Author: travelingwitht

travelingwiththttps://travelingwitht.wordpress.comBook blogger, picture-taker, baseball lover. She Reads Online Book Club Twitter chat host.
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Interview with Mia March, author of Finding Colin Firth

 

finding coling firrth1Mia March, author Finding Colin Firth, stopped by Traveling With T to discuss Finding Colin Firth, who she’d cast into a movie version, and if she is going on a book tour!

I’m also lucky enough to have a giveaway of this book- a SIGNED copy! Hold on to your hats, ladies!

Check back on Wednesday for Author Spotlight on Mia March- we’ll learn her #literarycrush and #literaryconfessions!

 

Interview with Mia March

Mia, thank you so much for agreeing to be interviewed.

 

A: Thank you for having me!

 

What was the inspiration for Finding Colin Firth?

A: Well, I’d say it started back in 1995, when I sat down to watch the BBC TV miniseries of Pride and Prejudice. When Colin Firth, as Mr. Darcy, first appeared on the screen, I thought to myself: Who IS that? I swooned for the six hours of the miniseries and he’s been my favorite actor ever since. But the inspiration came from A) having just watched The King’s Speech and B) my wandering around of my favorite towns here in Maine, Boothbay Harbor, picture-postcard summer tourist town, and wondering what it would be like if Colin Firth came to film a movie there. Suddenly I had three main characters all with very different reasons to want to find Colin Firth.

Mia, out of all the actors you could have chosen to feature in this book- what made you pick Colin Firth?  (Not that I’m complaining or anything- he plays quite the adorable man in Love Actually!)

A: To be honest, I didn’t pick him; the book chose him. He’s my favorite actor and has been for such a long time. He has a unique hold on women, I think. Yeah, George Clooney is gorgeous, and Ryan Gosling is hot, but Colin Firth has something special; women, especially myself, respond to his perceived integrity, despite having never met him! And yeah, he’s so good looking!

How long did it take to write Finding Colin Firth?

A: I thought about the characters for a few months before I started writing, as I always do. Once I started writing, I had a first draft in about five months. The revision took another few months. I do a lot of writing in my head!

How involved were you in the choosing of the cover for The Meryl Streep Movie Club and Finding Colin Firth? I’m a huge fan of book covers- and I adore both of them. Interesting and eye-catching.

A: Oh, thank you! I was involved in that my editor asked for my ideas. For Meryl, we all liked the concept of Maine and readers being invited into a living room. I love that popcorn bowl! For Colin, my brilliant agent came up with the idea. A man’s suit as the cover—with the idea that it’s Colin Firth himself. The minute she suggested it, I knew it was the cover, and everyone said yes!

Do you have a writing space? Or a writing routine?

A: I write when my soon to be 11 yr old son is either at school or camp. My routine doesn’t vary too much, mostly because I love my desk: a six foot tall mahogany secretary. It’s narrow without much room other than for my laptop and my chamomile tea and the little things that inspire me, like photos of my son and dog and a stack of inspiring books. So I write at home generally during the hours when my son is away. I’m a morning person, so up at dawn to walk the pooch, where I work out plot problems and think of ideas. Then I write until my son wakes up. Once he’s off on his day, I sit down and write for hours.

The Meryl Streep Movie Club was picked as a She Reads Book of the Month choice.  How, in your opinion, was that experience for a first time author?

A: It was magical! It brought the book to the attention of so many readers, and it was wonderful to have so many book bloggers readers the novel and writing about it. The whole experience was amazing. It was quite an honor that She Reads chose my novel! I love that site.

The Meryl Streep Movie Club and Finding Colin Firth sound like perfect summer movies. If either was made into a movie- do you have a dream cast in mind?

A: I do—and it’s amazing how quickly these actors came to mind out of so many. For my three main characters: Bea—Anna Sophia Robb. For Veronica—Jessica Chastain or Cate Blanchett. For Gemma: Isla Fisher. And Colin Firth will play himself in a cameo!

How did you create the characters in Finding Colin Firth? Do you have a favorite character?

I’ll admit that my favorite character, the one who came alive for me in a really deep-down way, was Veronica, the 38 year old diner waitress who bakes special elixir pies and is grappling with her painful past. It was Bea, the 22 year old who came first though: I started thinking about what it would be like to discover as an adult that you were adopted at birth when you never knew. And the characters stemmed from that concept. Before all of that, I had a small Maine town and the idea of Colin Firth coming to film a movie and how that would affect people. And everything just tied together and I started writing.

