Survivor Star Steph LaGrossa Says “Sink or Swim” is Reality

I’m throwing an online launch party celebration for my brand new reality-show themed mystery novel Sink or Swim from Feb. 6-14 and I’m excited to kick off the festivities with guest of honor Stephenie LaGrossa, television personality/fan favorite from Survivor: Palau, Guatemala, and Heroes vs. Villains. Since her appearances on the hit CBS reality show, Stephenie has been keeping herself busy with television appearances, personal appearances, modeling and a few business development projects, including the co-purchase of GIGI Restaurant & Lounge in Olde City, Philadelphia. She is also the celebrity spokesperson for RateYourSmile.com.

Her busy life now includes enjoying her 2010 marriage to Philadelphia Phillies pitcher, Kyle Kendrick. Last spring, Stephenie was kind enough to read an advance copy of Sink or Swim and give me an endorsement for the book, which appears on the back cover of the trade paperback and inside the e-book editions. The story follows Cassidy Novak, a personal trainer who stars on a hit reality show set aboard a Tall Ship. After returning to her normal life, Cassidy discovers that she has attracted a stalker. Soon, she will need to call SOS for real. Here’s what Stephenie had to say about the book:

“Being on a hit reality show not once, but three times, made Sink or Swim really hit home for me. I could identify with Cassidy on many levels. First, I understand the disappointment of coming so close to the first place prize only to realize you finished runner-up. That time came for me during Survivor: Guatemala, Season 11, 2006, unfortunately.

Click on the cover to find a selection of on-line retailers for Sink or Swim.

“Next, I understand going from being a normal person with a normal life to getting home from the filming and going to Target and being stopped in almost every other aisle. Which is extremely flattering, don’t get me wrong. I was a fan of the show, too, so I get it, but at the same time it can be difficult when you want to live just that, a normal life. Then after my first stint in the show Survivor: Palau, Season 10, 2005, I too had a stalker, which was extremely terrifying and intrusive. Lastly, this novel was so entertaining and suspenseful and had me so on the edge of my seat that I read it in one plane ride from Philly to Vegas. It was an easy read and extremely well written. I would love to see it come out as a movie one day.”

Be sure to visit Stephenie’s web site and check out her restaurant GIGI Restaurant & Lounge. Don’t miss the People Magazine article about her wedding to Kyle Kendrick.

Also, I hope you’ll come by my blog for the Sink or Swim book launch festivities. From Feb. 6-14, the generous CSN Stores will be giving away a $50 gift card to a commenter on my blog, which can be used on any of their 200+ websites. In addition, from Feb. 8-13, nine of my author friends will help me celebrate the Sink or Swim release by giving away over 30 books (print books and e-books) to blog followers. You’ll also be able to visit more than 200 other book blogs giving away prizes as part of the I Am A Reader, Not a Writer Love Hop. As a tie-in to Sink or Swim, I’ve also launched an on-line version of the show in which authors can enter their characters as contestants. You can meet our first few contestants and get the full scoop here.

Stay tuned for lots of “reality show” fun and prizes!

Stacy Juba

Stacy Juba has written sweet and sassy chick lit novels, mysteries about determined women sleuths, and entertaining books for young adults and children. Her books include the Storybook Valley chick lit series and the Hockey Rivals young adult sports novels.

Stacy is also a freelance developmental editor and online course creator. Sign up for her free masterclass, How to Create Your Editing Game Plan. 

Stop by her other websites and blogs: Shortcuts for Writers and Hockey Rivals.

stacyjuba.com/blog/