prides himself on his recent state of self-awareness, but is he subject to the same self-delusion as the rest of the characters? If so, to what degree? (Thank you, Steve from Chapel Hill, for the inspiration behind this question.)
  5.  Comedy has been described as an exaggeration of humanity, often described as farce in theatre. Give an example of a scene from Naked and Hungry that demonstrates the most extreme exaggeration.
  6.  Is Jessica fighting a losing battle in her quest to protect the environment? Can one person really make a difference in educating the masses about issues such as fossil fuel consumption or water quality?
  7.  Does the author appear to favor one character over another?
  8. Do any of the villains deserve pity? Why or why not?
  9. Naked and Hungry has many subplots. Are they effective in advancing the main story line or do you find them distracting?
  10. What does the story tell us about the changing values of a community in a recession?

Naked and Hungry Celebrates N.C. Farmers at the Greensboro Curb Market!

Posted on by Ashley Harris

When high school chum Donna Myers asked me to attend the 10th Annual Farmers Appreciation Day at the Greensboro Farmers’ Curb Market, I was thrilled to say “YES!”

It’s no secret that the title of my novel was inspired by the slogan of the Future Farmers of America —  the dedicated men and women whose efforts keep us from running around “naked and hungry.” My main character, H.T. McMullen, is not a farmer by trade, but having recently turned his back on materialism, he is now embracing a hand-to-mouth existence. He built his own cabin from recycled materials and lives on fish he catches himself and homegrown fruit and vegetables. With no mortgage, fresh food, an abundance of wildlife, it’s a dream lifestyle until…

H.T. discovers that his pristine retreat is anything but. In fact, it’s been built on the site of a hazardous waste dump. And that’s when the story gets a little more interesting.

To hear more about the book, and register for a FREE crepe pan (H.T.’s favorite cooking tool), join us on Sept. 10 (less than two weeks away) at the Greensboro Farmers’ Curb Market. There’ll be a host of other fun activities, including a locally produced breakfast, live music, and organizations that support eating local and eating healthy.

Hope to see you there! For more, and to sign up for the event, see the Facebook event page.

At Last…The Playlist for Naked and Hungry!

Posted on by Ashley Harris

Although Naked and Hungry won’t be officially released until November 1, guess what? You can listen to the songs featured in the book right now, courtesy of YouTube!

This playlist features all 7 of the solid gold hits mentioned in the book, from “Midnight at the Oasis” to an elementary school performance of “Hot Cross Buns” that’s reminiscent of H.T.’s own show-stopping rendition in fourth grade.

Kick up your heels, crank up the volume and enjoy a few tunes from the Naked and Hungry Playlist!

Naked and Hungry Goes to Pittsboro!

Posted on by Ashley Harris

A BIG thanks to all our attendees and to the Spa at Bell House in Pittsboro for hosting last evening’s reading. About 20 folks gathered to hear a short reading highlighting the character of Margaret Freeman, the highly stressed manager of McMullen Quality Pre-Owned Automobiles.

And boy, should Margaret have been there!

Not only did we enjoy tea, lemonade, and lemon-blackberry squares, Spa at Bell House gave chair massages to all attendees! Three lucky folks won 20-minute sauna retreats and we also gave away another crepe pan, which is as dear to H.T. as his nail gun.

We hope that everyone—from Type As to Type Zs—enjoyed the fellowship of friends in a relaxed, stress-free setting! And if you missed it, no worries, the spa has invited back for another event on October 21. And this time, we’re making crepes! So mark your calendar.

In the meantime, check out more photos in our August 19 album on the Naked and Hungry Facebook Page or check out Melissa’s blog for photographs taken by a true artist!

The Answer to Our Poll and More…Countdown to August 19 Event!

Posted on by Ashley Harris

A big thanks to all who answered our poll. And 100% of all respondents got it right! Just what is the source of Margaret’s stress? Herself! She doesn’t take time out to take care of her body, mind and spirit. So no wonder her stress meter is off the charts. Can you relate?

What treatment would be best for Margaret? Personally, I recommend the Spa at Bell House pedicure. It’s relaxing, pampering and presents a fun opportunity to try out a new color of polish. I also recommend the foot reflexology treatment, which helps restore balance and energy flow. But there’s also the facial, the body scrub, and last but not least, a variety of soothing massages. Take my word for it, Spa at Bell House offers a wealth of treatments that live up to their promise of Southern hospitality and exceptional care.

As for Margaret, unfortunately, her hometown doesn’t offer a wonderful retreat like Spa at Bell House. And you better believe there’s a lot  more trouble ahead for her in Naked and Hungry, including the hold-up of the car lot, the disappearance of her boss, and the threat that H.T.’s meddling mother will acquire the car lot and sell it.

Will Margaret toss in the towel or emerge a winner? For more of Margaret’s story, great conversation, and a special dessert of pastries and blackberry sauce, join us for Tea on the Front Porch on Friday, August 19 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.–just one week away. I’ll read a short excerpt from the book, and you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the perfect remedy for your Type A woes!

Calling all Type A’s!

Posted on by Ashley Harris

Are you a Type A person? Trying to do too much? If you’re like Margaret Freeman, the office manager of McMullen Quality Pre-Owned Automobiles and one of the main characters in Naked and Hungry, you may be on STRESS OVERLOAD!

To be fair, poor Margaret suffers from stress on all sides. For an example, read this exchange between Margaret and H.T.

“You’re late again,” said Margaret. “And why can’t you just once dress up for work?”

“What’s wrong with my T-shirt?” asked H.T. “Is it the saying you object to?”

“ ‘I refuse to have a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.’ C’mon H.T., some people might take that as an insult.”

“Not our customers. They want one just like it., ” says H.T. “Hey, where’s Julio?”

“Out back, where else? You know he’s been like a man possessed, working on that Chevy. We’ve got other vehicles we need to fix up, H.T. In fact, we’ve had at least two people stop to ask about that Bobcat, but you know as well as I do that its engine needs to be rebuilt.”

For fun, and in celebration of our upcoming reading at Spa at Bell House on August 19, take a moment to participate in our trivia contest and identify the  major stress factor in Margaret’s life.

Tune in next time for the answer, the recommended Spa Bell House treatment for Margaret, and more details. In the meantime, RSVP for the event and make plans to join us on Friday, August 19. We’ll be reading a section from the book, giving away a special prize, but most importantly, enjoying some great food and conversation in the company of friends. Now that’s the ultimate stress-buster!

Announcing New Facebook Page for Naked and Hungry!

Posted on by Ashley Harris

All, I followed the very wise advice of my fellow writer, Rick Bylina, and recently created a Facebook page for Naked and Hungry. Please help us spread the word by “liking it” and let’s get to 50 fans by the end of the weekend! Stay tuned for trivia, contests and much more fun.

By the way, today Rick debuted his his new mystery novel, One Promise Too Many, on Smashwords. Read about it and order it here. From the description, the book offers plenty of suspense and knowing Rick, you can count on healthy doses of wit, humor, and style. I can’t wait to dive in!

Have a nice weekend! Stay cool by staying inside and enjoying a great book.