Will you be going on a book signing tour with Finding Colin Firth?

A: I’m doing a virtual tour and a few local-ish readings, staying close to him. I recently adopted a shelter dog (the cutest little beagle mix) and want to make sure she feels settled before I take off for extended time).

Mia- what are you working on next? Can you reveal any hints about your next book?

A: I’ve just started thinking about my next novel . . . all I can say at this early point is that it involves food!

 

 

*Special thanks to Mia March for agreeing to be interviewed!

 

mia marchMia March, author of Finding Colin Firth, can be found on Twitter, Goodreads, Facebook and her website. Mia is not only a reader- she’s also a huge movie fan (and she does watch movies other than the ones Colin Firth has a role in- although she does like those quite a bit!)

 

*Giveaway: To win a copy of Finding Colin Firth, tell me you favorite Colin Firth movie! Please include your email (you may use the AT and DOT). Giveaway will begin July 22nd and end July 29th at 11:59pmEST. Winner will be announced July 30th. Giveaway is open to US only (sorry!)

 

Interview with Beth Hoffman, author of Looking for Me

looking for meBeth Hoffman, author of Looking for Me, stopped by the blog to talk about antiques, how she creates characters, and the setting for Looking for Me.

She will be back on Wednesday to reveal her #literarycrush, #literaryconfessions, and the books that are on her TBR list (plus where she gets many of her book recommendations!)

*Need more Beth in your life? Twitter chat with Beth Hoffman Friday, July 26th from 2-3pmEST- thanks to Deep South Magazine! Use hashtag #southernlit to join in!

 

Interview with Beth Hoffman

Beth- thank you for agreeing to be interviewed!

I’m happy to be here, Tamara. Thanks so much for inviting me to your blog.

Beth, what was the inspiration for Looking for Me?

After I returned home from touring with CeeCee, I didn’t know what I’d write next, and quite honestly, I was too exhausted to think about it. One day I was cleaning my writing library and began to organize old photographs. I came across an envelope containing photos of my grandparents’ farm—some dating as far back as 1883.

There were probably close to a hundred photos in all, and I spent a good while reliving my childhood and yearning for those simple days on the farm. I missed the smell of freshly tilled earth and the taste of sweet corn grown on the land that had been in my family for generations. Just as I picked up a photo of my younger brother, something flashed in my periphery. I looked up as a red-tailed hawk landed in the tree outside my window. He settled on a branch and then turned his head and looked in the window. For a long moment we considered each other, and then—wham—I knew I had the soul of my story.

 

Teddi is a complex character, a very real character. How did you create Teddi?

Like all of my characters, Teddi came to me fully realized. Though I gave her my love of antiques, animals, and nature, she took off with her own persona and quirks. One of the things I’ve learned while crafting a novel is to get out of the way and give my characters freedom to live and speak and think without too much interference from me. Many times they’ve brought me major storyline revelations that I hadn’t even considered. It’s a fascinating process.

Part of the book is set in Charleston and part in Kentucky. What about those two settings made it right for Looking for Me?

The atmosphere of the story I want to create will determine the setting. I need to feel connected to a location’s history and culture. One of my favorite things to do while crafting a novel is to explore opposites. The juxtaposition of Charleston’s refinement to Slade, Kentucky’s rugged wilderness intrigued me. Red River Gorge is wonderfully wild and mysterious while Charleston is known for its gorgeous architecture and gentility. The downtown area of Charleston was the perfect place for Teddi to reach for her dream while Kentucky was ideal to hold her family’s roots.

 

Antiques are a huge part of Looking for Me. Were you using antiques as a metaphor- even when things look bleak, some tender loving care can make things better?

To be honest, I never thought of antiques as a metaphor while crafting the story, but you have an interesting point. I’ve always had a tender spot for people, animals, and objects that have suffered neglect and need care. Many years ago I drove by a trashcan that had an old teddy bear sticking out. It made me sad to think that he’d once been loved and yet soon would be left to disintegrate in a dump. So I stopped and went back to get him. He was so old that he was stuffed with excelsior. I cleaned him up, stitched one his paws, and made sure he was sanitized. He’s now happily sitting on one of my bookshelves.

 

Beth- how do you create characters? Are the characters based on people you know?

I don’t mean to sound evasive, but my characters just seem to show up. Long before I begin a manuscript they begin to chatter in my head. I don’t so much create them as acknowledge them. More often than not they’ll appear out of nowhere and surprise me. Certainly some characters will have traits of people I’ve known, heard about, or interacted with, but they always end up being unique unto themselves.

 

When writing Looking for Me– did you know how it would end? Or did the ending reveal itself as you were writing?

I was well into writing the manuscript before I knew how it would end. The ending came to me late one night, and when I saw it play out in my head, I knew it was absolutely right.

 

Any ideas as to what the next book will be about, Beth?  

I have no clue! Some characters have started to “talk” to me, but I really don’t know what, if anything, will come of what they’re saying. I’m the kind of writer who needs to put some time and distance between novels so I can fully immerse myself in a new story and keep it fresh and separate from those that came before it.

 

*Special thanks to Beth Hoffman for agreeing to be interviewed!

 

beth hoffman

Beth Hoffman, author of Looking for Me and Saving CeeCee Honeycutt, has the honor of being chosen for Deep South Magazine’s 2013 Summer Reading List! When she is not writing, you can find Beth on Twitter– sending encouraging tweets to her writer friends (and fans!) Beth also has a website and a Facebook page.

 

Author Spotlight: Claire Cook

time fliesClaire Cook answered interview questions on Wednesday- and today, she’ll be revealing #literaryconfessions, #literarycrush, and books she’s looking forward to reading in 2013!

 

Author Spotlight: Claire Cook

Claire- who are some of your favorite authors?

My favorite authors are the ones who’ve been nice to me! Adriana Trigiani, Meg Cabot, Elin Hilderbrand, Beth Hoffman, Mary Kay Andrews, Allison Winn Scotch, Jacquelyn Mitchard and Tom Perrotta are among the talented authors who’ve given me lovely quotes for my books. And Wendy Wax has become my walking buddy since I moved to Atlanta!

Do you have a #literarycrush?

I fall in love every time I read. I even had a crush on Professor Bhaer when I read Little Women for the first time, which is kind of creepy when I think about it!

If you could be a character in a book, who would you pick? And why?

I feel that in many ways writing my novels allows me to be all of my characters, and to live their lives vicariously. That’s a big part of why I do it!

Do you have a #literaryconfession? 

At my very first book event, my former high school English teacher showed up. After I finished speaking, he stood up and waved the grade book from my junior year Honors English class.

“You still owe me a paper on Moby Dick,” he roared.

“I’m still trying to finish that sucker,” I said sweetly.

I made him – the former teacher, not Moby Dick – a minor character in my third novel, Multiple Choice, about a mother and daughter who go to college together. He’s Dr. Nord. (I gave him a fictional doctorate, but he still owes me his thesis!)

When you are not writing, what do you like to do?

I love to walk, to garden, to hang out with friends and family, to curl up with a book and a nice glass of wine.

Is there an author that you have not met that you would just love to meet?

Meeting other authors is fun, but I have to admit I enjoy meeting my readers even more. I’d love to meet them all!

What books are you looking forward to read in 2013?

Every single one I can get my hands on!

You begin reading a book- and it’s not as good as you had hoped it would be. Do you keep reading or put it aside?

If I’m not that into it, I put it aside. Life’s too short!

Are you a paperback, hardback or e-book kind of reader?

All of the above. I love the feel of a real book, and I cherish my collection of hardcover books signed by the authors. But I also love e-books because they’re instantly downloadable and because they don’t take up space in my suitcase.

 

*Many thanks to Claire Cook for taking time to participate in this Author Spotlight!

 

Want to know more about Claire Cook? Check out my Interview with Claire Cook- and Claire’s website, Twitter and Facebook page.

 

The Book of Secrets by Elizabeth Joy Arnold

book of secretsThe Book of Secrets by Elizabeth Joy Arnold has many twists and turns to thrill the reader- and will appeal to fans of books about family secrets.

Chloe Sinclair has loved her husband, Nate, for years. Loved him even through their world falling apart. When she comes home one night to find Nate gone, Chloe is concerned- but mainly because he is returning to their childhood town- a place of bad memories. Chloe soon finds out that Nate is keeping secrets, though- secrets that Chloe wants to know- but is afraid to know.

Chloe’s no stranger to secrets (in fact she’s keeping one herself)- but wishes that Nate would confide in her. When she discovers a notebook inside Nate’s antique The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe– she’s unsure of what to make of the notebook. Curiously, it is written in code- but is that to keep it a secret from Chloe? Or someone else?

As Chloe delves deeper into the mystery of the missing Nate, she figures out the code for the notebook- with each clue she uncovers, she’s reminded of how she first met the Sinclair’s, the fun, the pain, the hurt- and ultimately the love she received from some of them.  Chloe struggles to understand the past, to make sense of her future- and to figure out where the secrets between her and Nate leave them.

As Chloe learns, some secrets won’t stay buried forever……

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

The Book of Secrets is my first Elizabeth Joy Arnold- but will not be my last. The story of Chloe and Nate- the reader knew some details, some reasons their marriage why their marriage wasn’t great. With each section of the book, as more information is revealed- the reader is further captured into the story. When finally all secrets are revealed- it’s a book that that needs to have time to be thought over, to discuss with others. Interesting, enjoyable- definitely recommend!

 

*This book was requested through Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All above opinions are mine alone.

Time Flies by Claire Cook

time fliesHigh school reunions- fun or big disappointment? Melanie is about to find out!

Many years ago, Melanie let her husband, Kurt, talk her into leaving their New England beach town home, load up the 2 boys they have and move to Atlanta, Georgia- where the peaches grow, the tea is sweet, and the accents are even sweeter. Melanie adjusts to life in the South and grows to really like it.

Until….

When Time Flies opens, the reader finds out that Melanie’s husband has left her for another woman- and that Melanie is struggling with her day to day life. Her boys are grown, she has friends and a job- but life is different- and she’s not sure what her next step should be. When BJ, Melanie’s old high school friend, emails about their upcoming high school reunion- Melanie is resistant. She doesn’t want to go- until an intriguing email from a high school boyfriend catches her attention. She decides to book her trip, and go on the adventure of a lifetime!

However, Melanie’s new driving phobia might put a crimp in her plans.

As Melanie and BJ reunite- their big plans for the reunion happen- some with hilarious results! While Melanie at first thought the reward of her adventure would be the reunion and seeing the ex-boyfriend- she discovers that the lessons she learned along the way were much more important.

Will Melanie find her happy ending back in New England? Or is her happy ending in Atlanta?

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

Time Flies is a cute and funny book. Melanie is a great character- dealing with a world where everything has changed and trying to find her way as a single instead of a couple. The high school reunion is funny (and a great touch to the book!) Definitely put this on your To Be Read list- entertaining and enjoyable!

Liked my review? Then read my Interview with Claire Cook– the author!

 

*This book was won in a giveaway sponsored by Claire Cook. The above thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

Thursday Mashup

Mashup, Mashup, Mashup!

 

1. Leah’s Thoughts is giving away a copy of The Outcast by Jolina Petersheim. Jolina is adorable on Twitter- she’s so excited about her novel!

 

2. Amy Sue Nathan is featuring Mia March today on her website (wonder what those 2 smart and wonderful women are talking about?!) Come find out and read Mia’s post: Author Mia March Edits As She Writes, Loves Women’s Fiction, And Celebrates Her Kinship With Authors

 

3. Book-Alicious Mama is still in Week 1 of discussing The Painted Girls! Come, join my adorable Book Lovers Unite co-host, and let’s chat about The Painted Girls!

 

4. Deep South Magazine is chatting with Susan Rebecca White, author of A PLACE AT THE TABLE, Fri, July 19th 2-3pm EST. Use #southernlit to join in! Can’t wait? Here is my interview with Susan Rebecca White!

 

5.  For more #giveaway information- check out my Wednesday Mashup!

 

 

 

Wednesday Mashup

Wednesday is chock full of good things…..

1. Read it Forward has an article posted On Being a Book Hoarder. It’s funny, smart, and worth reading!

And now- after reading, here’s my book hoarder confession: I love books. I LOVE bargain books. I love going to the store and seeing all the books- laying there all pretty, just waiting to go to lovely homes. I’ve even been known to buy multiple copies of the same book (I’m looking at you Hunger Games- I have it in movie cover paperback, hardback, and Collector’s edition (plus the Kindle version!)

So confess, book hoarders, confess- don’t let my Hunger Games shamefaced moment stand out here alone!

2. Rita Leganski, Holly Goddard Jones, and Anton DiScalfini are 3 of the people who made the Flaherty-Dunnan Prize 2013 Long List.

3. Read Baby Read is giving away The Lake House by Marci Nault!

4. Book-alicous Mama is giving away a copy of Finding Colin Firth!

5. Liz from Chick Lit Is Not Dead is posting about Make New Friends: One is Silver and the Other is Gold. In this she talks about hard it is to make friends in the adult world. I TOTALLY understand this.

6. Bloggers Made of AWESOME: Jaime @ Bookmagnet is featured on my blog today!

7. Author Spotlight with Wendy Francis– learn her #literaryconfessions and #literarycrush

8. Interview With Claire Cook– read for the words she would use to describe her latest book, Time Flies

9. Interview with Wendy Francis (plus a giveaway of Three Good Things!)

10. I’m going to Stephanie Evanovich book signing tonight- so look for pictures from Big Girl Panties book signing soon!

Bloggers Who Are Made Of AWESOME: Jaime @ Bookmagnet

Jaime B blogs as Bookmagnet- her blog is pretty fabulous- or better yet, AWESOME. Bookmagnet gets the best interviews- her posts are something else.

Jaime @ Bookmagnet- Bloggers Made of AWESOME

Jaime- when did you begin blogging?

I had to go look at my archives to answer this question! I actually began blogging about books in 2009. I can’t believe it’s been that long. The way I read, review books, and blog has changed since then. It’s much more serious and in-depth now. When I first started, I don’t think many people even know what blogging was. It was so new.

 

 

How did you come up with the name Bookmagnet?

I do remember this! I joined Twitter in 2009 and was trying to figure out a cute and interesting user name. Since I love the beach, I tried to get something like aquatic like agua or beach girl, but everything I came up with was already taken. Then, suddenly, I had an epiphany: I’ll talk about books. What would a good name be for that? It hit me—bookmagnet. And it was available, to my delight.

 

 

What are your thoughts on blogging today in an ever-changing book-ish world? Are blogs helping other readers connect with good books?

I think bloggers today wear many hats, and that’s a good thing. We’re not only bloggers and reviewers but we let fellow readers know what to read. We tell them what’s bad, what’s good, and what’s great. We get the word out. We’re big promoters. What’s more—publishers and authors are noticing. Think about how many novels come out every week? It’s inevitable a few worthy books fly under the radar. We have to recognize those novels that are still gems; they just may have escaped notice.

 

 

When you are not blogging (or reading!)- what do you like to do?

I love going to the beach, I love swimming, I love my dogs. I collect signed books, old postcards, vintage perfume bottles, and art.

 

Do you have any #literaryconfessions?

Okay, here’s a shocker. I read all of the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy.

 

Do you have a #literarycrush? 

Jay Gatsby, without a second thought.

 

What books are you looking forward to reading in 2013?

I’m looking forward to Margaret Atwood’s third book in her MaddAddam trilogy titled MaddAddam, Amy Tan’s The Valley of Amazement, Janice Clark’s The Rathbones, James McBride’s The Good Lord Bird and a whole slew of others. So many of the year’s biggest books are released in the fall.

 

In your opinion, what book has been the best book you have read (so far!) in 2013?

The one that managed to capture my heart and not let it go has been Julie Wu’s The Third Son.

 

You have a beach vacation planned. What are the 3 books that you must bring?

Beatriz Williams’ A Hundred Summers; Karen Brown’s The Longings of Wayward Girls, and Liza Klaussmann’s Tigers in Red Weather

 

 

Are you an e-book or tree book lover? Or does it not matter?

I read a lot of galleys on my Kindle, but I also read hard copies. If I read a galley of a book or if I purchase a book on my Kindle and end up loving it, I purchase a signed copy at my favorite indie bookstores—Lemuria Books in Jackson, MS; Book Passage in Corte Madera, CA; and Politics and Prose in Washington, D.C.

 

You are a member of She Reads- an organization that helps women find great books. What is the experience like- helping authors get the word out about books and connecting women with great books?

I love She Reads. To be part of a wonderful community of female bloggers, all of whom are intelligent and driven and bookish, is simply amazing. Men authors tend to get more press and praise for their“serious” fiction, and I think that’s a tragedy. Women are writing important stories, too, and She Reads helps showcase that. And bravo to them!

 

*Liked Jaime @ Bookmagnet? Thought she was made of AWESOME? Check out her blog, Bookmagnet’s Blog

Author Spotlight: Wendy Francis

three good thingsToday, Wendy is back to reveal her #literaryconfessions and more!

 

Author Spotlight with Wendy Francis

Wendy, when you are not writing, what do you like to do with your time?

Most days, I’m doing something with my five-year-old son, whether it’s playing street hockey, baseball in the front yard, or drawing pictures of animals (I always forget the neck for some reason).  He’s an active little guy and keeps me busy. Like any writer, I also love to read, then read some more.  Reading is still the great escape for me that it was when I first discovered new worlds in Harriet the Spy or The Island of the Blue Dolphins. I also like running, aka jogging. I used to run a fair bit but then stopped because of a knee injury. Recently, though, I’ve been trying to get back into it and hope that soon three miles won’t feel like twenty.

Could you tell us who some of your favorite authors are?

There are so many! I’ll read anything by Elizabeth Strout and Kent Haruf. They’re both masters at creating a sense of place and unforgettable characters. For sheer literary heft, no one can pack a wallop in a sentence like Pat Conroy does.  But I also love fiction that features strong female characters, often with a sense of humor. For that, I turn to Elinor Lipman, Jennifer Weiner, Elin Hilderbrand, Nancy Thayer, and Emily Giffin. I guess you could say my literary tastes are all over the map, but that’s how I like it. I’ve just started J. Courtney Sullivan’s The Engagements, and I’m enthralled.

Do you have any #literary confessions?

Well, I’ve never read War and Peace, and I’ve read only parts of Anna Karenina. I always figured I’d pick up Tolstoy later in life when I was smarter.

Do you have a #literarycrush?

I’ve pretty much been in love with Nick from The Great Gatsby (not the movie Nick) since first reading the book in high school. He’s smart, decent, hails from the Midwest, but also has a certain vulnerability that appeals to my protective side. And I was completely charmed by those unassuming McPheron brothers in Kent Haruf’s Plainsong. They strike me as the type of men who would appreciate someone’s inviting them over for a proper dinner. As for real life literary crushes, I always thought I’d enjoy sharing a stiff Southern drink with Pat Conroy. His memoir, My Reading Life, is one of my favorites.

What are some of the books you look forward to reading in 2013?

My reading pile is high! Elin Hilderbrand’s new novel, Beautiful Day, is just out, so that will be in my beach bag. I’m also looking forward to Revenge Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger.  Others on my list: Karen White’s The Time Between and Nancy Thayer’s Island Girls.  And I’ve yet to read The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach: I’m told it’s not really about baseball, and I’m looking forward to it.

If you could be best friends with a character in a book, who would you pick? And why?

I really loved Hildy in Ann Leary’s The Good House, even if Hildy has a drinking problem she won’t admit to. Hildy is well-steeped in her New England town’s history and has a fabulous sense of humor matched by her compassion for her friends and family. I’ve no doubt that it would be a hoot to be her friend.

What is your idea of a perfect day?

A perfect day is one spent relaxing with my family, preferably somewhere near a beach.  It would include swimming, goofing around with my son and step-kids, and reading.  Ideally, it would also be topped off by a glass of wine and a late-night dinner with my husband. Nothing too out of the ordinary but spectacular nonetheless.

 

*Special thanks to Wendy Francis for agreeing to this Author Spotlight and revealing her #literaryconfessions and #literarycrush.

 

For more information on Wendy, check out my Interview with Wendy Francis, or Wendy’s website.  To read my review of Three Good Things, click HERE.

Interview with Claire Cook, author of Time Flies

time fliesClaire Cook has just had her 10th book published! She stopped by to talk about Time Flies (which is on Deep South Magazine’s Summer Reading List 2013) and many, many other things!

Claire will be back on Friday- to reveal her #literaryconfessions, #literarycrush and some of her favorite authors!

My review of Time Flies will be posted on Thursday- so stay tuned for that as well!

Interview with Claire Cook

Claire, thank you so much for agreeing to be interviewed!

Thanks so much for interviewing me, Tamara!

Time Flies is your 10th novel. How has the writing process changed from your first novel to the 10th? Has the writing process gotten any easier?

Wouldn’t you think by the tenth novel it would get easier? Sadly, it’s not, except for the fact that since I survived the first nine, I knew I was probably going to live through the tenth one, too! Writing a novel is a leap of faith, and it’s still a mystery to me how it all comes together. I think my inner reader saves me every time. I don’t think you can be a writer unless you’re an avid, joyful reader, and I believe that as you read and read, a template forms somewhere in your brain that somehow helps you write your own books.

Must Love Dogs was made into a movie. After writing the book, and then having the movie made- would you like any more of your books to be made into a movie?

Of course! I’d like all of them to be made into movies – it was a totally awesome experience! And every time the Must Love Dogs movie plays on TV, which is a lot, new readers discover my novels, which is the biggest gift of all. I’ve had other books optioned for film since, but it’s rare that they make it through all the Hollywood hoops and onto the big screen. My fingers are crossed that lightning will strike twice though!

Time Flies has earned spots on several summer reading lists. One of the lists is Deep South Magazine’s Summer Reading List. How did it feel seeing Time Flies on a list with Looking for Me by Beth Hoffman, The Time Between by Karen White and Ladies’ Night by Mary Kay Andrews?

It was such thrill to make Deep South Magazine’s Summer Reading list! As a recently transplanted Northerner, I’ve been shouting it out at all my book events and saying, “Wow, they let me in – I finally feel like a Southerner!” Beth and Karen and Mary Kay are all writer pals, so I’m as happy for them as I am for me, and truly honored to be included on the list with so many talented authors.

How long did Time Flies take to write?

When I’m writing a first draft, I write two pages a day, seven days a week. So, essentially, I’m living in the book, thinking about it all day long. I’ve noticed my best ideas come in the shower, on the elliptical machine at the gym, at red lights when I’m driving, and when I wake up in the middle of the night. I jot things down all day long – on notecards, in notebooks, on the backs of receipts.

I don’t outline, because it would make it feel like a term paper. I try not to think too much or try too hard, because when I do, my writing goes flat. I have a sense of who my main character is, and because my books are written in the first person, my entry point tends to be capturing my protagonist’s voice. Then, because I’m essentially writing slice-of-life novels, I think about what makes the book begin today instead of another day. Once I find that little explosion, then I have my jumping off point. The characters react to that and there’s a ripple effect. I just keep following those ripples and in about six months or so, I have a first draft. And then the real work begins since the truth is it’s the rewriting – again and again – that makes your novel truly come alive. I delivered my first draft of Time Flies just before Wallflower in Bloom came out last June, so the whole process takes me about a year – and lots of hard work!

Do you have a favorite character in Time Flies?

I have to be able to love all my characters, even the unlovable ones, or I wouldn’t be able to write them convincingly. And I never pick favorites – I wouldn’t want to hurt the other characters’ feelings!

Claire, you are very active on social media and often ask your fans questions as you are writing your books. How much does talking to fans help in your writing?

I think social media is a great way to help new readers find my books, and I’m lucky that I really enjoy it. The challenge is not getting so sucked in that it encroaches on my writing time.

I love asking my readers questions to help me with my books, and I know they enjoy being a part of the process. While writing Time Flies, I asked everybody to share their favorite songs from high school, as well as old clothing and makeup memories. It was fun for all of us and also gave me some great authentic details for the novel.

I also love hearing what resonates for readers in my books, and I think it’s helped me become a better writer. So if you’re reading this right now, I hope you’ll connect with me on Facebook and Twitter and Pinterest and Goodreads and at ClaireCook.com, where you can sign up for my e-newsletter, Must Love Readers.

The cover of Time Flies is beautiful. It makes me think of carefree days and leaving worries behind. How do you decide on a cover?

Thank you! I think I’ve been really lucky in getting great covers, though I can’t take any credit for it. They’ve all been designed by talented cover designers hired by my publishers. If I don’t think early cover concepts would resonate for my readers, I speak up, but other than that I stay out of it and leave it to the professionals!

Claire- what are some words you would use to describe Time Flies?

I hope it’s fun and funny and poignant and real and ultimately uplifting.

Are you working on a new novel? Taking a well-deserved break before you write again?

Ha! A break – what’s that?!? I delivered a draft of my next novel to my literary agent the week before Time Flies came out, and I’ll jump into my first set of revisions moments after I finish this interview. Stay tuned…it’ll be out sometime next year!

*Special thanks to Claire Cook for agreeing to be interviewed!

claire cookClaire Cook has just published her 10th novel, Time Flies. She’s having too much writing to take a break! When Claire is not hard at work on her next book (and even when she is!) she can be found on social media sites interacting with fans. To find out more about Claire, visit her website, Facebook and Twitter.